Question

There are many diet option out there for general population such as plant based diet, vegan diet, gluten free diet etc. that it becomes confusing and difficult to determine which diet is suitable for individual. Based on the knowledge and information we have on different diets what dietary advices we should give to others ?

Answer 1

Plant based diets are vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, beans. Plant based diets are rich in fibre and phyto nutrients along with this they are rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals which are required to keep one healthy. Plant based diets prevents us from developing coronary heart diseases, diabetes, hypertension, etc.

Vegan diet includes only vegetarian diets based upon plant products vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, etc. As such diets does not include animal products like dairy, eggs and meat, hence such diets increases the chances of nutrients deficiency like Vitamin B12 deficiency which can lead to anemia.

Animal diet like dairy, eggs and meat are rich sources of proteins, iron, calcium, vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin B12. These elements are required for to keep the body healthy by maintaining proper hemoglobin levels, proper growth and development of bones and teeth, hair and skin.

Gluten free diet is free of gluten which is a type of protein found in wheat, rye, barley and such diets are useful for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, etc. Gluten free diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies such as iron and Vitamin B.

Hence, based upon above discussion one should have a mix of both plant and animal based products in our diet keeping the proportion of plant based products on a higher side as plant based foods are more healthy for body but at the same time nutrients provided by animals should also be taken into account. Hence, the ideal mantra should be more plants and less animals.