I’ve been a vegetarian more than half my life.

When I made this choice, my health was not my main motivation. I just didn’t want to eat anything that had been killed.

However, over the years, I believe that following a vegetarian, mostly vegan diet has kept me in optimal health. But don’t take my word for it.

Here are 4 science-based reasons why going vegan (or reducing your animal product intake) may make you healthier.

1. Reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia

The top 3 killers of Australians and probably other countries following typical animal based western diets, are heart disease, stroke and dementia.

Eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, grains, nuts and legumes in a balanced vegan diet, may reduce your chance of having high blood pressure by up to 75%.

You will probably also display healthier cholesterol and blood sugar levels, both helping to reduce heart disease by up to 46%

Lowered cholesterol and blood pressure can also minimise the chance of cardiovascular issues such as stroke. One study showed that the more fruit and vegetables you eat the less chance of stroke.

Lastly, increase intake of fruit and vegetables may also help slow down brain diseases like Alzheimer’s. It appears that the polyphenols (compounds found in abundance in fruit and vegetables) have a significant impact slowing down and even reversing brain decline.

2. Reduced risk of cancer

People eating a vegan diet may have as much as 15% less chance of getting cancer and, if they’ve survived it, keeping it at bay.

Because vegan diets have a much higher consumption of vegetables, fruit and legumes, and soy products the chance of certain types of cancers are reduced. These include stomach, colon, prostate, lung, mouth, throat and even breast cancer.

And because vegans do not eat any meat at all, they will not consume cancer-promoting processed, red or smoked meats. This will reduce their chances of stomach, prostate, colon and breast cancer.

3. Healthy Weight and Excess Weight loss

Vegans may have almost 5% lower BMI than omnivores, even when they consumed the same amount of calories. There may be up to 20 pounds difference between an average adult vegan and an adult meat-eaters.

Losing extra weight may be easier on a vegan diet. This may be for a combinations of reasons. Grains and vegetables are digested more slowly because their glycemic levels are lower. Also, the fibre content is higher so vegans feel more satisfied and not feel hungry so quickly.

4. Increased longevity

Given that a vegan diet may reduce the incidence of heart disease, stroke, dementia, some cancers and type 2 diabetes and help maintain a healthy weight, it is only significantly increase your chances of living a longer and healthier life.