Vegan diet is known for having several health benefits (Photo credit: Pexels)
New Delhi: Going vegan is no more a fad but has now become a preferred lifestyle choice for many. Though the people who are canvassing for vegan diet point to more than one reason for going vegan, the main reason why people are taking the vegan option is the perceived health benefits it offers.
Nutritionist Ashish Rani, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, said, “A vegan diet, which is essentially a plant based diet, is made up of elements such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. The thing to note is that all these foods are naturally rich in essential nutrients, vital for overall well-being of a human.”
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Health benefits of vegan diet
Plant based sources provides enough proteins
Plant-based sources such as legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), tofu, tempeh, quinoa, and nuts, are enough to take care of all your protein needs. The expert said, “If you want to give a boost to your immune function, vision or bone health, then a plant based diet will provide you with all the vitamins and minerals you need. A diverse plant-based diet provides an impressive list of vitamins including A, C, E, and K, as well as folate, magnesium, and potassium.”
Dietary fiber
Another thing that a vegan diet has in abundance is dietary fiber. These dietary fibres a long way in giving you great gut health, a robust digestive system, helps you regulate your blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Healthy fats
Another important section of the vegan diet is the nuts and seeds. These, in addition to some fruits such as avocados and olives are brimming with healthy fats, omega-3 and omega -6 fatty acids. “These healthy fats give your health multiple benefits including improving your hearth health, brain health and reduce inflammation,” Rani added.
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Varied colored fruits when consumed greatly reduces your risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and other cardiovascular disorders. Plant based diet are enough to meet all your calcium needs, essential for your continued bone health. Fortified plant milks (soy, almond, oat), tofu, leafy greens (kale, pokchoi), and almonds are equally effective in meeting calcium needs.
While vegan diet is among the healthiest diet, packaged products can be deceiving. Hence, it is important to read the ingredients carefully and choose vegan products wisely.
