There are always reports about the health and other benefits of a vegetarian or vegan diet. But there are also many people who shy away from a plant-based diet because of misconceptions. An expert dispels common myths here.
Dr. Christine Nguyen, family doctor at the renowned Mayo Clinic in the USA, reports on myths surrounding plant-based nutrition in a recent article.
Boring diet?
Many people follow a plant-based diet for health reasons or due to ethical, cultural or religious beliefs, while others simply enjoy the delicious taste of fruits and vegetables.
However, some people view a plant-based diet critically, partly because they have wrong ideas about it.
Vegetarian diets sometimes have a reputation for being boring and not very stimulating.
“We might think of whole, plant-based foods as a boring, old-fashioned salad made with lettuce leaves, cucumbers, and tomatoes,” says Dr. Nguyen. But a vegetarian diet doesn't have to be boring. With the right ingredients and recipes, it offers significant variety.
Myths about vegan nutrition
When prepared correctly, foods like asparagus, tofu and mushrooms can be hearty. One of the biggest misconceptions about a plant-based diet is that it is difficult to get enough protein.
“Common plant-based protein sources in whole foods include beans, legumes, some nuts and seeds,” explains Dr. Nguyen.
Some people believe that this type of diet leads to nutrient deficiencies. A balanced diet with fruits and vegetables is key.
“The colors associated with different fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients that can help boost immune function,” says Dr. Nguyen.
Additional micronutrients such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D can be supplemented. However, dietary supplements should only be taken after consulting a doctor.
Benefits of a plant-based diet
Dr. Nguyen also lists some benefits of a plant-based diet:
Reduce risk of heart disease: A vegetarian diet can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
Improving intestinal health: Scientific research has shown that fruits and vegetables promote healthy intestinal flora.
Weight management: A study found that eating plant-based foods instead of animal foods promotes weight loss.
Reducing the risk of chronic diseases: Researchers recently reported that plant protein can protect against chronic diseases, especially in old age.
Nutrient-dense: “Plant-based diets generally contain more antioxidants and more beneficial nutrients,” explains Dr. Donald Hensrud from the Mayo Clinic in an older post. And: “Normally their saturated fatty acid content is lower. So there are different reasons why it is healthier.”
Reduces Environmental Footprint: The environmental footprint of a balanced vegetarian diet can be significantly smaller than the average animal product-based diet. Enormous amounts of greenhouse gas emissions are saved, especially with a vegan diet. (ad)
