What is Vegan Diet? Let's Understand By Dr. Sameera Gupta
People who follow vegan diet plans can only have plant-based foods and beverages and they leave all animal products. Vegans will not have even milk as it is also an animal-derived product. The main aim is to eliminate the use of animal products. Vegan diet includes plenty of fruits, green vegetables, beans, nuts and grains.
Veganism works on the basic principle of not harming any animal. They don’t use animal products, clothes, makeup etc. We are only discussing the diet which is just one part of it.
Benefits Of A Vegan Diet
1. It Can Help You Lose Excess Weight-
People following the vegan diet take low-calorie food mostly due to which they lose weight without even actively focusing on cutting calories. A vegan diet is full of nutrients and mainly focuses on plant-based diets which keeps you full and at the same time reduces body fat. Having vegan food is not just a temporary thing actually it is a lifestyle. With a wide variety of food options also you can start your weight loss journey
2.Reduced Risk of Cancer
According to the World Health Organization, about one-third of all cancers can be prevented by factors within your control, including diet. Many studies have shown that if one goes for a vegan diet they can reduce the risk of developing cancer. People are benefited from the plant-based diet. If you have any family history of cancer then you should try a vegan diet plan to be safe.
3.Reduced Risk of Diabetes
Vegan diet also helps in reducing the risk of diabetes as it low calorie diet. Some studies have proved that plant based diets can even reverse diabetes .
4.Healthier Skin
It is observed that vegans have got healthy skin all that extra vitamins and consequent collagen results in younger skin. One may also get rid of acne and other skiing issues. Dairy products have growth hormones which can disrupt the human body”s hormone system.
5.Increase Fiber
When we replace animal proteins with beans and pulses the fiber content increases. Also a vegetarian diet is full of fibre which helps in digestion and keeps you full for a longer time.
Side Effects Of Vegan Diet
1. Dealing With Cravings
When someone makes a sudden change in their diet it becomes difficult for the body to adjust. Take gradual steps and don’t make drastic changes. Changing your diet away from the foods you were eating for years on end isn’t easy. Go for a balanced diet and cut down non veg and milk products one by one, that will make the process easy for you.
2. Hormones disruptions
People who are highly dependent on protein or follow an extreme workout routine should take professional advice first and should go for a customized vegan diet plan. Soy becomes a major source of protein. Soy milk and tofu plays a major role in diet but excess soy consumption causes hormonal imbalance it can result in irregular menstrual cycle and some skin problems too. You should choose alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk etc. A proper balanced diet will not create any issue.
3. Lack of iron
After cutting off non veg one may notice fatigue and nausea due to iron deficiency. Plant based diet also contains iron but plan based iron is called non-heme, it is much less absorbable by the body. Do keep your medical conditions and age factor in mind. Always before choosing any diet get medical checkup done and according to your goals then go for any diet.
So if you are thinking of going for a vegan diet then do your research go for medical checkup and talk to a professional. Never make any changes just because this seems healthy and fancy, find our what exactly is right for you. Dr. Sameera Gupta has 24+ years of experience in weight management. She has helped many people to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Call us today for expert advice.