Numerous studies have already proven that veganism can save us from chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. In addition to the health benefits of a vegan diet, a cruelty-free vegan lifestyle based on compassion for animals and a commitment to limiting environmental damage has an overall positive effect on our sense of self.
But while veganism is the best alternative to any diet, eating a plant-based diet is not a XNUMX% guarantee of health! There are some pitfalls along the way, which even those who have been a vegan for more than a year sometimes encounter.
Experts point out the 4 most common vegan health mistakes that should be avoided in order not to inadvertently complicate your life.
1. Think Vegans Never Get Sick
In the 1970s, an instructive incident occurred in the world of athletics. Best-selling book author and marathon runner Jim Fix, at 52, suddenly collapsed dead during his daily run. As shown by the autopsy, the athlete died of progressive heart failure. At the same time, Fix often stated that he could eat whatever he wanted – it was not for nothing that he had run so many miles in his life.
Vegans can fall into the same trap. Lower rates of chronic disease in vegans do not mean they are definitely out of the risk zone! Vegans can also develop diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and other serious disorders. In addition, most people who are now vegan have been eating meat for many years before, which means that some diseases may already have appeared in their bodies. Like everyone else, vegans need to undergo regular examinations and diagnostics in order to detect the presence of diseases in time and prevent their development.
It’s also important to remember that a vegan diet won’t keep you healthy if you eat too many processed foods that are high in oils, trans fats, sugars, and salt.
2. Don’t stick to a healthy lifestyle
Organic and plant-based, low-oil foods are extremely healthy choices, but they are only part of a healthy lifestyle plan.
Vegans looking to stay healthy should add more exercise to their schedule, as well as stop smoking.
Regular 8-hour sleep at night will significantly reduce the risk of developing heart disease compared to those who sleep less than 5 hours.
Your efforts to stick to the ideal vegan diet can provoke endless comments from colleagues, family, and friends. This situation can cause a lot of stress, and to overcome it, try to master breathing practices, yoga, or a developmental hobby like playing music.
3. Don’t take vitamins
Medical observations show that vegans often lack iron, iodine, taurine, vitamins B12, D, K, and omega-3. For a vegan diet to be truly healthy, it’s important to remember to get these nutrients.
You can get the amount of omega-3 you need by eating two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds with herbs, walnuts and chia seeds daily. Seaweed and nori can be a source of iodine. Some types of mushrooms and plant-based milks are rich in vitamin D. Spinach, tofu, beans, lentils, and sunflower seeds are good sources of iron.
If you’re not getting enough vitamins from your diet, consider using vegan supplements. And to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients, be sure to take a blood test from time to time to determine the level of vitamins.
4. Consider any product labeled “vegan” useful
Obviously broccoli, potatoes, beans, etc. are whole foods packed full of health benefits (and hopefully grown without industrial chemicals). What can not be said about the semi-finished products that are actively offered to us by manufacturers – you can not expect health benefits from them.
Snacking on soda, chips, and vegan nuggets can be delicious, but it’s a far cry from healthy eating.
Another trap for vegans is processed grains, often used in cookies, muffins, breads, and other baked goods, as opposed to 100% whole grains, which are healthier.
It never hurts to take a moment to read the ingredients of a product before you buy it and eat it!