Know someone who is considering going vegan? Thinking about making a personal choice to adopt a vegan lifestyle? There are so many vegan myths that can cloud a person’s judgment when making such an important decision. Here is a list of the top ten vegan myths that have been debunked time and time again!
Top Ten Vegan Myths
1. Vegans Need More Supplements
There is no study that shows vegans consume more supplements than people on other diets. Of course, some vegans may need supplements based on the foods they eat, but that is the same for those who eat meat and dairy.
2. Veganism is Just a Trend
Many people first heard about veganism in the past few years, which leads them to believe it is a modern trend that will go away. But veganism originated in the 1940s, or even earlier, which shows it is only growing in popularity - not a trend that will go away.
3. Children Should Not Be Vegan
People like to point out children will miss out on some nutrients if they are vegan. But it is not true. So long as their diet is balanced, they will get every nutrient they need from healthy sources.
4. Vegans Eat Too Many Processed Foods
The opposite is true. Those who go toward veganism tend to stay away from fast food, processed foods, and other unhealthy items. They eat more vegetables, fruit, seeds, nuts and healthy fats.
5. Vegans Lose Muscle Mass
If a vegan has an imbalanced diet, they may lose muscle mass. But the protein from meat is easily replaced by soy, tofu, healthy grains, seeds, and nuts.
6. Food Allergies and Veganism are Incompatible
Again, the opposite is true. Many people are allergic to dairy, meat or both. It is why they choose to move away from processed and animal products.
7. Veganism is Always Healthy
It is important to remember that veganism is only as healthy as the diet a person adopts. If someone is eating only bread and beans all day, they are not being very healthy. Similarly, if someone consumes 1000 calories a day more than their daily requirement, they are not being healthy.
8. Veganism is for Hippies
Veganism has nothing to do with hipsters or hippies. It is a lifestyle that anyone can adopt, especially if they want to be healthier or believe that eating animal products is immoral.
9. Veganism Lowers Testosterone
There is zero link between eating meat and testosterone. There are professional athletes who are vegan, along with bodybuilders. Some of the best testosterone boosting foods come from plants.
10. Plants Feel Pain Too
Plants do not have a central nervous system, which means they cannot feel pain.
Three FACTS About the Vegan Diet
1. Veganism is Scientifically Healthier Than Other Diets
Even some vegans do not realize that veganism is scientifically healthier than many other diets. Several studies have shown that when people adopt a vegan diet, they tend to get more fiber, vitamin A, folate, magnesium, vitamin C, and potassium, as compared to those who have a diet that includes meat and dairy.
2. A Vegan Diet May Protect Against Cancer
While a vegan lifestyle is not a cure or preventive measure against all cancer, studies have shown that a vegan diet could help against certain cancers. Studies indicate that eating vegan-friendly foods, such as legumes, fruits and vegetables and soy products helps lower the risk of cancer. The percentage change is anywhere from 9 to 15 percent, depending on the study.
3. Veganism Promotes Eating Natural Foods
Veganism is not about eating processed or unhealthy food. While some vegans may go in an unhealthy direction, most eat more natural and healthy foods. For instance, the typical vegan diet consists of foods such as seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, lentils, beans, tofu, soy and healthy grains. Foods such as spinach, avocado, quinoa, farro, black beans, kidney beans, lentils, and hummus are fantastic for the body.
