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Are Vegan Supplements Better For Your Health?

Many people are becoming a lot more conscious of what they are putting into their bodies, which has caused a big hype around a vegan diet.

Based on a fair amount of research, a plant-based diet is the best way to eat for long-term health.

There are various health benefits to it, but it is also important to note the supplements and minerals you may need to start taking. Here’s what you need to know:

Health Benefits Of A Vegan Diet

A vegan diet is linked to a wide range of health benefits as it can eliminate some of the possible risks that come from eating animal products.

A vegan diet can provide a person with all the nutrients they need if they eat the right foods and the right amount.

The top benefit is better heart health. Plant foods are the best sources of fiber, whereas animal products are sources of saturated fat, which raises your cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of strokes and heart disease.

Eating plant-based foods can also lower your risk of getting cancer because they are high in vitamins, fiber, and phytochemicals.

A balanced vegan diet is also great for weight loss. Plant-based foods have lower calories than animal foods.

People on vegan diets generally have a lower body mass index. However, eating lots of high-fat or processed plant-based foods can also lead to weight gain. Also, it lowers your risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

Health Implications Of A Vegan Diet

Some essential nutrients are lower in a vegan diet, so you will need to take some dietary supplements to make up for it.

It’s also important to know that the diet doesn’t make you immune to any disease or illness.

It just lowers the risk. One thing to be aware of is your iron intake. If you do not take enough, you could become anemic.

You should also note your B12 intake. If you lack these nutrients, you will feel exhausted and may experience shortness of breath.

Vegan Supplements

You can meet your body’s nutritional needs on a vegan diet, but it is never a bad idea to take supplements to be sure that you’re getting all the required nutrients.

Some supplements are essential, while others are just beneficial.

For example, vegan protein powder is not vital, but it is excellent for filling your body with tons of supplements.

Vitamin B12 And Calcium

This is vital for producing red blood cells, and vegans are prone to a B12 deficiency, and it is only found in animal-based foods.

You can get it from nutritional yeast, plant milk, and fortified foods as a vegan. As we age, our bodies struggle to absorb B12, so a B12 supplement is highly recommended.

Calcium is needed for bone health. Eating leafy greens, tofu, legumes, and tahini will help keep those calcium levels up.

Zinc And Iodine

Zinc is vital for the immune system. You can get it from eating nuts, beans, nutritional yeast, and oats.

Many vegan foods that are rich in zinc contain phytates too, which hinders the body’s ability to absorb the zinc. So vegans should increase their intake by about 50%.

Iodine is vital for thyroid function. Cranberries and potatoes are good sources of it, and so is iodized salt.

You can supplement your intake through pills, eating sea plants, or adding salt to meals. Each method of getting these minerals is healthy and best for your body.

Vitamin D And Iron

Vitamin D protects us from chronic diseases and cancer. To get enough of this nutrient, all you need to do is be in the sun. There are various plant-based sources too.

Iron is necessary for blood health. Dark green vegetables and beans are excellent sources. Iron is generally found in many plant foods.

However, it is not absorbed too well, so we may need to take a supplement for this.

To increase your intake of nutrients, you are fueling your body with healthy natural foods. Meat and dairy products can be very harmful to your overall health.

Eating high protein vegan foods and taking a few extra supplements promote a healthy lifestyle and are much better for your body.

FAQs

Should I Take Supplements On A Vegetarian Or Vegan Diet?

It is best to ensure that you get enough B12, Calcium, and Iron as a vegan.

Supplements are not always necessary, it depends on the person, but they have many benefits and ensure that your body gets all it needs to function correctly.

Last Updated on April 27, 2022