Looking to shed those extra pounds and save some serious cash at the same time? Turns out, your diet might be the ultimate game-changer. A new study in JAMA Network Open reveals that adopting a vegan diet can enhance your health while being light on your wallet. Conducted by researchers from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, the study involved participants following three different diets— a typical American diet, a Mediterranean diet , and a vegan diet— for 16 weeks each, separated by a four-week "washout" period.
The results highlight the significant benefits of embracing a plant-based lifestyle. (Also read: Plant-based meats boost heart health, fight cholesterol or just another trend? Know pros and cons ) Vegan diet is healthier and more affordable The study revealed that a low-fat vegan diet could slash food expenses by an impressive 19%, around $1.80 per day compared to the other diet, which is typically heavy on meat, dairy, and other animal products.
Focusing on plant-based staples like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, the vegan approach proves to be not just healthier but also more budget-friendly. In fact, it's even cheaper than other health-conscious diets, like the Mediterranean diet , which features an abundance of veggies, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats, yet costs an additional 60 cents daily compared to the average American diet. Health benefits of vegan diet Switching to a vegan diet doesn't just help with savings—it .