Is the vegan diet healthy? Holistic Health Coach, Stephen Daniele, gives some nutrition facts on veganism and if a plant based diet can improve wellness.
The vegan diet is part of a lifestyle that excludes the consumption or use of any products made from animals, including honey, eggs, gelatin, or dairy. There are important differences between the vegan and vegetarian diets that impact food choice and nutritional intake. The main difference is that vegetarians do not eat meat but will continue to consume dairy products and eggs, whereas vegans consume no animal products at all. Animal products are important sources of protein, fat, iron, vitamins, and minerals, which means anyone following a vegan diet needs to find alternative sources of these nutrients.
All protein, vitamins, and minerals must come from non-animal sources, so food choice and preparation are of the upmost importance. One example is with the mineral calcium. Calcium is important for bone and dental health. For the average American, milk and cheese are good sources of calcium. For a vegan, figs, kale, spinach, black-eyed peas, and turnip greens can be excellent sources of calcium. Another example is with iron. Iron is a mineral found in every cell in the body and is an important nutrient for absorbing oxygen into the blood and transporting it to the cells in the body. Dried beans and dark leafy greens are one way to get iron in the diet, along with using a cast-iron skillet to prepare meals.
An entirely plant-based diet has low health risks, but careful planning is needed to maintain nutritional balance as vegans are more prone to shortages of vital nutrients.
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