Becoming A Vegan: Some Advantages And DisadvantagesThere are many reasons to go vegan between good health, animal rights and being hip. Veganism is the strictest form of vegetarianism where a person avoids all animal products including meat, dairy, etc. It is growing in popularity as more and more people see the benefits of this diet. The availability of vegan pizza in Sayreville NJ also makes this lifestyle easy to follow.
But there are also many health, social, economic and practical reasons why it may not be the best option for you. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a vegan to decide it's a good life choice.
Pros Of Veganism
Plant-based foods tend to contain lower amounts of saturated fats than animal-based foods. It's why vegans tend to be slimmer than other people. They also tend to maintain their weight for a long time. So looking for vegan versions of your favorite Italian food in Sayreville NJ can help you shed some pounds.
Veganism focuses on plant products like vegetables, nuts, fruits and grains. These food items are rich in essential nutrients like vitamins, fibers, magnesium, iron and folates that play important roles in a healthy digestive system.
A fiber-rich diet ensures that your digestive system processes and excretes food properly. This diet also promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut that help with digestion.
Studies associate a slight reduction in cancer risk among vegetarians. Vegans, in particular, are less likely to develop female-specific cancers and other types of cancers. Though the benefit isn't significant and is linked to vegans having more fruits and vegetables rather than abstaining from non-veg food.
Non-meat eaters are less likely to develop heart diseases than meat eaters. It’s because they eat food that keeps cholesterol and blood sugar under control. People who don’t eat meat also have good blood pressure.
Studies show that you need more resources (like land and water) to grow livestock than to grow crops. Moreover, animals produce more greenhouse gases (like methane and carbon dioxide) than plants do. So going vegan can reduce and control global warming.
No animals are killed or harmed to produce plant-derived products. So choosing to become vegan can help protect animal rights.
Cons Of A Vegan Diet
There aren't many restaurants that cater to the vegan diet. This makes it hard for vegans to dine out, especially with non-vegetarian acquaintances. So you need to learn how to cook to eat well.
It takes some resources and effort to produce alternatives to animal products. It's why vegan meat and soy milk tend to cost more than animal derived counterparts.
Plant foods are rich in many nutrients but either lack some nutrients or what they contain can't be processed. Vitamin B12 is one such nutrient that is only available in animals in sufficient amounts. Vitamin D is also obtained through animal products and sunlight exposure. You may need to rely on supplements for nutritional balance
Veganism has made many strides over the years but has not gained mainstream acceptance. It's hard for a vegan to dine out with others without acquaintances questioning everything about their life choices. Social media is filled with memes about veganism. People tend to think of vegans as snobbish and preachy due to the pop culture depictions. It takes courage and dedication to ignore social stigma. Joining vegan groups can help.
If good health is your main motivation to go vegan, then you should avoid plant-based junk food. They may contain excessive amounts of sugar, carbs, artificial colors, etc.
Conclusion
Veganism undoubtedly has many health benefits but requires supplements to make up for its health demerits. You also need to avoid junk food. It also takes more effort to follow this diet due to social stigma, lack of options and costs. But the benefits to animals and the environment may make it worth ordering a vegan pizza in Sayreville NJ.
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