Post: What Happens to Your Body on a Strictly Vegan Diet

Vegan-curious? Here’s what this plant-based diet can—and can’t—do for your health.

Photo: Getty Images. EatingWell design. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes have long been associated with positive health benefits. But have you ever wondered about trying a 100% plant-based diet? The vegan diet, the strictest of the plant-based diets, excludes all animal-based foods. So, it’s one way to jump into plant-based eating with both feet!

However, giving up foods like meat and cheese isn’t easy. Just 1% of U.S. adults claim they’re vegan, according to a recent Gallup poll.

If you’ve been flirting with going vegan, here’s what to expect. Health Benefits of a Vegan Diet

It’s a common belief that all vegan foods are inherently healthy. While a vegan diet can be a healthy option, a vegan plan that’s rich in ultra-processed foods instead of whole plant foods doesn’t offer the same perks.

Here are the health benefits associated with a balanced vegan diet. Your Blood Sugar May Improve

Switching to a vegan diet may improve your blood sugar for a variety of reasons. But one of the biggest factors is that you’ll up your fiber intake. Vegan diets often “emphasize high-fiber, low-glycemic foods and plant proteins, which can slow down digestion, prevent blood sugar spikes and enhance insulin sensitivity,” says Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND , a registered dietitian specializing in plant-based nutrition and diabetes.

The vegan diet also relies heavily on legumes to meet protein goals. And legumes are packed with blood sugar–stabilizing fiber. In fact, research has found that vegans consume more than twice the fiber of meat-eaters, roughly 44 grams versus 21 grams per day. No wonder following a plant-based eating pattern such as the vegan diet has been shown to lower the risk of developing diabetes. You May Have Better Heart Health

“Vegan diets are typically lower in saturated fat , which has been proven to reduce [unfavorable] LDL cholesterol,” says Alex Caspero, M.A., RD , a registered dietitian and owner of Delish Knowledge. “Additionally, the higher fiber content of plant-based diets […]

What Happens to Your Body on a Strictly Vegan Diet