Have
you come across this new trend of vegan diet or more specifically high carb low
fat vegan diet? The trend of eating "whole foods and plant-based
diet" is booming all over the internet. Also the popularity of movies like
Forks
Over Knives and PlantPure Natio,
the books like Plant-Based Diets: A Physician's Guide, No
Meat Athlete is adding to it.
What does it really mean?
Vegan is actually
a lifestyle and not just a diet. Vegan is a person who does not consume any
animal product or byproduct. It not only involves being vegetarian but also
avoiding eggs, dairy products, milk, honey, leather, silk, wool, cosmetics, and
soaps derived from animal products.
Why Vegan?
A lot of people do it
to prevent the exploitation of animals and going vegan shows true compassion
and kind-heartedness for animals. Also number of people are going vegan because
of its scientifically proven health benefits too. A low fat vegan diet can
surely help you to lose weight and get healthier and fitter too. A major number
of vegans express that the most successful way to become a long-term vegan is
to do so gradually. In opinion of experts, it takes just 21days to have a
beneficial impact on excess weight by following a low fat vegan diet.
The
whole idea of vegan diet is to focus on including whole and natural foods in
the diet – plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains should be
incorporated. Take away sweets and oils from the diet as far as possible;
particularly processed or refined fats and sugars. Vegan diets have fewer saturated
fat and cholesterol and lot of fiber, folic acid, vitamins C and E, potassium,
magnesium and phytochemicals than non-vegetarian diets.
Health benefits of vegan diet
- Vegans tend to be leaner and have low body mass index.
- It increases the longevity of life.
- A well planned vegan diet aids in healthy weight loss.
- A healthy vegan diet gives you high energy and benefits your skin, hair and nails.
- Reduced conditions like allergies and migraine.
- It prevents from numerous diseases like obesity, blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, osteoporosis and some cancers including prostate and colon cancer.
Nutrition:
Veganism
can give best results when planned properly under the expert’s advice. But the
risk of insufficient amounts of key nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, vitamin
B-12, zinc and iron cannot be denied. So consult your nutritionist before going
vegan.
What is the role of physical activity?
Veganism
involves rules on what to eat and what to avoid, but that doesn't mean you
shouldn't move. Whatever diet you consume it doesn’t matter, the more you exercise,
the quicker you'll lose weight – and you'll reduce your risk of developing
diabetes, heart problems and other chronic diseases.
If
you make a functional vegan diet plan under the supervision of nutritionist, you
should be safe. But if you are suffering from several health conditions,
discuss with your doctor before going vegan.
Want
to know more?
For
more information on vegan diet, nutrition and its benefits, check out the links
mentioned below:
Online
- Veganism – Wikipedia article
- why go vegan?
- Resources: the vegan society
- 10 arguments against a vegan lifestyle
Books
- Becoming Vegan, Express Edition: The Everyday Guide to Plant-based Nutrition
- The Food Revolution: How Your Diet Can Help Save Your Life and Our World
- Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment Inside the U.S. Meat Industry
Documentaries
YouTube channels
References:
https://www.vegansociety.com
