Making a change to become a vegan could bring benefits to your health, society, food security, the environment and more. But while it may be the right choice, you should know of the possible health disadvantages too.
Veganism is more than just a type of diet, thus, not only do vegans not eat meat, dairy, eggs, or any type of animal-derived products, they also do not use products of animal origin, such as leather goods and certain types of cosmetics and clothing.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of becoming vegan:
Advantages:
Increased happiness
There has been some evidence that plant-based diets are associated with improved mood. According to one study, less consumption of meat, fish and poultry led to bettered emotions, while veganism also reduced stress and anxiety.
Improved digestive health
If you regularly deal with constipation and other digestive issues, getting your digestion and bowel movements back on track can be as simple as following a plant-based diet. There is evidence to suggest that red meat can cause constipation and other gastrointestinal issues.
Lower blood pressure
Several organisations, such as the British Heart Foundation and Blood Pressure UK, recommend increasing vegetable, fruit, nut, and wholegrain intake to help lower blood pressure. Plant-based diets reduce blood pressure substantially, according to research.
Lower cholesterol levels
An analysis of 49 studies concluded that vegans tend to have lower cholesterol levels than meat and dairy consumers. In contrast, lentils, beans, vegetables, nuts, and tofu help to naturally reduce cholesterol.
Live longer
Our diet is an integral part of our lifestyle, and hence, plays a key part in how long we live. It has been found that animal products, even eggs, reduce life expectancy. Green foods, on the other hand, are associated with longer lives.
Disadvantages:
Nutritional deficits
A plant-only diet may be restrictive in the sense that you’ll have to cut out entire food groups that are a straightforward and reliable source of certain nutrients. These include iron, vitamin B12, iodine, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids – all of which are found in abundance in animal products like honey, meat, fish, and eggs.
Digestive problems
Our gut is an incredibly complex system that controls our digestion and influences our immune system. But when you undergo a change in diet, your nutrients and gut bacteria also change. It’s normal to experience side effects like increased gas, constipation, bloating and diarrhoea.
Weight gain or loss
It is common for people to lose (or gain) weight as a negative side effect of going vegan. Hence, there is a chance that some people may struggle to meet their calorie requirements because of switching.
Tiredness
It is common for someone to feel lethargic when switching to a vegan diet. A nutritional deficiency or a drastically reduced calorie intake can induce this negative side effect.
Social support
It is common to have no other choice than chips or a salad when dining out with non-vegan friends, and if those aren’t available, then vegans just must go hungry. Sometimes, this might even result in being left out of party invitations, which can be incredibly disheartening. Although this doesn’t seem like a physical health disadvantage, it can become mentally tiring to always have to explain to people about what veganism is and why you choose to practice it.
Depending on your existing health conditions and other factors, it may be a suitable change in your life. However, discuss the benefits in more detail with your doctor before deciding. Sources:
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