Veganism, a hot ticket in the theatres of Lifestyle. Is it worth the buzz?

Veganism brings a sour taste to our mouth as we imagine ourselves craving milk and poultry products we proportionately consume in our daily lives. It’s time to introspect the same. 

Veganism, a flesh free extreme form of vegetarianism, dates back before the term was coined in 1944. Vegetarianism was first mentioned by the Greek Philosopher and Mathematician Pythagoras around 500 BCE.

The concept is present in Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, promoting benevolence and harmony among beings, as they advocate humans not to inflict pain on animals. 

70%+ Indians consume meat, yet the proportion of meat consumption is less than the west. With a significant proportion of essentials products common to Indian and vegan kitchens, the transition seems fluent.

Belly Rules the mind. 

A meatless lifestyle isn’t an easy feat. However, multiple psychological and physiological benefits of minimal meat consumption tip the scale in its favour. 

Personally, as I increased my daily intake of fresh leafy fruits and vegetables, a feel-good factor coupled with higher energy levels and better mood ensured my consistency. 

Here’s what you can Eat? 

Fruits and Vegetables 

Legumes like peas, beans, lentils 

Nuts and Seeds 

Vegetable Oils and Dairy Products alternatives like coconut, soy, oat and almond milk, to name a few. 

AVOID? 

Meat and poultry products 

Dairy Products- Cheese, buttermilk, even chocolate  

Mayonnaise (contains egg yolks) 

Honey 

Fun Fact- Dairy Free Chocolate keeps the chocolate cravings at bay. 

Before we begin our first step towards veganism, here are some Health Benefits- 

1. Lower Odds of experiencing heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, some kinds of cancer- INCREASED LIFE EXPECTANCY 

2. Higher Nutritional Values- Higher Consumption of fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains are rich in fibre, antioxidants, and other compounds that enrich your body with essential nutrients that aid in simple necessary body functions like digestion, kidney and liver health, maintaining blood sugar levels 

3. Lower Body Mass index leading to better body weight consumption 

4. It benefits people suffering from Arthritis as it reduces pain level, swelling and morning stiffness. 

5. Improved Mental Health- stress levels go down with the correct balance of all essential nutrients. 

6. Sustainable, with minimal impact on the environment as animals and other beings alike continue to strive in their natural habitat, maintaining the food chain positively impacting our future generations’ capabilities. 

Decided to go vegan yet?  

Here’s another side. 

RISKS-  

Protein power packs chemical reactions in our bodies. Lack of meat and dairy products deficit the body with essential nutrients like Protein, Calcium, zinc, omega three fatty acids, zinc and vitamin B12. 

Here are a few examples of alternatives to consider  

Feel Free to lookup more 🙂 

Soy milk, broccoli, kale, almonds make up for Calcium 

Tofu, soy nuts, spinach, peanut butter for Iron 

Flax seeds, vegetable oils, plant-based supplements for Omega 3 Fatty Acids 

Nuts, soy, beans and quinoa for Protein 

MISSING NUTRIENT ALTERNATIVES? VITAMIN B12  

Unfortunately, plant sources aren’t sufficient to make up for this essential nutrient responsible for producing red blood cells and DNA.  

Required Supplements coupled with foods like- nutritional yeast, plant milk, tempeh, mushrooms and seaweed will make up for the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) of B12. 

Beginnings are HARD. Cutting out poultry, milk products at an instant isn’t an easy feat. It’s imperative to start slowly consistently, as you minimize your meat intake and increase the proportion of healthy leafy vegetables, fruits, essential nuts and legumes. 

Conclusion? 

A definitive conclusion seems like a dilemma.  

Keeping in mind the risks and health benefits of veganism, it’s imperative to maintain a nutrient balanced, rich diet to make up for all the essentials meat provides and vegan lacks with the help of alternatives. 

It’s time for us to retrospect the environmental impact of each of our habits and act on it; meanwhile, let’s introspect on what we want to nourish our mind and souls with, for the mind consumes the same we feed our body with.