Vegan and vegetarian diets provide a bunch of health benefits. Studies show that these diets have links with weight loss, lower risk of heart disease, cancer prevention, and overall better health.
However, any diet carries risks if it’s not achieving balanced nutrition. Understanding what mistakes many vegans and vegetarians make and then learning how to avoid them will pave the way to a healthier diet and lifestyle.
Missing out on calcium
When eliminating animal-based products from a diet, some people lose out on sources of certain nutrients. Most notably, without cheese, milk, and other dairy products, it becomes a bit harder to get enough calcium. The human body needs calcium to keep the bones strong, support the nervous system, and keep the muscles working efficiently.
Thankfully, plenty of vegan sources of calcium exist, a meatless diet just needs to include these foods in higher amounts. Kale, broccoli, collard greens, bok choy, almonds, and figs all contain high levels of calcium.