Adopting veganism has become a trend these days. But it is important to know whether it is beneficial for your health or not.
Nowadays you will see everyone following a vegan diet. Let us tell you that vegan does not mean only vegetarian, but in this people do not use all dairy products like milk and curd. If called veganism or vegan diet. Vegetarians still consume dairy products, honey, sometimes even eggs, but a vegan diet strictly rests only on ingredients that are either derived from plants or the plants themselves.
It is plant based and environment friendly. Also, according to many nutritionists, it can be a healthy option for weight loss. People in western countries are often seen adopting this lifestyle, however in India too, especially in the last ten years, we see a rapidly increasing curiosity and adoption of the same.
Amidst the growing trend of vegan diet, the question arises whether this diet is really healthy? Because some people believe that there is no mass-fish in the vegan diet, so it can lead to a lack of protein in the body.
So let’s know from the expert whether the vegan diet is really healthy or not?
Dr Anuja Gaur, Dietetics Consultant, Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka says that Vegan diet can prove to be beneficial for health in many cases, which can prove to be far better than non-vegetarian and vegetarian. Vegan diet is high in fruits, vegetables and legumes and the health benefits of it are better than any other diet.
Vegetarian diets can provide all the nutrients a person needs, and eliminate some of the potential risks.
beneficial for heart health
The vegan diet can promote heart health in several ways. A large 2019 study looked at a higher intake of plant-based foods and a lower risk of heart disease in adults.
Dr Anuja says that – “Recently a research was done among 48,000 people above the age of 18 years. This included meat eaters, those who ate fish and dairy products, and those on vegan diets, including some vegetarians. Research has found that people who stick to vegetarian and vegan diets have a lower risk of heart disease, but a higher risk of stroke, possibly partly due to a lack of vitamin B12.
weight loss
People who follow a vegetarian diet have a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who follow other diets.
The researchers behind a 2015 study reported that semi-vegetarian diets were more effective for weight loss than vegetarian diets, as well as better at providing macronutrients.
Lower risk of type 2 diabetes
According to a large 2019 review, consuming a plant-based diet may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Research linked this effect to eating healthy plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes.
Vegan diets can be healthy, but they may be lacking in certain nutrients. You may have to use a little creativity to get enough protein, calcium, iron and vitamin B12.
If you are a vegetarian, you can find many of these nutrients in eggs and dairy. But you may need extra nutrients because vitamin B12 is only found in animal sources. If you are vegan, you can consider taking supplements.
