We hear reports about the health benefits of a vegetarian or vegan diet all the time, but how often do we actually witness the end results of swapping the meat for a healthier and more green plant-based option? Here's one inspiring story of one middle-aged man who saved his own life by adopting a vegan diet.

Rocco is a 52 year-old cowboy who LOVED his meat. Seriously, he couldn't get enough! Never in a million years did he think he would be a "vegan." After being a guest on Dr. Oz's hit TV show, however, and learning that his lifelong diet high in saturated fat and animal proteins have caused his blood sugar to sky rocket (causing him to become diabetic), his arteries to become so blocked that his heart is that of an 85 year old's, Rocco decided it was definitely time for a change. Dr. Oz challenged him to a 28 day vegan cleanse, just to see how drastically his health would improve.

What do you know, the results were astounding. By sticking to his diet, Rocco lost 6 inches from his waist, dropped 30 pounds, reduced his glucose by 73 points to just 99 and well, he feels great!

"Everything feels different, and it's taken a huge weight off me personally," says Rocco. "I didn't realize what effect mentally looking like that was doing to me. If I can do it, anyone can do it. It literally kick-started the rest of my life. I'm 53 years old and I've got the opportunity of a lifetime."

Watch the full segment below:

This is pretty astonishing to see. One could argue that anyone who starts exercising regularly and reduces their intake of saturated fat, salt, sugar and processed foods would see similar results. What this story doesn't show are the environmental benefits of a diet with less meat, or the inhumane nature of the meat and dairy industries.

What do you think about Rocco's vegan transformation? Do you find it inspiring?

via ecorazzi