Written by Steven Pilot, certified fitness coach and vegan nutritionist

A plant-based diet can help you maintain your youth and improve your health as you age. The popularity of vegan eating has exploded in recent years—and for good reason. It can provide numerous anti-aging benefits, including improved skin health, reduced inflammation, and a decreased risk of developing chronic diseases.

I’m a 42-year-old certified vegan nutritionist and celebrity personal trainer with 27 years of experience. My mission is to help people improve their health through personal training, sustainable eating habits, and an active lifestyle, offering a holistic transformation of mind, body, and spirit. Since going vegan 12 years ago, I’ve experienced significant improvements in my sleep, recovery time, strength, and performance, and I maintain that going vegan is an excellent way to improve anyone’s health.

Steve Pilot Fitness

One of the most outwardly obvious benefits of a vegan diet is its positive impact on skin health. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other plant foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support healthy skin. Nutrients such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to premature aging. Fiber found in plant foods also promotes healthy digestion and can prevent skin issues like acne and rosacea.

Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for many health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. A vegan diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, can help reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, plant foods such as leafy greens, berries, and tomatoes are rich in antioxidants that help combat inflammation.

Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are the leading cause of death worldwide. Studies have shown that a vegan diet can reduce the risk of suffering from heart disease by up to 46%. Plant foods are rich in fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels, and the phytochemicals in plant foods help reduce the risk of developing various types of cancer.

Changing your diet can seem overwhelming at first, but it be done gradually. Start by adding more whole foods to your meals, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Rest easy knowing that you can obtain sufficient protein from foods like tofu, tempeh, lentils, and beans. Experiment with vegan versions of favorite dishes like pizza or pad Thai to make the transition easier.

It can be challenging to get all the necessary nutrients from your diet alone (that goes for any diet), so you may consider taking a daily vitamin or supplements, such as vitamin B₁₂ and omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. If you’d like to receive advice on nutrition tailored to your specific needs, consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist, who can help you plan a well-balanced diet.

In addition to a healthy diet, it’s essential to maintain an active lifestyle in order to promote healthy aging. Regular exercise, such as strength training and aerobic activities, can help maintain muscle mass, bone density, and overall health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking or cycling.

Going vegan is great for you as well as for animals and the environment! Embracing a plant-based diet can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being as you age, and by eating vegan for just one year, you can spare the lives of nearly 200 animals, conserve over 400,000 gallons of water and nearly 11,000 square feet of forested land, and reduce your carbon emissions by over 7,000 pounds. Now imagine how much you could improve your health and the whole world by sticking with vegan eating for the rest of your life.

Steve Pilot is a certified fitness coach and vegan nutritionist. With 27 years of experience and a self-tested fitness program, his mission is to have a positive influence on people’s lives and help them become the best version of themselves through personal training, sustainable eating habits, and an active lifestyle. He offers a total transformation of mind, body, and spirit. Visit StevePilotFitness.com to learn more.