The Importance of Health Supplements for Vegans
Written By
Nishant Garund
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Varuni AgarwalDr. Varuni Agarwal is an esteemed Ayurvedic physician specializing in diagnosing diseases through Ayurvedic dosha imbalances and providing personalized treatments. She focuses on ahara (diet) and vihara (lifestyle) to manage and heal various ailments.
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The vegan diet has grown in popularity in India as more people choose to go vegan for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. Following a strict plant-based diet has proved to be of immense help to a large number of people across the globe. The introduction of reliable supplements such as CBD oil in India has made it easier for people to adopt a vegan lifestyle. It is one of the best ways of achieving and maintaining optimum health. However, a diet consisting solely of plant foods may raise the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiency in some people. Furthermore, with increased global food and water insecurity as a result of a variety of environmental and socioeconomic issues, there has never been a better moment to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.
Plant-based living is a more sustainable means of feeding the human family, just as veganism is a more sustainable and ethical way of looking after our planet. One of the most obvious methods to decrease the burden on food and other resources is to avoid meat and dairy. All well-planned vegan diets follow healthy eating guidelines and provide all of the nutrient content that our bodies require. According to several studies, vegan diets have been associated with lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as lower incidences of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers.
Table of Contents
Why do vegans need supplements?
Plant-based nutrition frees up more space in your diet for nutritious foods like whole grains, fruit, nuts, seeds, and vegetables, which are high in essential fibre, vitamins, and minerals. People, on the other hand, frequently face a variety of difficulties while switching to a vegan diet. Coming up with a balanced meal plan is one of the most difficult tasks, and any sudden alterations might lead to various deficiencies.
Vegan diets are frequently questioned about whether they offer your body all of the vitamins and minerals it requires. Many people say that a whole-food, plant-based diet easily covers all of the daily nutrient requirements, and vegans are even encouraged to forgo taking any supplements. Despite its well-intended nature, this advice can cause more harm than good. However, this is not always the case, as supplements can often assist you in adjusting to your new lifestyle and even staying dedicated to it.
Listed hereunder are some of the most useful supplements for vegans.
Vitamin B12
Some vegans believe that if they eat enough of the correct plant foods, they won't be deficient in vitamin B12. This idea, however, has no scientific basis. According to several studies, while anybody can have low vitamin B12 levels, vegetarians and vegans are more likely to be deficient. Vegans and vegetarians are at a higher risk when it comes to B12 deficiencies, especially if they do not take B12 supplements. Vitamin B12 (also known as cyanocobalamin) is required for a variety of body functions, including protein metabolism and the creation of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. It's also important for the wellness of your nervous system. Other problems that a B12 deficiency can trigger include anaemia, nervous system damage, infertility, and even heart problems.
According to scientific evidence, vegans can only achieve sufficient levels by eating B12-fortified foods or taking a vitamin B12 supplement. Plant milk, soy products, and nutritional yeast are all examples of B12-fortified foods. It's vital to remember that vitamin B12 is absorbed best in small amounts. As a result, the less vitamin B12 you consume, the more you need. This is why vegans who don't get enough B12 from their diet should take B12 supplements. Those who are hesitant to take supplements may find it comforting to have their vitamin B12 levels evaluated first.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that aids in calcium and phosphorus absorption from the gut. Many additional body systems are influenced by this vitamin, including immunological function, mood, memory, and muscular repair. Vitamin D deficiency is not just limited to vegans, as even those who consume meat and dairy are equally susceptible. Since vitamin D is fat soluble, vegans can combine their vitamin D supplements with other supplements that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids (e.g. Cannabidiol oil in India).
Unfortunately, vitamin D is found only in a few naturally fortified foods, and fortified foods are frequently deemed inadequate to meet everyday needs. Vitamin D can be created by sun exposure in addition to the modest amount you get from your food. Furthermore, many physicians recommend against using sun exposure to enhance vitamin D levels due to the generally known detrimental consequences of too much UV radiation. Having one's blood levels checked is the best approach for vegans to guarantee they're getting enough vitamin D. Those who don't obtain enough vitamin D via fortified meals or sunlight should take a daily vitamin D supplement.
Iron
Iron is a vital nutrient that helps the body create new DNA and red blood cells, as well as transport oxygen throughout the body. It is also required for the metabolism of energy. Anaemia and symptoms such as exhaustion and a weakened immune system can result from a lack of iron. Heme iron (iron obtained from animal products) is easier to absorb from your diet than non-heme iron (iron derived from plant sources). Vegans who don't get enough iron should eat more iron-rich foods such as beans, peas, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds. Having your haemoglobin and ferritin levels evaluated by a health professional is the best approach to determine whether supplements are required. Supplements such as iron might cause more harm than good by harming cells or preventing the absorption of other nutrients. Extremely high concentrations can be dangerous. As a result, supplements should only be taken when necessary.
CBD Oil
Many individuals are unaware that CBD oil, like any other vitamin or mineral supplement, contains nutrients. Along with the CBD molecule, it contains other nutrients that may help with sleep, anxiety, stress, and other issues. CBD oil contains Omega 3, an important fatty acid that the human body does not produce. Because human bodies do not create omega-3 fatty acids naturally, they must be added to a person's diet to reap the benefits. These acids play a role in a variety of human systems, including the brain, heart, and inflammation. They can be found in meat, fish, and dairy products, but vegans cannot consume them.
Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and even hemp plant derivatives like CBD oils can provide vegans with fatty acids. Amino acids, iron, niacin, thiamine, and complex B vitamins are among the minerals and vitamins contained in CBD oils.
CBD oils can undoubtedly be used as a nutritional supplement by vegans as well. CBD oils are the most common CBD product that vegans can choose to incorporate into their diet. However, if you are a vegan looking to buy cannabidiol oil in India, you must exercise caution when making your decision. Not all CBD oils are vegan because animal cruelty may have occurred during one or more stages of manufacture.
Not all CBD oils are vegan because animal cruelty may have occurred during one or more stages of manufacture. Neet CBD oil in India is 100% vegan and organic.
Final thoughts
Adapting to a new lifestyle can be a daunting experience, especially when it puts you at the risk of several deficiencies that may wreak havoc on your health. Going slow is key and introducing gradual changes is more likely to work than trying to completely transform your habits overnight. It is advisable that you do your research and lay more emphasis on meal planning to ensure that you take a balanced diet. Thankfully, supplements like CBD oil in India are now readily available to help you kickstart your vegan journey.