Diabetes is a growing epidemic in the United States. More than 30 million people in this country have diabetes, and another 86 million have pre-diabetes, and this puts them at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. One of these things is to switch to a vegetarian lifestyle (or at least eat more plant foods). In this post, we’ll explore why going vegetarian can lower your risk for Type 2 diabetes, along with some helpful diabetes prevention tips.
Vegetarian Diets Are High in Fiber
Fiber is a carbohydrate your body can’t digest, but it’s still crucial for health. Fiber comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and gel-like foods like beans and oats, while insoluble fiber doesn’t. Both types help in slowing down digestion, so food passes through your digestive system more slowly. They also add bulk to stools (poop), which makes them easier to pass through your colon.
Vegetarian Diets Have No Added Sugar
Vegetarian diets have no added sugar. Sugar is a significant contributor to the development of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association states that people who consume more than 25 grams of sugar per day are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than those who consume less than 10 grams daily. This is because excess sugar leads to weight gain, which can increase your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Additionally, it causes inflammation and increases insulin resistance, increasing your chances of developing type 2 diabetes over time. Vegetarians avoid consuming dairy products or eggs (which contain lactose) and refined carbohydrates like white bread or pasta made from white flour.
Vegetarian Diets Have Less Cholesterol
A vegetarian diet can help you to lower your cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a fat that circulates in the blood and can build up on artery walls, making them narrower. This condition is called atherosclerosis, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. A vegetarian diet has less saturated fat than non-vegetarian diets, which means vegetarians are likely to have lower total blood cholesterol levels than people who eat meat regularly.
Vegetarian Diets Are Low in Fat
A vegetarian diet is much lower in fat than a non-vegetarian diet. This can be an important factor in preventing diabetes because most people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese and tend to have higher than normal body fat levels.
Higher intakes of saturated fats (found mainly in animal products) have been linked with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Vegetarian diets tend to contain less saturated fat than non-vegetarian diets because they include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes that contain unsaturated fats.
Vegetarian Foods Keep You Active and Energetic
A vegetarian diet is full of energy-boosting nutrients. Vegetarian food contains the right balance of fats, carbohydrates and protein, which is essential for good health. Vegetarians also tend to eat more fiber than non-vegetarians – it’s found in whole grains like oats or barley; beans; fruits like apples and pears (but not bananas); and vegetables like broccoli or carrots; nuts like almonds and walnuts.
Conclusion
This article must have convinced you of the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. Diabetes is a severe disease that can be prevented by adopting a vegetarian diet. You don’t have to become vegan or vegetarian; just try adding more plant-based foods to your diet and see how it affects your health!
