for cholesterol and glucose. Turns out veganism is treating me quite well. High cholesterol runs in my family, but it looks like I’ve conquered my genes!

glucose

My glucose level (after I had already eaten, which raises your level) was 60. Normal levels are between 60 and 110 if you’ve been fasting, and 140 if you’ve eaten. Not bad! If I keep this up, I see no diabetes in my future. One less thing to worry about.

Good ways of keeping your glucose levels normal are to consume 40% of your calories from carbs, 30-35% from fat, eat healthy proteins, and keep track of your caloric intake. Being vegan, you’re already way ahead of the game. But once again, I must stress, that there are unhealthy vegans, so don’t get the majority of your calories from processed foods. If you stick with the whole foods: plants, fruits, nuts and grains as your base, you should be just fine.

cholesterol

When they tested my cholesterol I registered as “LOW.” She said, “Either I didn’t get enough blood from you, or you just have really good cholesterol.” So, we tested a second time with the same results. Looks like I have really good cholesterol! Unfortunately, the test was not very specific, so I didn’t get to find out what my good cholesterol (HDL) versus bad (LDL) was. All I know is that my overall cholesterol level is below 150. How much below? It didn’t say. But total cholesterol should be between 135 and 200. Score!

Veganism is great for lowering your cholesterol because you’re not consuming any animal products, which is where all cholesterol comes from. And the vegan diet is filled with cholesterol-lowering foods. According to this cholesterol pamphlet in front of me, the cholesterol-lowering diet consists of “ample servings of fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products… low in meats, high-fat dairy products and processed foods- all of which contain high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol.” It also says “Cut back on foods high in saturated fats, which can raise your bad cholesterol level more than anything you eat. Animal products are a major source of these fats.”

However, it does note that coconut oil, palm-kernel oil, palm oil and cocoa butter contain saturated fat, so use these sparingly.

It also says increase the fiber you eat, particularly soluble fiber, such as cereal, grains, peas, and many fruits and vegetables. Plant substances called stanols and sterols are known to lower LDL cholesterol.

So really, give yourselves a pat on the back. By being vegan, you’re doing wonders for your cholesterol and glucose levels, as well as your overall health!