The health benefits of veganism
Veganism is a popular lifestyle choice, and with good reason. Being a vegan means that you stay away from all animal protein as well as products that are made from animals.
Veganism – or a plant-based diet – is about abstaining completely from meat, chicken, eggs, dairy products and fish. Basically, if it has a trace of animal substance, it’s on the NO list.
Why do people become vegans?
According to ProVeg International, a food awareness organisation, “Plant-based eating is increasingly recommended by scientists as a healthy diet that can reduce the risk of many lifestyle diseases.”
From a study published in The Permanente Journal, here’s a few good reasons to go vegan. “Plant-based diets have been associated with lowering overall and ischemic heart disease mortality; supporting sustainable weight management; reducing medication needs; lowering the risk for most chronic diseases; decreasing the incidence and severity of high-risk conditions, including obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and even possibly reversing advanced coronary artery disease and Type 2 diabetes.”
On a global level, going vegan also helps the environment, as reducing meat consumption can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, soil and water loss and deforestation.
What can I eat?
Think organic, raw, fresh and earthy. Pretty much anything that grows naturally are your food friends. Of course, one of the oft-asked questions about veganism is, “What about protein?”
This is easily covered by lentils and beans which pack a lot of protein power. Then there are almonds, peanut butter, broccoli, chickpeas and green peas – all of which contain protein.
And because of the interest in veganism, there are a ton of plant-based alternatives on the shelves. The usual suspects like sausages, burgers and steaks all come in plant variations now so you’re not missing out on too much. Check out the menu at your fave fast-food place – chances are there are vegan versions. A vegan diet can include:
- Wholegrains
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Legumes (beans)
- Seeds and nuts
What about vitamins?
Here’s an amazing effect of your new plant-based diet: pretty much every fruit and vegetable is naturally imbued with a dazzling array of vitamins and nutrients. It’s hard to go short of vitamins as a vegan. Practically every vitamin under the sun can be found in evergreen staples like spinach, oranges, apples, bananas, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and more.
A common concern about vegan diets is if it provides the necessary vitamins for your body. Yes! For more specific needs like Omega-3, turn to walnuts, soybeans and flaxseed. For Vitamin D, look to almond milk, juices and margarines while iron can be found in prunes, watermelon, dried fruit and nuts.
Remember
Before throwing out your current nutritional plan and converting wholly to veganism, speak with your doctor. Making a drastic switch might affect you adversely, depending on your age, health conditions and genetic markers. While going plant-based does reap great rewards, get the okay from your doctor first to be on the safe side.
References:
- https://proveg.com/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4991921/
- https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/eating-less-red-meat-is-something-individuals-can-do-to-help-the-climate-crisis/#:~:text=About%2040%20percent%20of%20greenhouse,are%20converted%20to%20grazing%20land
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vegan-protein-chart#:~:text=A%20person%20following%20a%20vegan,nuts%2C%20seeds%2C%20and%20quinoa
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.