Is a Vegan Diet Healthy?

By Jo Arazi

Even though several people enjoy their chicken and steaks, about 2.5 million people have chosen to forgo meat and it’s products for a plant-based diet. The reason for going vegan differs from person to person. While some can’t stand the thought of harming a living being, others do it for purely health reasons.

The question is, is a vegan diet healthy? Here’s the opinion of experts on the matter;

The answer is yes, as long as the vegetarian food is healthy. The eating patterns of vegans have been linked with a reduced risk of dying prematurely. On the other hand, processed red meat can increase the risk of getting colorectal cancer.

Plant-based substitute for meat such as nuts, legumes, tofu and seeds have similar nutrients (protein, iron, and zinc). At the same time, they are low in saturated fat and high in fiber.

In addition, a lot of research has been carried out to show that vegans are at a lower risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

For most vegetarians, especially vegans, it is very important to eat a well balanced and varied diet. Ensure you get enough of the necessary nutrients the body needs like vitamin B1 and Omega-3.

Recently, scientists have been promoting the benefits of plant-based diets. According to them, it reduces man’s footprint on the earth. Also, It improves environmental sustainability and feeds our ever-increasing population. Then there are the ethical issues about animal welfare.

Whether vegan or vegetarian, plant-based diets are a win-win-win for the planet, people, and animals.