Anyone who follows a vegan diet model abstains from any kind of food of animal origin in an effort to respect the animals. This means that in addition to meat, poultry, fish and seafood, he/she also doesn’t consume dairy products, eggs and honey and the source of all food is vegetable, contributing to the protection of the environment at the same time.
Indeed, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, veganism can benefit the body and the environment. 8.1 million deaths can be avoided worldwide every year if more people adopt such a diet.
Today it is more than ever a trend, with many celebrities following it, promoting this model of nutrition and talking about the benefits to their health – among them Alicia Silverstone, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Bill Clinton, Brad Pitt and many others.
The pros
Weight loss
The vegan diet provides us with fewer calories, even than a vegetarian diet, as in addition to abstaining from meat, you also abstain from dairy fat (milk, cheese, butter etc.).
The risk of some serious diseases is reduced
According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, a vegan diet is more effective than simple vegetarianism in relation to hypertension, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
There are alternatives to protein, ferrum and vitamin B12
The biggest fear for most people is the lack of important vitamins. The most important deficiencies in vegan nutrition, in theory, are protein, ferrum and vitamin B12. With the right options, however, with the help of an expert and with the help of supplements in some cases, there is no problem.
The cons
Great care is needed in organizing the diet
Turning to a vegan diet does not necessarily mean making wise choices, since the basic concern of the majority is to protect the animals and not necessarily the healthy diet. Limiting certain foods automatically means that they need replenishment, and when there is no knowledge, proper expert guidance and nutrition organization, the deficiencies I mentioned above, and especially vitamin B12, can occur very easily.
Intestinal problems
Many fiber and legumes, especially in the transition to veganism, can cause some people bloating, gas and discomfort until the digestive tract adjusts. Taking probiotic supplements for about a month can help, along with small meals and slow eating. A smooth transition is certainly good.
Difficulty in social gatherings
In a society where meat-eating is massive, those who don’t adhere to it find it difficult to socialize as they stand out from the others and one must always remember to cook something different for them in a visit at home. At the outlets, on the other hand, vegetarian and vegan restaurants are plentiful and conventionally there are also vegan options, making the situation easier for everyone.
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