If you are trying to implement healthier eating habits, it can be difficult to figure out where to start. Maybe one of your friends has been trying for years to cut your added sugars, while another swears that gluten-free has changed her life. Fortunately, emerging research is here to facilitate your choice.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition have compared two of the most popular diets currently, the vegan diet and the Mediterranean diet, to see how it affects the weight of the participants, as well as other risk factors for heart disease. The results? Adhering to a low-fat vegan diet is better for your health than going with the Mediterranean diet. (Related: The 7 Healthiest Foods You Can Eat Now).
“The evidence is clear that a plant-based diet is an excellent way to manage weight and that all the side effects are good – from promoting heart health and improving cholesterol to lowering the risk of diabetes, “says author Hana Kahleova, MD. PhD, MBA, director of clinical research at the Doctors’ Committee for Responsible Medicine said Eat it, not it! in an interview.
More specifically, the study found that the vegan diet can lower ‘bad’ cholesterol levels known as LDL, improve insulin sensitivity and lead to more weight loss. The only victory of the Mediterranean diet was that it led to an even greater reduction in blood pressure than the low-fat vegan diet, although both diets had a positive effect. It is also noteworthy that participants did not have to count calories or locate nutrients.
“We were not surprised to see that people improved the plant-based diet,” Kahleova said. “But because the Mediterranean diet is often touted for weight loss, it was surprising to see that participants experienced very small changes – if any – in terms of their weight.”
“We hope this study will inspire people to see that a vegan diet can benefit them in many ways and will decide to give it a try,” she adds.
Still not convinced? To learn more about how ways to improve your animal products can make you feel better, check out our 28 Top Health Reasons to Go Vegan.