The Pros and Cons of Vegan Diets

In the recent past, vegan diets have come into their own due to the buzz regarding their potential health benefits and ethical notion. The advantages and disadvantages of the vegan diet, not including any animal products, are matters that one who contemplates making this particular diet change must be informed about in advance.

Pros:

Health Benefits

Generally, a vegan diet is composed of foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, all highly packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The resultant effect is seen to improve one’s heart condition, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Weight Management

Vegan diets can be one tool for weight loss and weight management due to the fact that most of the foods eaten, plant-based, nutrient-dense foods are too often low in calories and saturated fats. Environmental Impact: Reduced environmental footprint or, in other words, plant-based eating includes reduced animal agriculture contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation.

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Cons:

Nutrient deficiencies

One really does have to watch, as a vegan, certain nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and omega 3 fatty acids, most of which come from animal products. That may mean supplements or fortified foods.
Social Challenges: Being vegan means sometimes having a harder time eating at social gatherings because you can’t always have the same things everyone else is eating.

Time and Planning

Whereas veganism involves a rather different process; it may require more time to prepare and a little bit of planning in order to achieve a healthy and balanced diet, which spares the intake of an adequate amount of nutrients.
A vegan diet can be healthy and ethical, but for many cases, only if it’s important that people should be aware of themselves. If planning a vegan diet, it does not hurt to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for a well-planned, nutrient-adequate diet.

Source: Xtrememediaonline.com