The vegan diet, which includes only plant-based food, has definitely been one of the most talked-about things in recent times. And for all the good reasons! Because turning vegan not just helps to put a stop to animal cruelty but also has a plethora of health benefits.
But just like any other thing veganism has a flip side too. And you must know it before making the decision of going vegan for life. So this World Vegan Day, we talked to Amreen Shaikh, head dietician and nutritionist at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai, to understand if being vegan is good for you or is it just a fad.
She listed out these four things that happen to your body when you turn vegan
1. You can get micronutrient deficiencies
Turning vegan means you are cutting all the meat and even other animal products from your diet. This can cause a deficiency of micronutrients such as B12, iron, and calcium that are mostly found in meat. This lack of essential nutrients can cause fatigue and the feeling of tiredness.
“While you can get these nutrients from plant-based products as well, you might need to depend on supplements to meet your daily requirements,” says Amreen.
2. It Can create gastrointestinal disturbances
Since you are making a sudden change in your diet, it might take some time for your system to adjust to the change. This, in turn, can cause several gastrointestinal disturbances. Amreen says, “These disturbances will get better with time but this is something that you need to prepare for if you are planning to go vegan.”
3. You might gain weight
Just like with any other diet, being vegan also means you can fall prey to some bad habits. So keeping yourself on the right path and eating mindfully is the key. Amreen says, “Going vegan can help you lose weight, but it can also cause weight gain if your diet is not properly balanced.”
4. Foods might taste different
Zinc helps regulate the sense of smell and taste, so a lack of zinc in your body can change how things smell or taste. Since zinc is mostly found in poultry and red meat, going vegan might give you a deficiency of this micronutrient as well. “If you notice any change in your smell or taste you must include a zinc supplementation in your diet,” she concludes.
Remember, going vegan is completely your choice–and you must make it responsibly. Be aware of all the pros and cons of the vegan diet, before you embark on this journey.
Source: Hindustan Times
