Vegan, another name for vegetarianism, is a diet in which no animal products are eaten. Meat, eggs, milk and sometimes fish are all removed from the diet. Generally, vegetarians eat an entirely plant-based diet.
Reasons for becoming a vegetarian vary. Sometimes it’s for religious reasons, other times it’s because of a concern for the well being of animals. In any case, before deciding to become a vegan, you should research this way of eating and know what you are getting into.
There are benefits to eating vegan. The diet can lower cholesterol, improve heart health, lower blood pressure, help you lose weight and even help protect you against some cancers. Since vegans eat a lot of leafy greens, they have all the calcium and most of the vitamins they need. Eating vegan can strengthen your eye sight too.
However, there are many disadvantages in avoiding meat and animal products. Vitamin B12 is not found in plants, but it’s a very important vitamin and required for your body to function properly. Nursing mothers can actually cause neurological disorders in their children if they have low B12 levels when nursing.
Other vitamins that are sometimes overlooked by vegetarians are calcium and vitamin D. Both help maintain strong healthy bones and are not easily found in vegetables and grains. Unless the diet is monitored carefully, vegan children increase their risk of rickets and adults may decrease their nerve functionality.
Another concern is iodine. Iodine is primarily made from animal products and therefore avoided by vegans. Lack of iodine in your system can cause a mother to give birth to children who are prone to low I.Q.s as well as stunted growth and impaired motor functionality. Iodine deficiency can also cause hyperthyroidism in some people.
One of the most common vegan deficiencies is in Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Omega 3 is vitally important to brain function and brain growth. This deficiency can increase the risk of heart attacks, arthritis, heart disease and cancer.
The biggest concern is for children. Many deaths from malnutrition have been reported where the child was kept on a vegan diet.
