Is a vegan diet healthy? Should we all go vegan?

Vegans abstain from consuming all animal products (including dairy and eggs). We look at the the pros and cons of a vegan diet. Is veganism a healthy choice? 

Is a vegan diet healthy?

Veganism means abstaining from the use of animal products. Dietary vegans refuse to consume not only meat or fish but also any other product derived from animals including milk and eggs. This restriction is not limited to food but includes also any other product related to animals (for example leather bags or clothes) for lifestyle vegans. Veganism is grounded on a philosophy of life seeking to prevent animal exploitation. Many ask themselves: Should I go vegan? Before making such a choice it may be a good idea to get some extra infromation on the pros and cons of being vegan, and hear from the experiences of others.

Pros and cons of veganism

There are different studies about the impact of a vegan diet on human health - some of them show advantages and others disadvantages. These are some of them of the pros and cons of veganism suggested by nutritionists and other experts:

Pros of vegan diets:

• Veganism may help to lower blood pressure.
• Vegan food has significant lower fat content. It may help lower blood cholesterol and LDL colesteral levels, when compared to those who eat meat.
• Vegan food is arguably cheaper.
• Vegans usually eat more vegetables, fruts, whole grains, and legumes.
• From an ethical perspective, vegans take satisfaction from their lifestyle which is more respectful to the environment. 
• Arguably being vegan requires discipline but also helps promote self-control and awareness of issues that affect our planet.

Cons of vegan diets:

• Some medical conditions, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, could be aggravated by a vegan diet.
• The process of becoming vegan can be challenging. It could be a difficult change food habits. Family and close friends may need to adapt their cooking style to take into consideration the new food limitations of the vegan.
• Some essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamin B12 are not contained in the food vegans usually eat. Some supplements and special foods (fake meat, fortified soya drinks, nutritional yeast) may be required to compensate. In particular vegans who are pregnant or breastfeeding need to be especially careful.
• Following a balanced vegan diet requires more planning than an omnivorous diet. 
• Vegans miss out on many delicious dishes. Of course no steaks, fish sushi, etc. Their self-imposed restrictions are tough even when compared with those of vegetarians For instance, no cheeses, pizzas, omelettes, milk-shakes, or ice-creams.

Overall what do you think of vegan diets? There are many reasons why you should go vegan, but also reasons why becoming vegan may be complicated.

Watch these contrasting videos on whether vegan diets are healthy

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