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The difference between a vegan and vegetarian diet?
A vegan diet is one that excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. A vegetarian diet is one that excludes meat but may include other animal products such as dairy and eggs.
Other lifestyle factors that influence veganism?
Some people choose to follow a vegan diet for ethical reasons, as they believe that it is wrong to kill animals for food because they just love them too much (I can relate). Others may adopt a vegan diet for other reasons, such as environmental as animal agriculture can have a significant impact on the environment.
Health is also a common reason for people to adopt a vegan diet, as studies have shown that a well-planned vegan diet can provide all the necessary nutrients and may have health benefits such as a lower risk of certain diseases and lower rates of obesity (if done correctly). It is important to research or seek help from a professional so you are keeping on top of your nutrient intake and to ensure you are working at your optimal!
Additionally, some people may also adopt veganism as a form of protest against various industries like animal testing, animal entertainment and factory farming.
Vegetarianism - is there a difference between plant based and vegan
A vegan diet is a type of plant-based diet, but all plant-based diets are not necessarily vegan. Let me break this down for you.. A person following a plant-based diet may consume small amount of animal products, such as dairy and eggs while a vegan will not consume any animal products at all.
More info for the reader on vegetarianism and veganism as it pertains to hair health -
When it comes to hair health, a well-planned vegan or vegetarian diet can provide all the necessary nutrients to maintain healthy hair. However, it is important to pay attention to getting enough of certain nutrients for hair health, such as protein, iron, zinc, and collagen.
Protein is an essential nutrient for hair growth and repair, plant-based sources of protein include beans, lentils, nuts, and soy products.
Iron helps to deliver oxygen to the hair follicles, making it important for hair health. Plant-based sources of iron include leafy green vegetables, beans, and fortified cereals. It is important to pair these with foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges, kiwis, peppers and tomatoes - maybe in a salad or a smoothie! This is because Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-haem iron (the type found in plant-based foods) by double the amount making it easier for this iron to carry out the tasks inside your body.
Zinc is another important nutrient for hair health, and it can be found in nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Collagen provides the structure and support for hair, skin, and nails, and helps to promote their strength, elasticity, and overall health.
Traditionally, collagen has been sourced from animal by-products such as bones, skin and tendons. However, with the rise of veganism and plant-based diets, there are now vegan sources of collagen available in the market, such as marine collagen, which is derived from microalgae, or plant-based collagen, which is derived from pea protein, soy protein, and other plant-based sources.
While these vegan sources of collagen do not contain the same type of collagen that is found in animal-based sources, they still provide the body with the necessary amino acids to produce collagen. Consuming a diet rich in plant-based sources of these amino acids, such as soy, nuts, seeds, and legumes can help support the production of collagen in the body.
It is important to note that some vegetarians and vegans may be at risk of deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as Vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids if they are not consuming fortified foods or taking supplements. These deficiencies can affect the overall health, including hair health. Therefore, it is important to consult with a registered dietitian or a healthcare professional to make sure that you are getting all the necessary nutrients.
In addition to nutrient deficiencies, hair health can also be affected by other factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions, so it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical condition if you experience hair loss or other hair issues.
- Ruby Kohistani (AfN Registered Nutritionist)
