During the past decades, the number of the people around the world who choose to be vegan is increasing day by day. This growth can be due to global awareness about the positive aspects of veganism for health,ending animal cruelty and saving the environment.
In general, veganism means avoiding the consumption of any kind of animal product such as meat, eggs and dairy. However this principle goes beyond diet and includes goods that come from animals such as leather, silk, wool, candles, soap, cosmetics and any other products that labs test on animals. One more point to note is that veganism is different from vegetarianism. Vegetarians only avoid eating the products of animal slaughter.
If you are planning to follow veganism, first you need to be more aware about the advantages and disadvantages of it and make sure that your decision is not only based on what environmental activists trying to say but you are actually considering your health as well.
PROS AND CONS ABOUT VEGANISM:
PRO: VEGANISM LOWERS THE CHANCE OF HEART DISEASE
Because vegan diets have zero intake of animal saturated fats the risk of heart disease in them is way lower than non-vegans.
CON:A VEGAN DIET INCREASES THE RISK OF HEART ATTACKS/STROKES
According to Oxford studies, those who follow planet -based diets have a lower risk of heart disease, but a higher risk of heart attacks. A vegan diet can lower cholesterol levels, which can lead to higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke (a kind of heart attack).
PRO: VEGANISM HELPS WITH WEIGHT LOSS
Plant-based foods are higher in fiber and lower in calories than animal-based foods, which can keep the body mass index (BMI) lower, and lead one to a healthy weight loss without cutting calories.
CON: VEGANISM CAN CAUSE RAPID AND UNHEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS.
While losing weight has lots of benefits for the body, a rapid and excessive weight loss is not healthy, and can cause people to regain the weight. The experts believe vegans can feel hungry more often than non-vegans, and this usually leads them to reach out for highly-processed, sugary, fatty, high-carb vegan foods and commercial vegan snacks.
PRO: REDUCE THE RISK OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
Scientific research shows that following a vegan diet can keep the blood sugar levels normal, increase insulin sensitivity, and as a result, reduce the risk of developing type – 2 diabetes.
CON: PLANT-BASED DIETS CAN LEAD TO A DEFICIENCY OF VITAL VITAMINS
Studies show that a diet without meat and dairy can lack vitamin B-12, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and folate. That can harm the central-nervous system and metabolic functions, and can cause general weakness, fatigue, constipation, and a lack of appetite, especially in children and young adults.
PRO: PLANT-BASED PROTEINS ARE RELIABLE ALTERNATIVE.
Pulses, which include the bean and pea family, are reliable sources of protein for vegans.
CON: DIGESTING PULSES IS CHALLENGING
Clinical research shows that digesting plant-based protein can be very challenging, especially for new vegans. It can cause bloating and trigger acid reflux, resulting in discomfort.
