Vegans eat a plant-based diet by excluding all types of animal products. This includes meat, fish, poultry products, shellfish, dairyproducts,and protein from animals. Many of them also stay away from purchasing animal inferred products for example honey, fabric (leather, wool) etc. In general, veganismopposes any kind of animal exploitation which also includes the use of animals for product testing and entertainment. Ingredients derived from animals such as albumin, gelatine, casein, pepsin, and carmine can be found in candies, chocolates, toffees, marshmallows, chewing gum and so on. Therefore, reading food marks precisely while shopping becomes important.
Surely there are advantages as well as disadvantages of being a vegan. Adopting a vegan lifestyle requires mindfulness and careful planning of what you put in your body.For example, switching to an all-plant dietmay help you improve your gut health and lose weight but it may also put you at threat of nutrient deficiencies. Here is everything that can happen to your body both pros and cons, after you become vegan.
Pros of being a vegan:
1. More of fibre
This is one of the most markedhealthy changes you will observe. Plantsare high on fibre, so consuming more of black beans, chickpeas, quinoa, and edamame increases your fibre intake significantly. Meats on the other hand lacks fibre. Dietary fibre is essential for gut and heart health it as well manages weight and blood sugar.
2. Reduces the risk of heart diseases
It lowers the risk of heart strokes and other heart-related problems when we start consuming more plant-based foods and less of animal products. This is because plant-based devours consume more fruits and vegetables, polyunsaturated fats and fibre while consuming less saturated fat all of which are dietary factors that support heart health.
3. Ideal for weight loss
Barring meat, poultry, dairy, and other animal products can help you lower your cholesterol by losing weight because they contain more calories and fats than plant-based foods. In general, vegans have a lower body blood pressure and mass index.
Cons of being a vegan:
1. One might feel low on energy
A vegan diet is low in choline and iodine. Iodine is required for thyroid health, which regulates metabolism, energy as well as mood whereas choline helps your brain by enhancing your memory and mood. However, vegetables such as brussels sprouts, broccoli, and sweet potatoes can provide iodine and choline that can be obtained from fortified (iodized) table salt. Supplementation for these nutrients may be beneficial. A vegan diet can cause fatigue if onedoes not eat enough to maintain the physical and mental energy levels because plant-based foods are low in calories.
2. One might even feel bloated
Too much of fibre cannot be digested at once. Also, one cannot rely on the gut microbiota in the gastro intestinal tract to do so. Fibreeventually makes its way down to the colon, causing it to ferment by releasing short-chain fatty acids and gases thereby leading to bloating. Everyone is affected differently.This can be cured only by drinking plenty of water and gradually increase your fibre intake.
3. One may face nutrient deficiencies
Following a vegan lifestylemay result invitamin B12 deficiencies, hormonal disruptions, anaemia, and may even cause depression due to a lack of omega-3 fatty acids. That is why it becomes important to consume a variety of proteins, vitamins D and B12, zinc, calcium, iron, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids. Plant milk, fortified cereals, nutritional yeast,and tofu contain some of these nutrients. Legumes and leafy vegetables contain calcium and iron, while tofu contains protein zinc, and calcium. Dry fruits, soy products, canola oil, and ground flaxseed contain omega-3 fatty acids such as ALA and DHA.
Bottomline:
Veganism is not just about abstaining from animal and their products. After importing the advantages and disadvantages of a vegan diet, make sure to follow up with a dietitian and blood tests.
Also read: https://www.dailyhawker.in/utis-are-on-rise-heres-how-to-prevent-and-protect/
