There are approximately 3.7 million vegans within the States. That alone makes up nearly 1 percent of the total population! When referring to the vegan lifestyle, I like to make sure that people know that converting to veganism is not some quick fix “diet” for weight loss. It’s often referred to as a new way of life. Veganism takes a lot of willpower, and more importantly, you have to do your research. We’re talking about altering your entire lifestyle folks!
One of the biggest misconceptions about becoming vegan is that this lifestyle change only excludes meat. That’s the furthest thing from the truth that I’ve ever heard. Veganism involves cutting out ALL animal sources of food be it meat, eggs, dairy products and even honey! Did you know that?
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Research proves that things can get a bit controversial when we address the vegan lifestyle as more beneficial than its counterparts. There’s enough room for debate and it, sure, is never-ending.
Loren Cordain, professor emeritus of health and human sciences at Colorado State University stated that “a vegan diet “looks” very healthy, but primarily in short-term, compared to the average American diet,” which may not be as grueling.
Vegans can enjoy the following:
- Abundance of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables
- Minimize the use of processed food items (only vegan processed foods)
- Cooked meals; primarily from scratch
- Eating in a peaceful way
- Exposure to all kinds of organic products
With high profile celebrity endorsements from the likes of Beyonce and Ellen Degeneres, the vegan lifestyle is undoubtedly going to gain all the accolades. But is it truly beneficial for you?
Researchers believe that switching to veganism may play a part in lowering the total cases/rates of cancer and ischemic heart disease.
More and more researchers are getting hooked on the hot topic of a vegan lifestyle, and it’s good and bad effects.
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However, because it’s commonly argued that a vegan based diet saves us from different health issues, we don’t usually hear about the downside to veganism. Just a little food for thought; a vegan based diet can cause absence of proteins. Proteins are building blocks for enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and hemoglobin in the body and without an adequate supply of protein, the body can develop many health concerns.
Moreover, converting to veganism needs to be planned thoroughly, and particular attention should be paid to vitamin B12, which is provided through meat, dairy products, and eggs.
Of course, a vegan diet is, no doubt, the more beneficial route over the refined carb and sugar-heavy eating patterns. However, for overall health and longevity, it is my preference to partake in a lifestyle that allows moderations of eggs, fish, and meat.
Find out what works for you because everything isn’t for everybody!
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