What Is The Vegan Lifestyle? And Is It Healthy?

Veganism is a healthier and more sustainable way of living. It refers to avoiding animal-based products at all costs. Veganism is more than just eating a plant-based diet. It’s a way of life. Thus, it’s free of all forms of exploitation – in cosmetics, clothing, or cuisine. No wonder why it has become a revolution today. 

Switching to a vegan lifestyle is a healthy move because it adds to a person’s total well-being. The health benefits of a vegan lifestyle include protection against diseases, weight loss, healthier skin, a better mood and leaves a smaller carbon footprint. Thus, veganism contributes to animal welfare while also protecting the environment.

However, beginning a vegan lifestyle might be difficult, especially if you’re a vegan in Dubai – a place with few to no vegan restaurants. But that shouldn’t be a concern because veganism is not just about having a vegan diet. Instead, you can start at other aspects of veganism and gradually introduce a diet. 

This article focuses on the basics of a vegan lifestyle – the concept and benefits. We’ll also understand whether veganism is healthy or not through this guide to a vegan lifestyle.

What Is A Vegan Lifestyle? 

Veganism is gaining popularity at a lightning-fast speed. Every year, the Vegan community gains more members. Be it for ethical, environmental or health benefits. 

Living a vegan lifestyle is not just about sticking to a vegan diet and staying on vegan foods. But it includes avoiding anything that promotes animal exploitation and cruelty. 

For example, most vegans don’t use leather products, cosmetics with animal-based ingredients or other everyday goods derived from animals.

Simply talking about veganism is not living the lifestyle. You need to stick to the practices that come under it. More importantly, living as a vegan in Dubai means committing to the motto of “do no harm” to animals and the environment. 

What Is A Vegan Diet? 

A vegan diet means having purely plant-based foods. There are various reasons to switch to vegan foods – it is a healthier and environment-conscious choice. 

Most importantly, it raises awareness about animal abuse in the food-producing industry. 

Switching to a vegan diet means giving your contribution towards protecting those animals. And removing the money-oriented factory farming industry. A small step leads to a greater cause.  

Unlike other diets, going vegan is a long-term goal. This offers a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke and obesity. 

Is Vegan Lifestyle Healthy? 

One of the major concerns in veganism is if a plant-based diet provides you with all of the vital nutrients.

There’s a chance you’ll be lacking in some nutrients, Vitamin B12, in particular. Vitamin B12 aids in the prevention of nerve injury. 

So, what’s the solution? 

A small amount of B12 can be received from plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, or fortified food, according to Marco Springmann, a senior researcher of Environment Sustainability and Public Health at the University of Oxford.

A well planned vegan diet that’s rich in nutrients and whole foods can help reduce the risk of deficiencies. There are additional vegan diet supplements like Vitamin B12 that you can consume.

Benefits Of A Vegan Lifestyle

Being a vegan in Dubai and adopting this lifestyle has many advantages. The following are a few of them:

1. Healthy Heart

Vegans have a 75 per cent lower chance of getting high blood pressure than non-vegans. In fact, 42% of them have a lower risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease.

2. No diabetes

You can now enjoy sweets (vegan, of course) without worrying about diabetes. A plant-based diet can reduce and even reverse diabetes in some patients. 

3. Say Bye To Cardiovascular Diseases.

Because plant-based foods do not include cholesterol, they have lower saturated fats. Thus, it helps lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

4. Improved Mood

A vegan diet prevents inflammation of brain cells and restores balance to neurotransmitters. This results in a positive and uplifted mood.

5. Prevents Obesity

One of the most widely-celebrated benefits of consuming a vegan diet is weight loss. A well-balanced plant-based diet can help keep the body in good shape.

Conclusion 

One must aim towards holistic veganism. Veganism is not just a diet. But it’s a philosophy of reduced and minimal suffering. Sustainable living comes with supporting industries that consume fewer or no animal-based resources in food production. Hence, this is a great place to start. 
There might not be many restaurants or cafes to satisfy the vegans in Dubai. Therefore, Soul Santé brings a “haven for health enthusiasts” looking forward to their fitness and veganism goals. Run by health and fitness experts, the vegan plans and recipes here are authentic, safe and delicious.