Running head: Vegan Diets- Good Or Bad 1

VEGAN DIETS- GOOD OR BAD 2

 

The Good & Bad Side of Vegan Diets

Cindy S Pemberton

Chamberlain University

ENGL 147N- 60265

August 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Good & Bad Side of Vegan Diets

Are vegan diets the healthy choice for all or do they carry health concerns unknown to most? There have been long debates on vegan diets, are they good or are they bad, that is the question; does everyone who switches over to a vegan diet know everything there is to know prior to making that change. Do the experts and doctors give enough information for patients to be able to make a sensible decision that will not jeopardize their health? Those considering a vegan diet need to do their homework and research all the facts, to gain knowledge and a better understanding; the fact is the good does outweighs the bad in veganism.

 

1st Counter-Argument (your oppositions’ point)

Vegan diets have been shown to be deficient in some required nutrients that are needed to maintain heart health (“Active Living”, 2011, para. 16). In the article written by Adriana Barton, he explains that a vegan diet has deficiencies in iron, zinc, B12 and omega 3 fatty acids, which are vital in maintaining a decreased risk of heart disease and stroke (2011). These claims were obtained in research that was done by Dr. Li, professor of nutrition at The University of Hangzhou, China; and David Jenkins a professor of nutritional sciences at The University of Toronto. The research that was done by very credible professionals should lead one to believe that the theory was well investigated before making this claim, therefore it adds much credibility to the claim and they are well substantiated.

Vegan diets pose risks to overall heart health, in that they lack Omega-3 fatty acids, like DHA, ALA and EPA, which are essential for a healthy heart (Nordqvist, 2017), and other body functions. While it is a known fact that one can take supplements to substitute the nutrients lost in a vegan diet, all supplements come with side effects; Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally found in grass fed beef, dairy, mackerel and wild salmon, which are not eaten by a true vegan (2017). There are no side effects in getting essential nutrients in their natural state. It is also recommended to get needed nutrients from natural sources (2017). In essence vegan diets do not love ones heart and the heart is one of the most important organs in the human body, it behooves everyone to take extra care of it.

 

The body needs a wide variety of nutrients to be able to function at an optimal one hundred percent. The experts conclude that a vegan diet does not have sufficient nutrients needed to be heart healthy. While some may be able to switch to a vegan diet rely on supplements to maintain heart health and deal with side effects, the person that is already suffering with heart related issues needs to be extremely concerned when monitoring heart health; a vegan diet would not be the best choice. Great consideration should be made prior to switching to a vegan diet for anyone making the conversion. Due to the major impact on the heart, a move to veganism should be calculated with caution (2017).

1st Rebuttal (your point)

 

Vegan diets are a much healthier choice for many proven reasons. A vegan diet is not bad for your heart, in fact It is estimated that if everyone ate a vegetarian diet, 1/3 of early deaths would be prevented (Berger, 2018). Mr. Berger points out the various health claims by many well regarded doctors, dieticians and researchers on plant based diets (2018). He goes on to note that vegetarian diets are not only nutritionally adequate for humans, but it can also prevent and treat certain diseases (2018). In particular, he notes a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, cancer and chronic diseases (2018). This is truly an interesting study they did, and it was fascinating to find out all of the great benefits of being a vegan. Berger goes on to state that the American Institute of Cancer Research concluded that more than one third of cancer cases could be prevented, if patients ate a more healthy diet (Vegan) and maintained a healthy weight (2018).

 

A vegan diet does not pose a risk to heart health, studies have shown that vegan diets can extremely lessen the chance of developing high blood pressure and heart disease (Lockhart, 2017). A vegan diet does not comprise of meat and meat products that contain high amounts of fat and calories (2017), which can clog the arteries and increase the cholesterol level; these issues are risk factors long associated with heart disease and stroke. A vegan diet is highly recommended, as it is heart friendly and does not cause any damage to the heart. A vegan diet poses no risk to the body’s wellbeing and overall health maintenance.

 

A vegan diet can supply the body with the needed nutrients, in fact vegan diets are increasing in recommendations by many health care professionals, to patients who want to institute a more heart healthy diet (Women’s Health Advisor, 2016). Whole grains, vegetables and fruits contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and folate, which have all been shown to lower the threat of heart disease substantially (2016). A vegetarian’s diet can encompass all of the needed elements to ensure the overall health of one’s heart. Anyone thinking about making the move to a vegan diet, needs to take the necessary steps to ensure their overall health is maintained. It is up to the individual to ensure that their diet has the adequate amount of fruits, vegetable and whole grains to meet the required balanced nutritional level; one can accomplish this by consulting a registered dietician and their primary care physician.

A vegan diet is a healthy choice for anyone, they do not pose any health concerns. Vegan diets are gaining much popularity and is also being recommended by physicians. Veganism is already a way of life for many individuals, who have gained added benefits in switching to it and do not seem to have any regrets in doing it. The majority of people who have converted to veganism are very happy, satisfied and all note its positive changes in their lives (Berger, 2018). A vegan diet is a great alternative for those that want to give up meat and if done properly, can incorporate all the needed nutrients to live a healthy and balance life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Berger, M., (2018). Vegetarian Diets May Be Even Better for Us Than We Thought. Health line.

Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health-news/vegetarian-diets-may-be-better

-than-we-thought#2

 

Key Elements of a Heart Healthy Diet. (2016). Women’s Health Advisor, 20(7), 1-7. Retrieved

from https://search-ebscohost-com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?

direct=true&db=her&AN=11623037&site=eds=live&scope=site

Lockhart, E., (2017). Pros of Switching to A Vegan Diet. Active Beat – Diet & Nutrition.

Retrieved from https://www.activebeat.com/diet-nutrition/7-pros-and- cons-of-

switching-to-a-vegetarian-diet/

 

Nordqvist, C. (2017). “What to know about eating vegan.” Medical News Today. Retrieved from

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/149636.php.

 

Veganism: A risk to heart health? (2011). Active Living, 20(4), 16. Retrieved from

https://search-ebscohost-com.chamberlainuniverity.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true

&db=s3hAN=65173661&site=eds-live&scope=site