New study finds why acid-reducing vegan diet may help you lose weight faster

Switching to a low-fat vegan diet may cut body acidity, calm inflammation, and help shed extra kilos, new research suggests. (Image: Canva)

Are you struggling to lose weight? Turn into a vegan. New research brings some encouraging news. It shows that swapping meat, eggs, and dairy for a low-fat vegan diet can lower the body’s acid levels, calm inflammation, and support significant weight loss, while Mediterranean diets might not offer the same benefits.

What is acid load?

Acid load is how much acid certain foods create inside your body. Foods like meat, cheese, and eggs increase this acid, which may cause inflammation and make losing weight harder. On the other hand, plant-based foods like leafy greens, berries, and beans help keep the body more alkaline, which may help with weight loss.

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According to a study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, published in ScienceDaily, shifting from animal products to a vegan diet can help the body become less acidic and also support weight loss goals. Dr Hana Kahleova, who led the study, shares, “Eating lots of acid-producing foods can lead to inflammation linked to weight gain. Switching to plant based foods lowers that acid load and also supports a healthier gut, both of which help with losing weight.”

The study included 62 overweight adults who followed either a Mediterranean or low-fat vegan diet for 16 weeks each, with a short break in between. Scientists measured how acidic or alkaline their diets were using special scores.

As a result, those on the vegan diet, acid levels dropped significantly, and participants lost about 13 pounds on average. Those on the Mediterranean diet didn’t see much change in acidity or weight.

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Interestingly, the weight loss wasn’t just about eating fewer calories, it was closely linked to reducing the body’s acid levels. The best alkaline foods to add to your plate may include colourful vegetables like broccoli, beets, and asparagus, fruits such as berries and apples, legumes like lentils and chickpeas, and whole grains like quinoa.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.