4 Vegan Myths DEBUNKED
In the words of Chef Brenda Beener, Owner & Head Chef at Seasoned Vegan, "Regarding veganism, everyone has their own journey..." Our purpose in providing our community more healthy and sustainable food options does not align with the often heavy handed judgments waged against veganism. Conversely, the perception that a vegan diet breeds hassle, increased expense, reduced health & a lessened sense of satisfaction is something we hope to change with each plate we serve.
We've included 4 Vegan myths to ponder as we all forge ahead on our respective journeys. Enjoy!
1. A Vegan Diet is Protein-Deficient
Contrary to this myth, a considerable amount of protein can be enjoyed in a normal caloric vegan diet. In fact, a standard male or female vegan diet can yield even more protein than the daily amount needed. While a male diet requires 56 to 70 grams of protein a day and a female diet requires 46 to 58 grams a day respectively, a vegan diet can substitute meat (and its cancerous carcinogens) for delicious food options like oatmeal, baked beans, almonds, and peanut butter. At Seasoned Vegan, we are delighted to offer many vegan protein dishes tasty enough for any omnivore.
2. A Vegan Diet is Unhealthy
Studies suggest that vegans have shown lower levels of BMI (Body Mass Index), Cholesterol, and Triglycerides levels than omnivores. Per an individual’s height, BMI offers a numerical value for the amount of body fat percentage that would be deemed underweight, overweight, and obese. BMI is a medically-respected paradigm that predicts risk factors for future diseases. The average BMI of a vegan is 23.6 while a meat-eaters BMI is higher at 28.8. In both males and females, cholesterol levels are significantly lower than their meat-eating counterparts. In males, average cholesterol for a vegan is 157.3. In male meat-eaters, the average cholesterol level is 189.2. A vegan female’s cholesterol level is 156.6, while in their meat-eating counterparts the average cholesterol level is 196 (almost 7 points above the male cholesterol level). Since elevated triglyceride levels are though to increase heart disease, the fact that vegan triglyceride levels (86.5) are almost 20 points less than their meat-eating counterparts (107.5) is perhaps the most compelling truth to the myth of vegan diets being unhealthy.
3. Being a Vegan is Expensive
Despite the burgeoning increases of dollar menus and carnivorous buffets, being vegan does not require a breaking of the bank. In fact, plant proteins used in the vegan diet are generally much cheaper then animal protein. At Seasoned Vegan, we offer 5 plant protein entrees under $20.00 which are delicious, satisfying, and healthy. The transition to the vegan diet is also a communal switch asking consumers to shop locally, seasonally and organically.
4. Finding Vegan Food is a Hassle
From 1998 to 2006, the Vegan and Vegetarian Market has more than quadrupled from $646 million to $28 billion with growth on the horizon. Indeed, vegetarian and vegan food has moved from a niche sector to a mature and mainstream sector.
Carus, Felicity "UN urges global move to meat and dairy-free diet". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 February 2016. Hauser, Christine "W.H.O. Report Links Some Cancers With Processed or Red Meat". New York Times. Retrieved October 26, 2015. Andrew F. Smith, Eating History, New York: Columbia University Press, 2013 Lee Russell McDowell, Vitamins in Animal and Human Nutrition, John Wiley & Sons, 2008.
Image: @soyfierce Zeniba Britt
