Vegan & Health

A vegan's health can be a touchy subject, mostly due to a vast population of misinformed people. Those of you who are constantly defending yourselves and your choices, I sympathize with you.

I eat healthier than most, but still the mere mention that I am vegan sets off alarm bells with people, even my doctor! Case in point: I visited her to get an alternative prescription because the brand she chose had a gelatin capsule.

"Why is that a problem?" she asks.

"Because I am vegan," I reply.

"Vegan! Well! Are you taking calcium supplements? And this vitamin? And that vitamin?..."

And off she goes along with all my respect for her.

There is a false assumption that eating animals is necessary for our good health. To lose weight, the solution is always to eat more steak, isn't it? And to cut back on veggies. You should stay away from veggies anyway, because of that killer Mad Carrot Disease. And those apples can make your cholesterol skyrocket, clog your arteries and give you a heart attack. Or wait, isn't it the other way around?

Milk & Calcium

The idea that milk is needed to give you calcium is also a myth. Next time you see those milk commercials, take a look at who's running them: the Dairy farmers! Gee, I wonder why they, of all people, would want us to drink more milk.

Milk, on its own, is actually a very inefficient source of calcium. It is fortified with vitamins and minerals (like calcium) just like soy milk, rice milk, or orange juice.

Soy milk is a super-healthy drink, comes in many flavours and is delicious. It can be an acquired taste, and brands vary wildly in taste, so shop around. (For more on soy milk choices see my Good Eats section).

Vitamins & Supplements

As for vitamins, I don't believe they are necessary, but they usually can't hurt (you should check with your doctor before using vitamins). My fear is that people think I'm taking vitamins because my vegan diet is inefficient, so I usually don't talk about it with others. I'll take supplements as an added protection, not because I'm unhealthy.

Variety

As with anyone, eating from all the food groups is important. A varied diet is the key to anyone's health. A wide selection of fruits, vegetables, grains like bread, pasta and rice, cereals, and beans (brown, black, lentils, kidney, chickpeas...) ought to do it.


				*Canadian Vegan* *Vegan & Health*



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		A vegan's health can be a touchy subject, mostly due to a vast population of misinformed people. Those of you who are constantly defending yourselves and your choices, I sympathize with you. I eat healthier than most, but still the mere mention that I am vegan sets off alarm bells with people, even my doctor! Case in point: I visited her to get an alternative prescription because the brand she chose had a gelatin capsule. "Why is that a problem?" she asks. "Because I am vegan," I reply. "Vegan! Well! Are you taking calcium supplements? And this vitamin? And that vitamin?..." And off she goes along with all my respect for her. There is a false assumption that eating animals is necessary for our good health. To lose weight, the solution is always to eat more steak, isn't it? And to cut back on veggies. You should stay away from veggies anyway, because of that killer Mad Carrot Disease. And those apples can make your cholesterol skyrocket, clog your arteries and give you a heart attack. Or wait, isn't it the other way around? Milk & Calcium The idea that milk is needed to give you calcium is also a myth. Next time you see those milk commercials, take a look at who's running them: the Dairy farmers! Gee, I wonder why they, of all people, would want us to drink more milk. Milk, on its own, is actually a very inefficient source of calcium. It is fortified with vitamins and minerals (like calcium) just like soy milk, rice milk, or orange juice. Soy milk is a super-healthy drink, comes in many flavours and is delicious. It can be an acquired taste, and brands vary wildly in taste, so shop around. (For more on soy milk choices see my Good Eats section). Vitamins & Supplements As for vitamins, I don't believe they are necessary, but they usually can't hurt (you should check with your doctor before using vitamins). My fear is that people think I'm taking vitamins because my vegan diet is inefficient, so I usually don't talk about it with others. I'll take supplements as an added protection, not because I'm unhealthy. Variety As with anyone, eating from all the food groups is important. A varied diet is the key to anyone's health. A wide selection of fruits, vegetables, grains like bread, pasta and rice, cereals, and beans (brown, black, lentils, kidney, chickpeas...) ought to do it.







		Please e-mail me if you have any questions regarding my claims. I'd be happy to show you my evidence. mailto:canadianvegan@sympatico.ca