The dangerous side effects of plant-based diet that no one told you about | The Times of India (2024)

FAQs

What are the negative effects of a plant-based diet? ›

Some studies have shown that those on a plant-based diet are found to have lower plasma vitamin B12 levels and higher levels of vitamin B12 deficiency than those who consume animal products. Vitamin B12 is an important cofactor in DNA synthesis, and deficiency can lead to anemia and severe neurological dysfunction.

Due to insufficient time spent on the subject of nutrition, many doctors believe that you cannot get enough protein on a plant-based diet, and that you are at risk of becoming iron and calcium deficient.

The China Study is an observational study; in other words, it only identifies relationships between different variables. It does not prove that particular behaviors or food choices cause certain health outcomes.

Avoiding consumption of animal-sourced food may also be related to higher rates of depression and anxiety. Hair loss, weak bones, muscle wasting, skin rashes, hypothyroidism, and anemia are other issues that have been observed in those strictly following a vegan diet.

In fact, eating such plant-based junk foods dramatically raises bad cholesterol and hypertension and can lead to associated heart disease and early death, according to a new study authors call “the first” to show ultraprocessed plant foods are associated with an increase in the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Potential Nutrient Deficiencies — A vegan diet may lack certain essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. It's crucial to carefully plan your diet to ensure you get all necessary nutrients.

Yes. A plant-based diet is considered to be nutrient-dense and packed with fiber, healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a very healthy way of eating and can meet all of your nutrient needs.

A plant-based diet is one that encourages eating whole foods like fruit and vegetables and one that discourages dairy¸ meat¸ eggs and refined and processed foods. Physicians are not prescribing a plant-based diet to patients because of lack of patient educational resources.

Eat many types of vegetables (Popeye was right, spinach is a great food). Eat less (but maybe eat some) fish, vegetable oils, and few refined carbohydrates (Yes, it means to cut back or cut out eating candy and cakes). Avoid meats and dairy (this last category is the one that is the most controversial).

What did the China study reveal? ›

The scientists found that those women who ate more fat and animal-based foods had high blood testosterone levels, and thus higher risk for breast cancer.

Plant-based diets carry some risk of inadequate protein, vitamin, and mineral intake. But these risks are readily overcome by choosing the right vegetarian foods and, when necessary, supplements. For example, soy, quinoa, and nuts are good sources of protein, and tofu, lentils, and spinach are good sources of iron.

People with chronic alcohol addiction or conditions such as cancer, Crohn's disease, diabetes, and celiac disease are also more at risk of being deficient in zinc. If you have been diagnosed with a zinc deficiency, cutting out animal products could negatively impact your health.

Studies elsewhere have found that vegan diets can be deficient in other micronutrients, including vitamin D, iodine, selenium, riboflavin and vitamin B12. The latter can be particularly problematic, since it does not occur in plants, therefore vegans must rely on taking vitamin B12 supplements to acquire enough.

Plants are high in fiber.

Eating a plant-based diet improves the health of your gut so you are better able to absorb the nutrients from food that support your immune system and reduce inflammation. Fiber can lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar and it's great for good bowel management.

For example, a rapid switch with no gradual transition period can result in feelings of being sick, bloating, stomach cramps, headaches and sleeping issues [5]. People often experience this when they first try a vegan diet, because their bodies may already be lacking iron.

Some plant-based meats contain relatively high amounts of salts, which may also be a health concern because elevated salt levels in the diet can increase the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, kidney disease, and stomach cancer.