Author Name: StartRight
We live in an era where myths and conspiracies spread faster than truth. The same is the case when it comes to a plant-based diet – people are more receptive, even about the most common myths and misconceptions.
Gratitude to advance scientific research, that has proved that eating more meat will put you at higher risk of diabetes, heart-related diseases, and increased cholesterol levels.
However, in this article, we will focus more on debunking the common myths and misconceptions about a plant-based diet rather than explaining the disadvantages of other dietary options. Below are the top seven most common myths and misconceptions.
Myths 1: Vegan food is boring, and it tastes terrible.
Fact: The myth is around the fact that vegans eat vegetables only due to which there are fewer menu options. There is no truth to this at all.
Plant-based food is not about vegetables and salads only. Vegans feast on an extensive assortment of fruits, starchy foods like potatoes, whole grains, and beans. The menu gets more variety once you list down all the available items. For example:
- Fruits – Berries, citrus fruits, melons
- Vegetables – Leafy green veggies, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes
- Protein – Beans, lentils, tofu
- Healthy Fats – Extra virgin olive oil, avocados
- Whole Grains – Farro, oats, quinoa
- Nuts and Seeds – Flax seeds, almonds, walnuts
Myth 2: Milk and dairy products are mandatory for a healthy life and strong bones.
Fact: This myth has no scientific data to validate its authenticity. Milk culture originated in the West as a quick breakfast that goes well with cereals, oats, and bread.
We do not need animal milk or dairy products to stay healthy. Research has shown that milk and dairy products have no benefit for bone health.
The stats reveal that countries with higher milk consumption have higher rates of hip fractures and other bones related problems. Bones get stronger with food items loaded with Calcium and, leafy green vegetables are rich with it.
In short, a plant-based diet is more suitable to have stronger bones rather than using milk and dairy products.
Myth 3: Plant-based diet lacks sufficient proteins
Fact: It is widespread disbelief that has no scientific backing. People tend to incline towards meat and dairy products for protein intake and consider the plant-based diet to be protein deficient. The fact is, a balanced plant-based diet is a complete source of protein and all other vital nutrients.
You need a proper diet plan to cover all the aspects of a balanced diet, and here are a few vegan options enriched with proteins.
- Lentils – contain 16 grams of proteins per cup
- Chickpeas – a single cup contains around 15 grams of proteins
- Peanuts – contain 40 grams of protein per cup
- Tofu – single cup contains 20 grams of protein
Myth 4: Vegan diet is tough on pocket, and only rich people can afford it
Fact: Any diet can be cheap or expensive depending upon; how you plan your budget. If you are going to high-end vegan restaurants for extravagant meals, then it is unquestionably going to be costly.
Under usual circumstances, any type of meat is way more expensive than veggies, salads, and fruits. Therefore, this myth stands nullified too.
You can come up with delicious, inexpensive, and tempting vegan recipes well within your budget. Just make sure that you have a nicely stocked kitchen to satisfy your late-night cravings.
Myth 5: Plant-based diet has no health benefits – it is just like any other diet.
Fact: Any person with a slight understanding of medical science can tell you that a healthy diet has low-fat content, rich with fiber and, includes all the required nutrients. Only the plant-based diet has all these characteristics that not only keep your body healthy but also have the power to reverse heart diseases and diabetes.
People on a vegan diet experience lesser heart problems and rarely face high blood pressure. Further, a plant-based diet keeps your diabetes and weight under control.
Myth 6: Plant-based diet makes you weaker.
Fact: No food is more wholesome than a plant-based diet; thus, this misconception holds no significance. The idea is to organize your diet smartly, eat frequently, and eat a lot.
The notable athletes and sports personalities are shifting to plant-based diets due to its remarkable benefits in terms of athletic performance and faster recovery. Athletes of the likes of Williams Sisters, Ryan Reed, David Carter, and many more, lead a plant-based lifestyle.
Myth 7: I have been eating meat and using dairy products my whole life and never faced any health problem.
Fact: That’s incredible that you are still healthy and best wishes for an even healthier life ahead. Some people smoke their whole life or people who drink alcohol in excess and never faced any challenge. Does that negate the fact that tobacco and alcohol are harmful to health?
Similarly, if you have been using animal products for the entirety of your life, it does not mean that these are not harmful. The fact remains that the majority of people on a plant-based diet lead a happier, healthier, and longer life.
