Over the last several years, the vegan movement has picked up some astonishing traction. More and more people are adhering to a vegan lifestyle than ever before, and that number is only going to increase as time goes by. With veganism becoming more fashionable and more mainstream, we’re finding more and more vegan options everywhere we turn. Veganism is generally considered to be healthy and beneficial, but just how healthy is veganism, and are there any dangers? That’s what we’re going to attempt to find out today.
What is the vegan diet?
The vegan diet is not exactly a diet at all, it is instead a lifestyle. Basically, veganism is a way of eating, that excludes the consumption of any food or beverage that has been derived from an animal or has been obtained through the suffering or exploitation of animals or other living beings – including humans. Commonly food staples that are off the menu when it comes to veganism includes:
- Meat
- Fish
- Seafood
- Dairy
- Honey
- Eggs
Some vegans adhering to a vegan lifestyle will take things a step further and will not use products made from animal materials, containing animal materials, or obtained through the exploitation of animals or human beings.
Health benefits of veganism
Now we’re going to take a look at some key health benefits of veganism. These include the following:
Most vegan diets are rich in nutrients – Most vegan diets consist of plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which are all incredibly healthy and nutritionally balanced. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can all be found in these foods in an abundance, making most vegan-friendly foods very healthy.
Can promote weight loss – Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to gain weight and be overweight on a vegan diet, but generally you’ll find that the opposite is true. Most vegan-friendly foods are high in fiber which promotes satiety, and low in trans and saturated fats and calories, making them great for weight loss and weight management.
Can reduce your risk of disease – This is tied into the nutritional benefits of most vegan foods, but following a vegan diet rich in healthy produce is a great way of reducing your risk of illness and disease.
Potential dangers of veganism
Despite vegan diets largely being considered healthy, there are certain drawbacks associated with veganism, including the following:
Potential hormone disruptions – Most sources of protein for vegans come from soy protein. Soy protein has been linked with increases of Estrogen and disruptions to thyroid hormones. This could lead to physiological problems and could potentially result in weight gain.
Increased risk of anaemia –Many vegans are at risk of anaemia due to a lack of heme iron. Heme iron is commonly found in meat and animal products and it is much more bio-available than non-heme iron which is commonly found in plant-based products. Non-heme iron is much harder to absorb than heme iron. Iron is responsible for haemoglobin production, red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and more. Anaemia due to a lack of iron can cause fatigue, suppressed immunity, and possible risks during pregnancy as well.
So, is Veganism healthy?
Veganism can be healthy if you eat the right foods and ensure that you’re getting all of the nutrients that your body needs to function as it should. If you fail to get these nutrients however, you are at risk, so just bear that in mind.
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