Pros and cons of being a vegan
People have shown an increasing preference for diets free of animal products on the grounds of environmental, humanitarian, and cruelty concerns. This growing trend has brought veganism into the mainstream from being a peripheral diet option. Several scientific studies have shown that a vegan diet produces the most significant results in weight loss and further helps in treating various health complications.
Here are some of the pros and cons that one experiences by embracing veganism and its regimented diet.
Pros of being a vegan
With its benefits making headlines on both offline and online lifestyle news channels, veganism is the trend-setting diet plan.
- Effective in losing weight
An authentic vegan diet entails negligible calorie intake, which is significantly lower than even a formal vegetarian diet. This is because you are discarding fatty dairy intake in addition to cutting down meat consumption. It helps you immensely cut down on extra body fats faster. - Prevents the occurrence of diseases
A number of illnesses can be averted if one replaces a non-vegetarian diet with a vegan one. It has been evidenced that diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular issues, and diabetes are all linked with the intake of excess meat.
People who are environmentalists can find satisfaction by adopting this diet as it involves no animal cruelty. In fact, even the water required for producing plant protein is considerably lesser than what is required for producing animal protein. Moreover, amid the present environmental challenges, veganism is a viable dietary option for individuals.
Cons of being a vegan
One can elicit various health benefits of becoming a vegan, but this diet is not without any flaws. Some of the cons of veganism have been discussed here:
- Deprived of essential nutrients
There are some crucial nutrients that are found only in animals and thus absent in a vegan diet. Lack of omega 3 fats, calcium, and vitamin B-12 can eventually lead to nervous, bone, and muscle problems in an individual. For instance, fruits and vegetables cannot provide adequate B-12; hence, animal protein is indispensable in this regard. Hence, a totally vegan meal may not be a viable long-term choice. - Can lead to weight gain
Vegan meals follow a highly regimented pattern that beginners often struggle to follow. They might feel excessive hunger and end up eating junk or processed foods. In case this happens, the entire process backfires and people start gaining weight instead of losing it. - Discomfort from pulse consumption
Body mechanisms in some people do not support excessive consumption of pulses and legumes. Since veganism diets are primarily based on plant intake, it might prove detrimental for certain individuals. They feel bloated and constipated and might also suffer from other digestive issues.
One must not get swayed away by whatever latest trend they come across. Vegan diets might prove to be good for some, but they might not suit others. Therefore, choices should be made upon determining individual requirements.
