Vegans are vegetarians, who in addition to a animal-free diet, do not use other animal products and by-products. Vegans would abstain from products such as dairy products, honey, leather, fur, silk, wool, and soaps derived from animal products. Research increasingly shows there are health and ecological benefits to a plant-based diet. According to a study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences show that 8.1 million deaths can be avoided annually across the globe if more people adopt a vegan diet. But is it the right choice for everyone?

One of the results of a vegan diet is weight loss. It is this result, seen as a benefit, that attracts people to veganism. Reed Mangels, a registered dietitian and lecturer in nutrition at the …show more content…
Due to the vegan diet being restrictive, those transitioning into the diet would find that they are hungrier than usual and will crave for unhealthy foods. Unhealthy foods (such as carbs, sugary, fatty foods and even vegan-formulated snacks) such as that would impact both health and weight. As well, as restricting their choices when dining out since few restaurants offer true vegan …show more content…
A diet that excludes all animal products have some nutritional drawbacks. Key nutrients like calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-12 and folate are found in meat are dairy. Key nutrients that a vegan diet can lack. Inadequate consumption of these nutrients can result in problems like loss of bone and muscle mass. Vitamin B-12 helps run a smooth central nervous system and optimizes functions. Consequently, a reduced or even non-existent level of vitamin B-12 may cause a person to feel weak, fatigue, constipation, and lack of appetite.

Fortunately there are alternative sources of B1-2 and other important nutrients. Vitamin B-12 is present in fortified foods, including cereals and plant milk, in tofu and in nutritional yeast. In the same way, protein can be found in pulses and in other alternative forms. Pulses such as dried peas, kidney beans, fava beans, black beans and adzuki beans contain all the essential amino acids we require. While meat and eggs are complete proteins, and beans and nuts aren't, humans don’t need every essential amino acid in every bite of food in every meal. Dietitians believe we only need a sufficient amount of each amino acid every