Is Veganism Really the Healthier Lifestyle Choice?

Veganism is booming more than ever before as more health-conscious people strive to lead the kind of lifestyle that can enhance their well-being; that’s why most are developing a taste for strictly plant-based foods.

Caring for the environment and animals is still a priority, but veganism is a wellness trend dominating the world as people believe it promotes a healthier diet: but is veganism really as healthy as they say? Cutting down dairy and meat products seems like the better choice, but being vegan doesn’t automatically mean you’re the healthiest. After all, what you eat will still affect your nutritional intake.

A Bite Out of Vegan Diet: Is it the Holy Grail for Health-Conscious Eaters?

The first thing to note about veganism is that it’s truly an ethical choice. It eliminates any form of animal consumption and can lower your carbon footprint on the environment, making the vegan diet a sustainable way to help the world heal.

But focusing on vegetables, non-starchy and starchy foods like legumes, lentils, peas, nuts, seeds, fruits, grains, soy products, and more doesn’t mean you’re completely healthy too. Before we dive into what’s missing, let’s highlight the health benefits of going vegan.

Veganism Does Improve Your Health in More Ways Than One?

Indulging in a plant-based diet such as veganism can do wonders for your health, particularly in reducing your body weight, lowering blood pressure, and mitigating bad cholesterol. Since a vegan diet is primarily comprised of fibre, folate, and foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium, you can also expect a significant reduction in cardiovascular diseases and other chronic conditions.

Veganism also improves your glucose control, which ultimately lowers your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Veganism: What’s the Catch?

However, it’s also important to understand what your body will be missing out on when you switch to a vegan lifestyle. Besides craving steaks and burgers, straying away from being an omnivore means you’ll lack other essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamin B-12.

It’s important to supplement your diet with the essential nutrients your body needs to stay completely healthy; that’s why there are DHA supplements and vegan options high in protein, omega-3 fats, and vitamins. For example, fortified beverages made from soy, almonds, or rice are an excellent source of vitamin B-12.

Legumes like kidney beans, baked beans, and navy beans also offer plenty of calcium, while you can increase your iron intake by including dried fruits like raisins, dark green vegetables like collards, or quinoa in your vegan diet.

The Bottom Line: The Importance of Maintaining a Balanced Diet, Vegan or Not.

Just like any diet, the best way to maximize its potential and improve your health is to ensure you’re getting the right amount of nutrients, minerals, and all the essential amino acids you need to become healthier physically and mentally.

Are You Looking for Vegetarian Restaurants in Montreal, Canada?

When the craving to switch to healthier eating habits strikes, Veganation is one of the best plant-based restaurants in town that can serve you a delectable feast of greener options. Our vegetarian and vegan-friendly recipes are packed with flavour, making our healthy eats a gastronomic experience on their own.

From the best veggie burgers, vegan ice cream, vegan pizza, and more, we can take your vegan lifestyle to the next level! We also offer subscription box services for vegan dishes, so check us out today and see how our vegan recipes ideas can inspire you to take over your home kitchen too.