The Pros & Cons of a Vegan Diet

Veganism is more than just a fad diet. It is a way of life and an alternative way of life. Some people follow a vegan diet for ethical reasons or to avoid cruelty to animals. Some people practice this lifestyle just for its health benefits. You’ve probably heard that eating more vegetables and less meat is good for your health. Veganism is becoming more popular for a variety of reasons. This article attempts to provide the benefits and drawbacks of veganism so that you can decide whether it is right for you.

Pros:

• Improves Heart health:

Vegan diets can help your heart in a variety of ways. Adults who consume more plant-based foods rather than animal foods have a lower risk of heart attack and death. Animal products, such as meat, butter and cheese are high in saturated fats. Consumption of these fats increases cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Plant foods contain a lot of fiber, which has been associated with better heart health. Plant-based vegetables and grains have the most fiber, while animal products have little to none.

• Helps in weight management:

Vegans lose weight and keep it off more quickly than non-vegans. Vegan foods have a low-calorie count and a high fiber content—this aids in the reduction of excess body fat that accumulates in the body. Plant-based foods contain a lot of complex carbs, which make you feel fuller for longer periods, reducing the desire to snack frequently, and also trigger the thermogenic effect, burning more calories during digestion. Most vegan foods are low in saturated fat, and veganism discourages the consumption of processed foods, which keeps you from adding unnecessary calories to your body.

• Mitigates the risk of type 2 diabetes:

Vegans have lower blood sugar levels and greater insulin sensitivity, lowering their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A plant-based diet helps to maintain blood pressure, alleviates systemic inflammation and builds a robust immune system. Vegan items are high in magnesium which aids in lowering the risk of diabetes.

• Rejuvenate your mood:

A plant-based diet will also help you improve your mood. You will gain a clear conscience and become more compassionate in life if you consume food without harming animals regularly. Vegan foods also boost feel-good hormones while decreasing cortisol levels in the blood, which is linked to stress. This aids in the reduction of daily stress and anxiety, as well as the risk of depression.

Cons:

• Unsustainable:

Veganism forbids the consumption of animal products, and it is not suitable for all social and cultural groups. Eliminating multiple food groups may interfere with your medications. So, if you have any health concerns, seek approval from your doctor before trying it out. Similarly, it is not advised for pregnant or lactating women, as well as toddlers and children.

• Could lead to nutrition deficiency:

Following a vegan diet and avoiding animal foods can result in nutrient deficiencies such as iron, calcium, zinc, and Vitamin D3. To follow a strict vegan diet, you must combine food items so that a lack of nutrients does not negatively impact your health. Also, seek the advice and proper consultation of a qualified dietician to meet all of your nutrient requirements and supplement anything that is lacking.

• Limited choices of food:

The vegan diet is frequently referred to as the most restrictive plant-based diet. If you follow this eating plan and currently eat a standard American diet, you can expect to eliminate the majority of foods from your typical weekly menu. That level of restriction is too severe for some people. To get a better sense of the scope of the limitation, keep in mind that not only are animal products prohibited, but also any food or product containing an animal by-product. Many traditional home recipes, grocery store items, and restaurant dishes contain at least one animal by-product.

Conclusion:

Not everyone can follow a vegan diet, and you must do so for the right reasons, not just to lose weight. Examine the benefits and drawbacks of veganism before deciding if it is the right lifestyle for you. Finding the right amount of protein from vegan sources may prove difficult. It can, however, be reduced by using Origin Nutrition’s vegan protein powder.