The standard American diet is heavy on meat and dairy, both of which have been linked to diabetes, obesity, cancer and heart disease.
Since our diets impact our health in the present and long-term, it is crucial to think about the benefits of a plant-based vegan diet.
A plant-based vegan diet abstains from all animal products and focuses on consuming whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and starches such as potatoes and rice.
The benefits of this lifestyle are plentiful, but some key advantages are increased energy and productivity as well as decreased anxiety and depression.
The following common misconceptions about the vegan diet are simply false, and here’s why:
“Veganism is restrictive”
One of the most common misconceptions about a vegan diet is that you must give up
hamburgers, ice cream and pizza.
Vegan options of these popular foods are still available, just without the added harm to
your health or animals.
As veganism becomes more popular, companies are coming out with plenty of meat and dairy alternatives that are just as tasty as the real thing.
There are also a ton of vegan recipes that are not only delicious and healthy, but easy too!
“It’s impossible to get enough protein on a vegan diet”
The most annoying question a vegan probably gets is, “How do you get your protein?”
Contrary to popular belief, vegans actually average 70 percent more protein than the recommended amount.
Getting enough protein on a vegan diet is simple, as long as caloric intake is sufficient.
Foods like beans, lentils and tofu hold the most protein, but oatmeal, broccoli, brown rice and plenty of other whole foods contain protein as well.
“Veganism is not sustainable for long-term health”
While we know the high cholesterol and saturated fat content in meat and dairy are linked
to various diseases, studies show we can even reverse or stop heart disease with a plant-based diet.
By consuming less red meat, refined starches and sugars, and more fruits and vegetables, the risks of heart disease are greatly reduced.
Cutting out meat and dairy will not only prolong one’s lifespan, it will also reduce risk for disease and help reach optimal health.
“Humans are meant to eat meat and must do so in order to remain healthy”
Compared to carnivores, humans don’t have sharp front teeth to tear meat or the
intestinal tract and stomach acid necessary for digestion.
Carnivores have an intestinal tract that is three times their body length, which allows for decayed meat to pass through quickly and better digest.
Meanwhile, a human’s intestinal tract is 10-12 times their body length.
Carnivores also possess strong hydrochloric acid in their stomachs that breaks down and digests meat.
Human stomach acid is 20 times weaker than that of a meat-eater.
“Veganism is expensive”
Many people believe a vegan diet is expensive because of the pricey superfoods or
powders available.
While these products are nice treats every once in a while, they are not necessary for a healthy vegan diet.
Foods such as potatoes, rice, beans, broccoli and bananas are a few vegan staples that are
are extremely affordable and nutritious.
Shopping what’s in season, cooking your own meals, buying in bulk and using coupons
are also great ways to save money.
by Natalie Lennon
CougarBuzz 