A vegan diet is a diet that involves a decision to avoid eating animal products. Although the definition of the vegan style diet is fairly simple, this kind of dietary choice can be complex and difficult in practice. There are also a wide range of types of vegan diets and similar diets.
An individual can choose a vegan style diet for weight loss, or as a result of a personal philosophy. The vegan diet is more restrictive than a vegetarian diet, where participants avoid eating meat. In a vegan type of diet, participants avoid not only meat, but all other animal products including “lacto ovo” (milk and egg) products.
Consumer research shows that many people find the idea of cutting both meat and dairy products to be severely restrictive, and reject this kind of dietary plan based on issues of practicality. Those who actually practice a vegan diet are often very dedicated to restricting their diet in these ways. Food science does show some specific benefits of this type of diet.
A vegan style diet usually reduces the amount of cholesterol that builds up in the body. These diets are often relatively low in fat. In addition, vegans point to meat consumption as a primary factor in many types of degenerative conditions that relate to the buildup of either bacteria or toxins in the body.
In the past, many critics of the vegan diet have asked how this kind of diet can allow for sufficient protein to allow the body to function well. Some nutritionists have come to the aid of vegans, explaining how this kind of diet can provide necessary protein levels. According to these scientists, plant proteins can provide the levels that humans generally need.
There are a number of different groups within the general vegan community. Some practice a raw diet, where foods must be consumed raw without being cooked. Raw food vegans say cooking food leaches out beneficial vitamins and minerals, and that eating raw foods promotes a healthier lifestyle.
A vegan type of diet plan can be helpful in decreasing a person’s weight and leading to healthier eating. It’s important to make sure that any diet contains the full range of nutritional elements that the body needs. Someone who has complications with a vegan diet can consult with their family physician and a trained nutritionist for the best chance at developing a workable personal diet plan.