Many people become vegans for different reasons, but one such reason that is always brought up is the health benefits of such a diet. Removing animal products from your everyday meals can be a huge leap for some people. To justify such willpower and switch over to plant-based foods, most people question if being vegan is healthier.
In some ways, there are good qualities of removing meat from your meals. Research has shown that people often go on these diets to combat obesity, which is a health epidemic that is rampant in the United States. Cardiovascular health is also improved with this kind of diet, as it can reduce the chances of heart disease and other issues. Vegans are also more likely to get exercise and make healthier choices than non-vegans.
While being vegan does provide benefits to the body, it also does have
some caveats that need to be considered. Vegan diets are notoriously known for having inadequate amounts of protein, which can cut down on muscle development. Many other nutrients and vitamins are far more prevalent in meat, like iron and calcium. Studies have even shown that mental health issues are more commonly associated with vegans than they are with meat-eaters. A proper vegan diet must make up for these shortfalls to limit these consequences.
Overall, veganism is not inherently healthier in all aspects, but it does provide specific benefits that may be helpful. Regardless of what you think about veganism, the body needs a healthy amount of nutrients to be fully efficient. If you can accept the drawbacks and refrain from using animal products, then a vegan diet might be up your alley!
