18 Nov VEGANISM – JUST A TREND OR THE FUTURE OF NUTRITION?
youDRESSED Editor
Hardly any diet attracts more attention than this one. Quite a few people who follow this diet report their successes and the positive effects on their body and soul. We are talking about the vegan way of eating. We inform you about it and give you the necessary background knowledge here.
Is veganism really that healthy or is it just much fuss about nothing and hyped up by media and influencers?
VEGAN… WHAT?
At the beginning we want to explain briefly what Veganism actually is. The Verbraucherzentrale answers this question as follows:
“While vegetarians consume products from living animals such as dairy products, eggs or honey, vegans avoid them completely. They eat only plant-based food. Additives and flavors, dietary supplements and medicines should also not be of animal origin. Furthermore, some vegans refrain from using materials derived from animals for clothing and everyday items, such as wool and leather.” (Source: Verbraucherzentrale.de)
Basically, this sounds like an interesting way of life. However, the question quickly arises whether you get all the nutrients and minerals you need. After all, it is always said that you should eat meat and fish to get enough protein, iron and omega-3 fatty acids, among other things.
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SO WHAT IS THE TRUTH ABOUT THIS WAY OF LIFE?
The fact is, vegans get comparatively less iron, calcium, iodine, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and B vitamins from their diet. Consequently, these nutrients must be supplemented.
On the subject of proteins: These can be supplied very well through legumes and nuts.
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BENEFITS OF VEGANISM:
- You no longer support factory farming and the slaughter of animals.
- You make a positive contribution to world nutrition and climate protection. Because 1kg of meat requires an average of 3 kg of grain, 15,400 liters of water, 22 kg of greenhouse gases and an usable area between 27 and 49m².
- It also offers numerous health benefits. For example, it lowers your cholesterol levels, which in turn leads to a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. Likewise, it reduces the likelihood of developing cancer, diabetes and gout.
In general, however, one should be careful when looking at such studies on this diet. Not infrequently, the average consumer is compared here with a vegan and one comes to the conclusion that the latter is healthier. The problem with these studies, however, is the comparison itself. The average consumer eats more meat than recommended, has too little exercise and is overweight.
ANIMALS OR PLANTS? – THAT IS THE QUESTION
Furthermore, the German Nutrition Society does not recommend a vegan diet for pregnant women or during breastfeeding. Likewise, children and adolescents should refrain from it in order to obtain all the nutrients they need. Who nevertheless does not want to do it without, should consult an expert here.
Veganism is an interesting thing. By the fact that important nutrients must be supplemented, one should argue consciously with its nutrition. Whether in it the future lies, is not yet completely answerable. After all, the consumption of meat, fish and other animal foods facilitates the supply of nutrients in a natural way. Studies comparing vegans and people with an omnivorous lifestyle (people who do not abstain from animal products) even concluded that veganism is healthier. However, this is only true if the individuals otherwise maintain the same lifestyle habits, such as exercise and a conscious diet.
Source cover image: Unsplash / Claudio Schwarz
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