It seems everyone is going “vegan” these days. From athletes to movie stars and even politicians, more and more people are adopting plant-based diets, but going vegan means cutting out many foods, most notably animal products like eggs, milk, and even honey. Instead of eating these things directly, vegans eat foods free of animal ingredients. One such food category is “non-dairy”. These include soy, almond, plant-based milk, yogurts, and other non-dairy cheeses and ice creams. Some iconic dishes have non-dairy versions; think non-dairy hot chocolate or eggnog. While it might seem strange to give up dairy when there are so many tasty alternatives, plenty of people have discovered the benefits of a non-dairy diet. Here’s why you might want to give it a try:

1 - Lose Weight

Reducing your intake of high-fat dairy products is one of the simplest ways to lose weight. That’s because milk and cheese are high in saturated fat and sugar. This can lead to increased cholesterol and blood pressure, leading to health risks like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. By switching to non-dairy milk and milk substitutes, you’re slashing your intake of these fats. And for very active people, a non-dairy diet can also help you meet your daily protein needs. Protein-rich foods are vital in building muscle and strength, and non-dairy milk alternatives like soy and almond milk are excellent sources.

2 - Reduce Exposure to Antibiotics and Hormones

When we talk about dairy, we also talk about the animals that produce it. And unfortunately, many dairy cows are treated with growth hormones and antibiotics to keep them healthy and boost milk production. By switching to non-dairy milk, yogurts, and cheeses, you can cut your exposure to these substances. While you might think a diet without dairy products would come up short on calcium, that’s not the case. Many non-dairy milk products are fortified with calcium, so you can still meet your daily bone needs.

3 - Clear Skin

A healthy diet can do wonders for your complexion, as skin is highly responsive to what you put in your body. By reducing your intake of dairy products, you’re cutting out a lot of potential acne-causing culprits. No one knows the exact cause of acne, but most experts agree that it’s caused by blocked pores that become infected and inflamed. When you eat a lot of dairy products, you put your body into a state of high blood sugar. This prompts your body to produce and release more sebum, an oily substance that clogs pores and leads to acne. By switching to non-dairy alternatives, you avoid these problematic substances. This can help clear up your skin, even if you don’t see results immediately.

4 - Improve Digestion Issues

Many people find that cutting out dairy products helps ease symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. These symptoms often correspond to food intolerance or sensitivity to dairy. You can reduce your digestion issues by switching to non-dairy milk and yogurts. Switching to a non-dairy diet can also help those who have a variety of conditions and even a gluten intolerance.

5 - Reduce Environmental Impact

One of the biggest reasons to try a non-dairy diet is to reduce your carbon footprint. Most non-dairy kinds of milk are made from soybeans, which are grown using lots of water and fertilizer, not to mention the energy needed to transport those soybeans to where they’re processed into non-dairy milk. Switching to non-dairy alternatives cuts your carbon footprint in half. And investing in more environmentally friendly products can help you reduce your carbon footprint. For instance, some non-dairy milk comes in lighter, tetra-brik packaging, which is both recyclable and more eco-friendly than plastic.