Experts clarify the main doubts about veganism
November 1st is World Vegan Day. The date was chosen in 1994 by Louise Wallis (then president of the Vegan Society of England) to honor the 50th anniversary of the founding of the movement.
Veganism is a philosophy of life that seeks to exclude all forms of cruelty and exploitation of animals, whether in food, cosmetics, clothing, etc. It is a movement that has grown more and more in Brazil and around the world. However, it is still a topic that often generates a lot of doubts. So, check out the main myths and truths on the subject below.
1. The vegan diet is always healthy?
Lie. THE vegan diet You can also count on a lot of ultra-processed foods. “Many of these products derived from plants, in particular meat, are considered ultra-processed foods, that is, they are industrial formulations obtained from substances extracted or derived from other foods (in this case plants) and synthesized in the laboratory (dyes, flavors, preservatives and additives) “, says nutritionist Dr. Marcella Garcez, director and professor of the Brazilian Association of Nutrology (ABRAN).
Beware of consuming processed foods
As explained by Dr. Marcella Garcez, if your diet, even if vegan, is based on the consumption of processed products, it can also cause health problems. “So, it is important to pay attention to what you are buying and to understand how that product was manufactured and what it contains. But the best option for those who want to abandon animal products in a truly healthy way is to bet on homemade food preparations. plants in nature, “he explains.
Two. Does not eating meat cause hair loss?
Lie. When well structured, the vegan diet does not interfere with the health and growth of the strands, Dr. Jaqueline Zmijevski, dermatologist of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) and Fellow in Trichology of the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB). “However, the lack of protein, iron, zinc and vitamins can cause telogen effluvium, that is fall of the wires“, He explains.
Vitamin B12 is a concern as its deficiency is a major cause of hair loss in vegans and vegetarians. “In this case, oral supplements or fortified foods can help. Both use vitamin B12 produced by bacterial cultures in the laboratory,” says the doctor.
3. Should vegans consume dietary supplements?
Truth. According to Dr. Marcella Garcez, it is generally possible that a diet based on the consumption of vegetables, or composed exclusively of vegetables, provided it is well planned, has all the necessary nutrients to maintain the health of the organism. “However, deficiencies can occur and some are more common in the cases of vegetarians and vegans, such as deficiencies in protein, vitamin B12, calcium and iron,” explains the doctor.
4. Is vegan food good for the kidneys?
Truth. This type of diet benefits the kidneys, according to nephrologist Dr. Caroline Reigada, an ICU specialist with the Brazilian Association of ICU. “A diet based on vegetables, legumes and grains is associated with a decrease in risk factors related to kidney disease“, he says.
According to her, this is because there is an increased intake of fiber and antioxidants in the diet. “These nutrients help the body against inflammatory components and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the vegan diet reduces the risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, three problems strongly related to kidney disease,” she explains.
Food should be healthy and balanced
The doctor, however, points out that there are excesses regarding this benefit. “We must always emphasize that this type of benefit does not apply to those patients who maintain a high consumption of ultra-processed foods, especially those rich in sodium and chemical food additives, which are linked to inflammation. Planning a vegan diet requires a lot of effort. care and consultation with a professional is essential ”, adds Dr. Carolina Reigada.
5. Does vegan nutrition affect fertility?
It depends. According to Dr. Fernando Prado, specialist in human reproduction, member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and clinical director of Neo Vita, if you consume foods rich in nutrients, the food cannot interfere with fertility.
“In general, you have to think about offering adequate nutrients for the body, whether they are of animal or plant origin. When the diet provides the necessary macro and micronutrients, there is no interference from food to make it difficult to conceive a child. “, explains the doctor. “However, if there is, for example, a low protein or omega-3 intake, this can affect the quality of the egg,” adds the doctor.
6. Are cosmetic procedures more effective in vegans?
Lie. According to Dr. Cláudia Merlo, specialist in Cosmetology at the BWS Institute, every aesthetic procedure for the biostimulation of collagen depends on adequate protein intake for the synthesis of collagen and elastin. “So, for these patients, the important thing is to have combined the consumption of plant proteins, offering essential amino acids necessary for the formation of collagen and elastin,” she says.
7. Are vegan cosmetics not effective?
Lie. There is no official definition for vegan cosmetics, but these products are generally classified as cosmetics that have no ingredients and by-products of animal origin and that are not tested on animals, according to Maria Eugênia Ayres, pharmacist and technical manager of Biotec Dermocosmetici.
“The benefits of vegan cosmetics are the same as traditional ones. They help moisturize, delay signs of aging and do everything conventional ones do, but without using animal products. For this they use chemical and vegetable equivalents, guaranteeing care and beauty of the skin “, guarantees Maria Eugenia.
by Maria Claudia Loving
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Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
