Going Vegan?

Are you about to jump into the no meat, no fish, no poultry, no eggs, no dairy and even honey bandwagon? If you are, then these foods will have to be struck off your cooking list. A vegan diet focuses on plant-based foods and beverages and eliminates all animal products. This is anchored in their compassionate element of ensuring that animals are not harmed as well as the perceived health benefits that come from this diet. Vegetables, fruits, legumes or beans contain antioxidants which have the ability to protect body cells from free radicals caused by pollutants in the air as a result of tobacco smoke and radiation among other causes.

Some vegans choose that route because they value the environment and support the sustainability of agriculture. Meat producing operations leave carbon footprints which some vegans are keen to reduce. Science has proven that overtime, a vegan diet assists with weight loss depending on what and how you're eating. The diet helps lower inflammation, improved blood pressure and lower cholesterol. Reduction of heart disease, diabetes and cancer are among other benefits.

However, a vegan might have a hard time choosing menus when dining out. Is a vegetarian able to consume adequate proteins, vitamins and minerals? When people think iron or proteins they are thinking of meat or poultry. Since vegans forego these, they should get an alternative which oftentimes comes in the form of beans or other legumes. Although beans and leafy greens are good sources, one can increase iron absorption by coupling them with foods that are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin D isn’t typically found in the vegan diet, but can be obtained through exposure to sunlight. For the vitamins that only occur naturally in animal foods, you’ll also need to supplement them with vitamin B12.