Do you have doubts about the vegan diet? If you have ever considered eliminating animal products from your diet or simply are curious, this is for you.
Following a vegan diet means completely eliminating the consumption of all foods of animal origin that is, meat, fish, dairy products, eggs and honey – in short a SOS free diet. In addition, vegans also reject the use of any product of animal origin such as skins, feathers, silk or those that are tested on animals. It is a lifestyle, increasingly present, which seeks to avoid the suffering and death of animals, among other reasons.
Vegan is not the same as being a strict vegetarian
Being a vegan implies a complete lifestyle. In case that only a food of this type was taken, the correct term would be “strict vegetarian”. Normally, a person who is inclined towards veganism does not do so by leading a healthier life, but for other reasons such as the defense of animals, sustainability, food sovereignty, and solidarity, political or religious issues.
However, there are people who decide to take a strictly vegetarian dietor vegetarian to dry, for health. In the case of a strictly vegetarian diet, they will eliminate all products that are of animal origin, including dairy products and eggs and if it is only a vegetarian diet, they will only eliminate meat and fish, keeping other products of animal origin as those already mentioned.
Is the vegan diet recommended at a nutritional level?
“Yes, if it is well planned. The most important thing is to confirm the diet well and to control that it has all the necessary nutrients. The base should be vegetables and fruits, but it also has to have a protein intake from legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu or other soy derivatives, whole grains, etc. Neither should healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado be left out.
In addition, it is important to supplement it with vitamin B12 supplements, to avoid the risk of having deficit of it by eliminating the consumption of foods of animal origin. That is to say, to take a vegan diet or strict vegetarian is not synonymous of a healthy feeding. Like an omnivorous diet, it is not either. They are only if they are properly raised and are composed of all the necessary nutrients. To make sure this is the case, it is best to go to a dietitian-nutritionist. The professional can elaborate a specific diet that covers all your individual needs.
Is the vegan diet suitable for all ages and stages of life?
These diets are appropriate for all stages of life including pregnancy, breastfeeding, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and also athletes. Therefore, the answer is yes, as long as it is executed properly. Both children and pregnant women or lactating women, who are usually the groups that generate more doubts, can take a vegan diet. However, it is important that this is adapted to the specific needs of each stage of life, so again it is very important to go to a professional to avoid unnecessary risks.
