The popularity of Vegan diet has seen a sudden splurge owing to the purported health benefits along with the environmental implications and social media posts encouraging animal-free food options.
Whereas vegetarian diets ban meat products, vegan diet removes all animal by-products too, such as milk, honey, eggs etc. With so many options removed from your diet, the fact that plant-based diet is better is certainly debatable.
Benefits of a Plant-based diet
Health is a very important factor in life and taking the right kind of nutrients is equally important to maintain it. Here is how following plant-based diet can be beneficial:
Cognitive Health – Cognitive impairment can be prevented to a certain extent by following a vegan diet. This has been validated by a new research that reaffirms that diet that is low in animal products and rich in plant-based food that is rich in anti-oxidants can lessen the occurance of diseases such as Alzhiemer’s and other form of Dementia.
Chronic Diseases – Vegan diet reduces the risk of heart diseasesby lowering the glucose levels and cholesterol in the blood. This is because plant-based diet has abundant number of phytonutrients and fibre.
Weight Management – Due to the presence of high fibre content in plant –based diet, it keeps you satiated for a longer time and hence results in less calories being consumed. Studies reveal that eating plant-based diet resulted in loss of stubborn visceral fat and increase in body metabolism and thus there is a visible weight loss.
Does Vegan Diet cause deficiency of any nutrient?
Vegan diet undoubtedly has health benefits, but certain nutrient supplements need to be taken to avoid potential deficiency.
Amino Acids – These are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for the body. While animal-based food are rich in amino acids, those on plant-based diet need to add some aupplements to ensure adequate intake.
Vitamin B12 and D – Vitamin B12 and D are predominantly present in animal sources.Vegans may show signs of deficiency and are thus recommended supplements for the same.
The type of diet you take depends on your personal preference. Plant-based diet has gained a lot of hype in recent times, but gather all necessary information before deciding.
