Whether it’s for health reasons or ethical reasons, going vegan has become a growing movement in the last decade. A more extreme version of vegetarianism, veganism is a type of vegetarian diet that excludes meat, eggs, dairy products, and all other animal-derived ingredients. Veganism has been praised for its ability to create clean, disciplined bodies and in some instances, help women lose weight more easily. However, recent studies have argued that veganism may actually be harmful to women in the long run, depriving them of valuable nutrients and protein. So before making the switch, consider some of the pros and cons of going vegan.
Advantages:
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A vegan diet can help treat IBS, allergies, migraines, arthritis, and other health issues
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Fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients and therefore strengthen the immune system… meaning less colds!
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The vegan diet is more nutritious, consisting of only plant products
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Cutting out animal fats and proteins can be useful for weight management and weight control
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Saturated and animal fats can decrease your energy level—cutting out these kinds of foods increases energy
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Vegan diets reduce the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol
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Veganism promotes better self control, also contributing to weight management
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Better skin and healthier hair… who doesn’t want in on that?
Disadvantages:
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Loss of important vitamins and nutrients as vegan diets are often low in B12 and vitamin D
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Going vegan often cuts out calcium and iron, which are especially important parts of a women’s diet
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Deficiencies of valuable nutrients can lead to issues like anemia or osteomalacia, which is a condition that damages bones
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Difficult when dining out (although many restaurants have created vegetarian and vegan options)
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It can be a difficult and radical change cutting out major food groups
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Going vegan can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations of health improvements and weight loss
Tips for going vegan in a healthy way:
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Consult with a doctor to ensure that veganism is a healthy option for your body
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Gradually transition into the change so your body has time to adapt—start vegetarian before jumping to vegan
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Read labels carefully
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Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about supplements and vitamins that can make up for missing nutrients in the vegan diet
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Keep tabs on the changes you experience in the first few weeks of going vegan such as your energy level and immune system
Sources:
http://www.vegansouls.com/health-benefits-of-going-vegan
http://www.aarp.org/food/diet-nutrition/info-02-2011/9-pros-and-cons-to-going-vegan.html