Maintaining optimal heart health is essential for overall well-being. But with so many diets and lifestyles to choose from, it can be perplexing to determine which is the best for improving cardiovascular health. One diet that has been gaining popularity in recent years for its numerous health benefits is the vegan diet. By eliminating all animal products and focusing on plant-based foods, a vegan diet offers a wide range of benefits for individuals looking to improve their cardiac health. In this article, we will explore the benefits of a vegan diet for heart health and how one can make the switch to optimize their well-being.
Understanding Heart Health
Understanding heart health is a crucial step towards taking care of one’s cardiovascular system. The heart is one of the most important organs in the body, responsible for pumping blood and oxygen to the rest of the body. Maintaining heart health helps prevent various heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death worldwide. With the right knowledge, adopting habits and diet that enhance heart health is easy. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of a vegan diet on heart health, including how it helps prevent heart disease. If you’re looking to transition to a vegan diet, later in the article, we provide essential guidance to get you started.
What is Heart Health?
Heart health refers to the well-being of your heart and circulatory system. A healthy heart is crucial to maintaining overall wellness and longevity. Our heart is a vital organ that pumps blood and oxygen to our entire body through the circulatory system. When we talk about heart health, it includes various aspects like maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a nutrient-rich diet, avoiding smoking, managing stress levels, and getting regular physical activity.
Heart disease is a leading cause of death globally. The major causes of heart disease are unhealthy lifestyle choices such as eating a diet high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium, consuming alcohol and tobacco products, living a sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, and insufficient sleep. These unhealthy habits lead to various conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and heart attack.
Fortunately, we can prevent and manage heart disease by making positive lifestyle changes such as consuming a healthy diet. Transitioning to a vegan diet can help you achieve better heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease and related complications.
A vegan diet is inherently low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium, making it a healthy alternative to a traditional Western diet. Research suggests that consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes can help improve heart health.
A plant-based diet is naturally high in fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, which provide various benefits to the heart, such as reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood pressure. Veganism is also associated with lower risks of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, which are all risk factors for heart disease.
By choosing vegan protein sources, individuals can easily meet their daily protein requirements without consuming unhealthy saturated and trans fats. A vegan diet is rich in important micronutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, and folate, which are essential for proper heart and circulatory function.
Heart health is essential to overall wellness and longevity. By making positive lifestyle changes, such as consuming a plant-based diet, we can reduce the risk of heart disease and related complications. As the environmental connection to veganism continues to become more clear, there are plenty of reasons to transition to a vegan diet. Through consuming a wide range of vegan recipes, it’s easier than ever to maintain a healthy diet while enjoying delicious meals. However, it’s important to note that individuals should take precautions when transitioning to a vegan diet to ensure that they meet their nutrient requirements.
How a Vegan Diet Affects Heart Health?
A Vegan diet is a type of plant-based diet that excludes all forms of animal products. It includes fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and nuts. Research shows that vegan diets can have a positive impact on heart health.
Lowered Cholesterol: A vegan diet can help lower harmful LDL cholesterol levels in the body. This diet lacks animal fats, which are high in cholesterol, and instead, is rich in fiber and antioxidants, which help eliminate LDL from the bloodstream. Studies have shown that vegans have significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels compared to omnivores.
Reduction in Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Vegan diets are high in potassium, which can counter the harmful effects of sodium and lower blood pressure. Research suggests that switching to a vegan diet may help regulate blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of heart problems related to high blood pressure.
Reduced Inflammation: A diet high in saturated fats and animal protein can cause inflammation in the body, which is linked to many health problems, including heart disease. Vegan diets are rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which can reduce inflammation levels.
Benefiting Blood Sugar Levels: Consuming a high amount of meat and animal products can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a contributor to heart disease. A vegan diet can help regulate blood sugar levels since it is high in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and low in saturated fat.
Assist with Weight Loss: Another significant risk factor for heart disease is obesity. Vegan diets are effective in aiding weight loss since they are low in calories and high in fiber, which makes us feel full and decreases the chance of overeating. A research study revealed that people on a vegan diet lost more weight than those on other diets over a period of time.
As vegan diets exclude animal products, it is essential to ensure to get all the necessary nutrients. A balanced diet that includes a wide variety of plant-based foods can provide all the necessary nutrients. Consider consultations with registered dietitians to gain better understanding of the adequate requirements of micronutrients for vegans. Check our article on the importance of micronutrients in a vegan diet to learn more.
Switching to a vegan diet can help improve your heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, any diet change should be done mindfully. Check out our article on veganism and weight loss facts and tips to know more before making the switch.
Reducing Risk of Heart Disease with a Vegan Diet
When it comes to heart disease, prevention is key. One way to significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease is by adopting a vegan diet. By eliminating animal products and focusing on plant-based foods, you can boost your heart health and feel good in the process. In this section, we’ll explore how a vegan diet can benefit your heart and reduce your risk of heart disease. So, let’s dive in and uncover the plant-based secrets to a healthier heart!
Lowering Bad Cholesterol
A vegan diet can help in lowering bad cholesterol levels which is one of the well-established benefits of this diet. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that can accumulate in the arteries and cause blockages that result in heart attacks or strokes.
With a vegan diet, the intake of saturated fats is significantly lower since animal foods are excluded from the diet. These saturated fats often lead to increased levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol. Plant-based foods, on the other hand, are usually low in saturated fats and high in fiber. This fiber is known to bind to cholesterol and remove it from the body, thus lowering the levels of LDL in the blood.
Here is an html table showing some vegan foods that can help in lowering bad cholesterol levels:
| Food Group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Apples, bananas, berries |
| Vegetables | Leafy greens, broccoli, sweet potatoes |
| Whole Grains | Brown rice, quinoa, oats |
| Nuts and Seeds | Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds |
| Legumes | Lentils, chickpeas, black beans |
It is important to note that while a vegan diet can help in lowering bad cholesterol levels, it is still essential to eat a balanced diet that meets all the necessary nutrient requirements. Consulting with a registered dietitian can help in ensuring the adequacy of a vegan diet. Additionally, it is also important to remember that genetics and lifestyle factors such as physical activity and smoking can also affect cholesterol levels.
Lowering Blood Pressure
Maintaining healthy blood pressure is essential for overall heart health. High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, such as stroke and heart disease. Fortunately, a vegan diet can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing these serious conditions.
How does a vegan diet lower blood pressure?
Plant-based foods are naturally low in sodium, which is one of the main contributors to high blood pressure. Additionally, a diet high in fruits and vegetables, which are rich in potassium, can help lower blood pressure. Potassium is essential for proper fluid balance in the body, and it can help counteract the negative effects of sodium on blood pressure.
Here’s a table that shows some potassium-rich foods that can help lower blood pressure:
| Food | Potassium content (mg) |
|---|---|
| Spinach | 840 |
| Avocado | 975 |
| Sweet potato | 542 |
| Banana | 422 |
| Acorn squash | 896 |
Other ways a vegan diet can help lower blood pressure
In addition to a diet high in potassium and low in sodium, a vegan diet can also help lower blood pressure by:
- Reducing inflammation in the body
- Promoting weight loss
- Lowering cholesterol levels
- Improving insulin sensitivity
By following a well-planned vegan diet that includes these heart-healthy foods, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing serious health problems.
Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection in the body. However, chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of heart disease. A vegan diet is rich in anti-inflammatory foods that can help reduce this risk.
Here are some examples of anti-inflammatory foods that are commonly found in a vegan diet:
| Food | Anti-Inflammatory Properties |
|---|---|
| Leafy greens (kale, spinach) | High in antioxidants that reduce inflammation |
| Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa) | Rich in fiber that reduces C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation |
| Legumes (beans, lentils) | Contain phytonutrients that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress |
| Nuts (almonds, walnuts) | High in omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation |
| Fruits (berries, citrus) | Rich in flavonoids that reduce inflammation and improve blood flow |
| Herbs and spices (turmeric, ginger) | Contain anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce inflammation and improve heart health |
By incorporating these foods into their diet, vegans can reap the benefits of reduced inflammation and decreased risk of heart disease. Additionally, a vegan diet eliminates many of the pro-inflammatory foods found in a typical Western diet, such as red meat, processed meats, and saturated fat from dairy products.
It’s important to note that while a vegan diet can be anti-inflammatory, it’s still possible to consume pro-inflammatory foods on a plant-based diet. For example, consuming large amounts of refined carbohydrates and added sugars can lead to inflammation. It’s important to consume a varied, whole foods-based vegan diet to ensure that you’re getting all the necessary nutrients while reducing inflammation in the body.
Benefiting Blood Sugar Levels
A vegan diet can benefit blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes. By removing animal products from the diet, vegans consume foods that are generally higher in fiber, which can slow down the absorption of carbohydrates and prevent blood sugar spikes. Plant-based diets are also naturally lower in saturated and trans fats, which have been shown to contribute to insulin resistance and inflammation – two risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Here is a table that shows examples of plant-based foods that can benefit blood sugar levels:
| Food | Fiber Content (per serving) | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Oats | 4 grams | Low glycemic index; contains beta-glucans, which can improve insulin sensitivity |
| Spinach | 3 grams | Low in calories; high in antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals |
| Legumes (e.g. beans, lentils, chickpeas) | 6-8 grams | Low in fat; good source of protein; can improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels |
| Sweet potatoes | 4 grams | Good source of fiber and vitamin A |
| Nuts and seeds (e.g. almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds) | 2-8 grams | High in healthy fats; can improve cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation |
Making the switch to a vegan diet can be particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes or those at risk for developing it. However, it’s important to note that not all vegan foods are created equal. Processed vegan foods, such as packaged snacks and desserts, can still be high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, which can negatively impact blood sugar levels. It’s important to focus on consuming whole, plant-based foods that are high in fiber, healthy fats, and nutrients. Consulting with a registered dietitian who specializes in plant-based nutrition can also be beneficial in creating a balanced meal plan that meets individual needs and goals.
Assisting Weight Loss
Maintaining a healthy weight is an essential component of good heart health. A vegan diet can help you achieve your weight loss goals while providing the necessary nutrients for optimal wellness. Here are some ways that a vegan diet can assist with weight loss:
| High in Fiber | Low in Calories | Reduces Cravings |
|---|---|---|
| A vegan diet is typically high in fiber, which helps you feel full for longer periods of time. This means that you are less likely to overeat or snack on unhealthy foods between meals. | Many vegan foods are also low in calories, making weight loss easier. For example, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are all low in calories but high in nutrients. | Vegan diets can also reduce cravings for fatty, high-calorie foods. This is because plant-based foods are often less addictive than animal-based foods, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. |
Keep in mind that simply following a vegan diet is not a guarantee of weight loss. You still need to eat a balanced diet and watch your portion sizes to see results. By incorporating healthy, plant-based foods into your diet and limiting processed and high-fat options, you can achieve your weight loss goals while improving your heart health.
Getting the Benefits from a Vegan Diet
Now that we understand the amazing benefits a vegan diet can have on heart health, the question becomes: how do we obtain these benefits? The answer lies in implementing a vegan diet and lifestyle that is both sustainable and satisfying. By making conscious choices about what we eat and how we live, we can reap the many rewards of improved cardiovascular health.
What to Eat on a Vegan Diet
While a vegan diet may seem restrictive, it actually offers a wide variety of foods that can provide all the necessary nutrients for a healthy heart. Here are some great options to include in a vegan diet:
| Food | Nutrients |
| Nuts and Seeds | Heart-healthy fats, protein, fiber, magnesium, and potassium. |
| Legumes | Protein, fiber, iron, and calcium. |
| Whole Grains | Fiber, B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. |
| Healthy Fats | Avocado, olive oil, and coconut oil. |
In addition to these options, many vegan-friendly products now exist to replace animal-based foods. For example, tempeh and tofu can serve as protein sources, and nondairy milks like almond, soy, and oat milk can replace cow’s milk. It’s important to note that processed vegan foods, such as vegan meat substitutes, often contain high levels of sodium and preservatives. So, it’s best to consume them sparingly.
It’s also important to stay conscious of vitamin and mineral levels on a vegan diet. While plant-based foods provide plenty of nutrients, it’s worth considering supplementing with vitamin B12, omega-3s, and vitamin D to ensure that all essential nutrients are accounted for.
A well-planned vegan diet can provide all the necessary nutrients for a healthy heart. By including a variety of whole plant-based foods, it’s possible to reap the benefits of a vegan diet for heart health.
Making It Work for You
Adopting a vegan diet can seem overwhelming at first, but with proper planning and preparation, anyone can make it work for them. Here are some practical tips for making a vegan diet work for you:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Start small | Gradually transition to a vegan diet by incorporating more plant-based meals into your routine. Start with one meal per day and work your way up. |
| Explore new foods | Don’t be afraid to try new fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Experiment with different flavors and cuisines to keep your meals interesting. |
| Plan ahead | Take time to plan your meals and snacks in advance. This will ensure that you have a variety of healthy, vegan options on hand and reduce the temptation to reach for unhealthy processed foods. |
| Get creative | Find creative ways to veganize your favorite recipes. For example, use cashews instead of cream in soups and sauces, or use tofu instead of eggs in baking. |
| Read labels | Be diligent about reading ingredient labels to avoid hidden animal products. Look out for food additives such as whey, gelatin, and casein, which are derived from animal sources. |
| Stay informed | Keep up with the latest information and research on veganism and plant-based nutrition. This will help you make informed decisions about your diet and stay motivated. |
| Find support | Connect with other vegans or plant-based eaters for support and inspiration. Join a local vegan group, attend cooking classes, or follow vegan bloggers and influencers on social media. |
Remember, a vegan diet is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s important to listen to your body and adjust your diet to meet your individual needs. Consulting with a registered dietitian can also be helpful in ensuring that you are getting all the necessary nutrients on a vegan diet. With some effort and planning, a vegan diet can be a satisfying and healthy choice for improving heart health.
Precautions to Take
When considering a vegan diet for heart health, it’s important to take precautions to ensure that you’re still getting the necessary nutrients that your body needs to function properly. Here are some precautions to take:
- Consult with a healthcare professional: Before drastically changing your diet, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional such as a registered dietitian or doctor. They can help ensure that you’re getting all of the necessary nutrients that your body needs and can recommend any supplementation if necessary.
- Pay attention to protein intake: While a vegan diet can be high in plant-based proteins, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting enough. Some protein-rich sources include tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils, and quinoa.
- Consider supplementing with vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products, so it’s important for vegans to supplement to ensure they’re getting enough. Many plant-based milks and breakfast cereals are fortified with B12, or you can take a supplement.
- Watch your intake of plant-based fats: While fats are an important part of a healthy diet, it’s important to watch your intake of plant-based fats, such as nuts and seeds. These can be high in calories, so it’s important to eat them in moderation.
- Focus on whole foods: Like any diet, it’s important to focus on whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible. This will help ensure that you’re getting the necessary nutrients and benefiting from the health-promoting properties of a plant-based diet.
By taking these precautions, you can ensure that you’re getting all of the necessary nutrients on a vegan diet while still reaping the benefits for heart health.
Additional Heart-Healthy Tips
In addition to adopting a vegan diet, there are other healthy habits that can help promote heart health. Here are some heart-healthy tips:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Stay Active | Physical activity helps control weight and reduces the risk of heart disease. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. |
| Manage Stress | Stress can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, and make time for activities you enjoy. |
| Avoid Tobacco | Smoking and secondhand smoke increase the risk of heart disease. Quit smoking and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke. |
| Limit Alcohol Intake | Excessive alcohol consumption can cause high blood pressure and damage the heart muscle. Limit intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. |
| Get Enough Sleep | Poor sleep can contribute to high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, all of which increase the risk of heart disease. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. |
| Manage Health Conditions | If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, work with your healthcare provider to manage these conditions and reduce your risk of heart disease. |
By incorporating these heart-healthy practices into your daily routine along with a vegan diet, you can improve your cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease. Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional before making any major lifestyle changes.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this article, it’s important to reflect on the powerful impact that a vegan diet can have on heart health. By eliminating animal products and consuming nutrient-dense, plant-based foods, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease and enjoy a range of other health benefits. So why not take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle and consider making the switch to a vegan diet? With dedication and the right strategies in place, it’s possible to improve your cardiovascular health and enjoy a long, fulfilling life.
Summary of Benefits
After exploring the benefits of a vegan diet for heart health, it is important to summarize the key benefits. The following table highlights the various ways a vegan diet can positively impact cardiovascular health:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduces Risk of Heart Disease | A vegan diet can drastically reduce the risk of heart disease as it eliminates animal products that contain high levels of saturated fats and cholesterol. |
| Improves Cholesterol Levels | By eliminating animal products, a vegan diet helps to lower LDL cholesterol, known as the “bad” cholesterol, which can clog arteries and cause heart disease. |
| Lowers Blood Pressure | A vegan diet can help lower blood pressure, which reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. |
| Reduces Inflammation | A vegan diet is rich in anti-inflammatory foods that can reduce inflammation in the body and improve heart health. |
| Improves Blood Sugar Levels | A vegan diet can improve blood sugar levels, which reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a risk factor for heart disease. |
| Assists Weight Loss | As vegan diets are typically lower in calories, they promote weight loss, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and other health conditions linked to obesity. |
While a vegan diet may seem daunting to some, the above summary of benefits demonstrates that it can have a significant positive impact on heart health. By eliminating animal products and consuming a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, individuals can improve their cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, help blood sugar levels and lose weight to protect their cardiovascular health.
Why a Vegan Diet is Great for Your Heart?
A vegan diet is great for your heart for many reasons. By eliminating animal products, you are reducing your risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Here are some of the ways that a vegan diet can benefit your heart:
| Lowering bad cholesterol: | A vegan diet is naturally low in saturated and trans fats, which are the main sources of bad cholesterol. Instead, it is high in fiber, antioxidants, and other phytochemicals that can help lower cholesterol levels. |
| Lowering blood pressure: | Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes has been shown to lower blood pressure. This is because these foods are low in sodium and high in potassium and other nutrients that can help regulate blood pressure. |
| Reducing inflammation: | Animal products are often high in saturated and trans fats, which can trigger inflammation in the body. In contrast, a vegan diet is rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. This can help reduce inflammation and protect your heart health. |
| Benefiting blood sugar levels: | Vegan diets are rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, plant-based diets are associated with lower rates of type 2 diabetes, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. |
| Assisting weight loss: | Vegan diets have been shown to be effective for weight loss, which is a key factor in reducing your risk of heart disease. By eating a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, you are more likely to feel full and satisfied, while also consuming fewer calories. |
A vegan diet is a great choice for your heart health. Not only does it provide a variety of nutrients that can help reduce your risk of heart disease, but it is also a sustainable and ethical choice that benefits the environment and animal welfare.
Make the Switch Today
Transitioning to a vegan diet may seem daunting, but the benefits for your heart health make it a worthwhile effort. Here are some steps to start making the switch to a vegan lifestyle today:
- Educate yourself: Start by learning about the benefits of a plant-based diet for heart health, and the different sources of essential nutrients like protein, iron, and calcium.
- Make gradual changes: You don’t have to go cold turkey. Start by incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet and gradually reducing your intake of animal products.
- Find vegan alternatives: There are plenty of delicious plant-based alternatives to popular animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs. Experiment with different plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, and legumes.
- Plan your meals: Make a shopping list and plan your meals ahead of time to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need from your new diet.
- Be prepared: Bring vegan snacks with you when you’re on the go, and make sure to check restaurant menus for vegan options before dining out.
- Get support: Connect with other vegans for support and advice. Join a vegan cooking class or meetup group to help stay motivated and inspired.
By making the switch to a vegan diet, you can improve your heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease. It may take some time and adjustment, but with patience and perseverance, you can adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle and enjoy all the benefits of a vegan diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a vegan diet really improve heart health?
Yes, a vegan diet has been found to lower the risk of heart disease and improve overall cardiovascular health.
What causes heart disease?
Heart disease can be caused by a variety of factors including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of physical activity, and an unhealthy diet.
How does a vegan diet lower bad cholesterol?
A vegan diet is typically low in saturated and trans fats, which are known to raise bad cholesterol levels in the blood.
Can a vegan diet help with weight loss?
Yes, a vegan diet can often lead to weight loss due to its emphasis on whole plant-based foods that are low in calories and high in fiber.
What are some examples of heart-healthy vegan foods?
Some heart-healthy vegan foods include whole grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes, and plant-based sources of protein.
Is it possible to get enough protein on a vegan diet?
Yes, with careful planning, it is possible to get enough protein on a vegan diet by consuming a variety of plant-based sources of protein such as nuts, seeds, beans, and tofu.
Can a vegan diet improve blood sugar levels?
Yes, a vegan diet can help to improve blood sugar levels by reducing the intake of refined sugars and increasing the intake of whole plant-based foods.
Are there any precautions to take when switching to a vegan diet?
It is important to ensure that you are getting enough nutrients on a vegan diet, and it may be helpful to work with a registered dietitian to ensure you are meeting all of your nutritional needs.
What are some heart-healthy lifestyle changes in addition to a vegan diet?
Other heart-healthy lifestyle changes include getting regular physical activity, quitting smoking, managing stress, and getting enough sleep.
Why should someone consider switching to a vegan diet for their heart health?
A vegan diet has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease and can provide a variety of other health benefits, making it a worthwhile consideration for improving overall health and wellness.
