Monday, 01 November 2021 | Chetan Singh Pundir | Roorkee
It is said that a plant-based diet keeps the body and mind healthy while keeping various types of ailments at bay. The vegan philosophy which espouses avoiding all non-plant based food items including dairy, eggs and meat began during 1944 in United Kingdom.
Vegans believe their dietary choice not only benefits their health but also the environment and animals. Since 1994, November 1 has been observed as World Vegan Day. This correspondent talked to experts on veganism and its aspects.
Head of the department,Home Science, City(pg)college of Management and Technology, Roorkee, Sadhna said that vegan diet consists of legume vegetables, seeds, fruits, green vegetables,protein rich soyabean, nuts, dry fruits, tea and coffee without milk , juice from vegetables and fruits among other plant based items.
Consuming a diet rich in protein and nutrients, vegans face a reduced risk of obesity and rise in bad cholesterol due to low fat content. This diet is also helpful for diabetic and cardiac patients. The risk of some types of cancers including those of the breast, ovaries and uterus can also be prevented by consuming a vegan diet.
Associate professors at Quadra Institute of Ayurveda, Roorkee, Dr Saurabh Kumar and Dr Rashmi Agari state that vegetarian diets have become more popular in recent times. Vegan diets tend to contain less saturated fat and cholesterol and more dietary fibre. Vegans tend to be thinner, have lower serum cholesterol and lower blood pressure, reducing their risk of heart disease.
However, eliminating all animal products from the diet increases the risk of certain nutritional deficiencies. Micro-nutrients of special concern for the vegans include vitamins B-12 and D, calcium, and long-chain n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids. Unless vegans regularly consume foods that are fortified with these nutrients, appropriate supplements should be consumed. In some cases, iron and zinc status of vegans may also be of concern because of the limited bioavailability of these minerals.
Owner of Hotel Centrum in Roorkee, Kunal Sachdeva said that the restaurant in his hotel serves pure vegan meals in addition to vegetarian meals. Such meals help the visitors avoid upset stomachs and other health issues while travelling. He said that the vegan concept is not limited to the diet alone as it also propounds a green and healthy environment as exemplified in the premises of hotel Centrum.
