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Many people feel that using animals for food is heartless and cruel. The internet has helped bring awareness to this issue. With some of the pictures and videos going around, is it any wonder why so many people are turning vegan?
Vegans don’t eat anything that is considered an animal or their byproducts. Those who choose this lifestyle avoid meat, eggs, and dairy products. There are a lot of great choices when eating a plant-based diet, but some fear that the lack of proper nutrients provided from meat and dairy is an issue.
This article will explore some of the benefits of being vegan, as well as some of the common deficiencies in vegan diets and how to compensate for them.
The Benefits of Being Vegan
A vegan diet has proven to lower cholesterol levels, reduce saturated fat, decrease the risk of developing diabetes and cancer, as well as provide well-balanced nutrition. It can help prevent type 2 diabetes by lowering your blood sugar, and eating plant-based proteins can improve the function of your kidneys. Because vegans eat more fruits and vegetables, they are at a lower risk of heart disease. In short, while becoming vegan can be a challenge, it comes with a number of astounding health benefits.
However, it can also come with some difficult adjustments. While a Vegan diet is richer in Vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, and folate, it can also be deficient in protein, fatty acids, iron, and calcium. What nutrients might you be missing on a Vegan diet? And how can you compensate for them?
Common Deficiencies
When considering the nutritional deficiencies that a vegan can face, it can be overwhelming. Especially in a culture that does not always make it easy to be vegan. Thankfully, the most common deficiencies are easy to supplement. For instance, while vitamin D is found in milk and dairy products, but you can supplement it by sitting in the sunshine for 10-15 minutes each daye sunshine for 10-15 minutes each day.
Protein can also be a missing part of a vegan or vegetarian diet. Tofu and soy are great sources of protein, and you can also take vegan protein powder supplements to ensure you are getting what your body needs.
Iron is found in red meats, but it’s also found in celery, beans, broccoli, and raisins. Still, it might not be enough to meet daily requirements. Vitamin B12 can be dangerous at low levels. Anemia is the primary cause of a deficiency, and it makes you tired and lethargic. Soymilk has trace amounts that can help to enhance intake. Consider taking a supplement to help prevent lacking these essential nutrients.
Calcium is another essential nutrient that is found in milk and other dairy products. It helps keep bones healthy and prevents osteoporosis. Insufficient levels can cause a deficiency. Vegans supplement by using ingesting the calcium found in leafy greens as well as fortified soymilk.
Embracing a Lifestyle Change
Veganism is less about diet and more about adopting a new lifestyle. Not only do vegans refuse to eat any animal products, but they won’t wear jewelry or buy household goods that have byproducts or have been tested on animals.
Animals are used for many things, and some are things that you would never think possible. For instance, did you know that shellac is a resin that’s secreted from a bug? It can be difficult to adjust and know exactly what you should and should not use.
These beautiful creatures are not a commodity, and their lives are precious. So while there may be some nutritional deficiencies to account for, it’s worth it to save the life of an innocent animal. With the difficulty of adjustments can come a number of health benefits and a way for you to stand up for your beliefs.
