5 Myths About Vegan Diets Debunked

 Whether you’re simply looking to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet, or trying to switch to a fully vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, you may have some concerns about how healthy a heavily plant-based diet is. We discuss 5 popular myths about a vegan diet.

Vegan Diets are Unhealthy

It’s been shown that vegans are far more likely to reach the recommended 10 portions of fruit and vegetables a day, have lower rates of obesity and reduced risk of certain cancers. However, this is not by virtue of just cutting on animal products. Rather, this is because it’s easy to align a vegan diet with the seven diet recommendations produced by the Global Burden of Disease Study, listed in order of importance:

• Avoid excess salt
• Eat 150g of whole grains a day
• Eat 300g of fruit a day
• Eat 25g of nuts and seeds a day
• Eat 500g of vegetables a day
• Eat 300mg of long-chain omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA) a day
• Avoid processed meats

Vegans Need Supplements

A vegan diet contains all the necessary ingredients for optimal health when eating a range of pulses, seeds, fruit, veg and fortified foods, just like non-vegan diets. Contrary to previous beliefs, a balanced plant-based diet contains sufficient protein, macro- and micro-nutrients. However, like with any diet, you need to ensure that your meals support your nutritional needs. Take care to get enough of these key nutrients that people usually consume in animal products – iron, protein, calcium, vitamin B-12, and vitamin D. 

Vegan Diets are Not Suitable for Children

The British Dietetic Association says that a well-planned vegan diet is suitable for all ages. Again, you need to ensure that your plant based diet is balanced and nutritional, as there are many plant based food products out there that may be low on nutrition and high in salt, sugar and processed food substances. Take care to read your food labels and if you’re in doubt, chat to a dietitian.

It’s Hard to Maintain a Plant-Based Diet

Moving over to a plant-based diet is easier now than it’s ever been, and there’s a good argument for it being more cost-effective than a diet that incorporates meat, fish and other animal products. It’s also important to remember that what we eat is a habit, and it takes time and focus to break any habit, including moving over to a plant based diet. Be sure to keep the ‘why’ of your diet change in mind to stay motivated. Read this useful guide on breaking old habits.

Plant-Based Diets are Boring

With the wealth of options and combinations available to consumers these days, your diet never has to be boring, especially with products like Rooted’s plant-based range! Invest time in researching plant-based products and recipes, and nurture your cooking skills – the reward will be worth it!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to receive frequent ideas and suggestions for how to enjoy our delicious plant-based food.

For more information and Veganism, or your simply looking for more information on leading a plant-based diet, Vegan Society is an excellent resource.