By Jaya Mohan, Nutriotionist
A polish friend was visiting India and he happened to stay with us for a few days. His food became a real challenge. Not that he was a fussy eater or didn’t like Indian food but he was a Vegan. Till then I mistook being vegan is being vegetarian but thanks to Emil that was my first encounter with Veganism.
Veganism means staying away just not from meat but animal products too. And just not on your plate but its a philosophy which rejects the commodity status of animals. Its a way of life that supports the ethical treatment of every living being and opposes the psychological and physical stress that animals go through.
This way of eating is increasingly gaining popularity and just not among celebrities, but lots of people are turning towards veganism for its health benefit too.
Veganism is a plant-based diet and it eliminates meat and dairy product from your diet. Here is a list of food are included and excluded in a vegan diet.
What can you eat?
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Vegetables & fruits
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Pulses, legumes, and rice
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Nuts and seeds
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Dairy alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk
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Tofu
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Vegetable oils
What can’t you eat?
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All kind of Meat & eggs
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No milk, ghee, butter, cheese, paneer, or curd
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Ice cream, honey, mayonnaise
Benefits of a Vegan diet
GOOD for BOWELS- a healthy digestive tract since a Vegan diet is high in both soluble and insoluble fibre. Trillions of friendly bacteria colonise the small and large intestine and these microorganisms flourish on a high fibre diet.
Low in Cholesterol – Vegan diets contain less saturated fats and cholesterol than a diet that includes meat. High levels of fat and cholesterol can increase clogging of arteries which can contribute to heart disease.
Maintains acid-alkaline balance- Daily biochemical processes inside our body occur more efficiently if it is in an alkaline state. The food that we eat has a profound effect on whats called as acid-alkaline balance. Animal and dairy products along with caffeine and alcohol can have an acidifying effect of body fluids and tissue. Plant-based foods have an alkalising effect on the body as opposed to animal-sourced foods.
Helps in creating antioxidant-The increased levels of fresh fruits and vegetables in vegan diets bring in an abundant supply of antioxidants and phytonutrients, thus boosting body immunity.
To be VEGAN or not to be VEGAN can be completely an individual choice. Having said that, it is extremely important to have not only commitment but also education and variety before embracing this diet so as not to fall prey to any kind of deficiencies and lack of nutrients.
