Benefits of Vegan Diets: Insights from Leading Dieticians in the UAE
In recent years, the awareness of healthy eating habits has been on the rise, with more people recognizing the benefits of a vegan diet. This dietary choice is not just a passing trend but a growing lifestyle, driven by concerns for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal health. In this article, we explore insights from leading dieticians in the UAE on the numerous advantages of adopting a vegan diet, from improved cardiovascular health to better weight management and reduced risks of chronic diseases.
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Dr. Magdalena Maksymowicz, Dietician at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai:
Awareness of healthy eating habits is increasing. A vegan diet is not seen as a temporary trend but as a growing eating pattern, driven by heightened awareness of animal welfare, environmental issues, and weight management.
Eating a lot of vegetables offers numerous benefits for our body. It serves as an excellent preventive measure against various metabolic diseases.
A vegan diet is higher in antioxidants and fiber, and it provides more potassium, magnesium, folates, and vitamins A, C, and E. It can also help reduce excess body fat and maintain a healthy weight, provided it is well-balanced and avoids processed and fried foods. Additionally, following such a diet encourages careful selection of products and attention to their nutritional value.
Lubna Abdussalam Dhalani, Clinical Dietitian, Aster Jubilee Medical Centre Bur Dubai:
Vegan diets are becoming increasingly popular among teenagers and young adults, particularly females. Many vegans choose this lifestyle to better care for the planet’s resources and environment, address ethical concerns about animal welfare, avoid antibiotics and growth stimulants used in animal production, and reduce the risk of animal-borne diseases. Additionally, the health benefits of a plant-based diet and the potential for dairy allergies and lactose intolerance have boosted the popularity of soy-based dairy alternatives.
Michelle Buari, Deputy Director - Nutrition & Lifestyle Management, Zulekha Hospital Dubai & Sharjah:
The recent surge in the plant-based industry, coupled with heightened health awareness following the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly contributed to the rising popularity of this diet. People are now more aware of the connection between their diet and overall health.
Plant-based and vegan diets are linked to reduced risks of various health conditions. The main advantage of adopting a plant-based diet is that it is higher in fiber and lower in unhealthy saturated fats and salt. Dietary fiber supports heart health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and aids in weight loss or maintenance, all of which offer significant health benefits.
Switching to a vegan diet often leads to an immediate boost in energy levels. It also promotes more regular and healthier bowel movements, ensuring good digestive health. These benefits are linked to the detoxification process that happens when you replace animal products with fiber-rich, low-fat, and low-sugar whole foods.
Ms. Archana Baju is a Clinical Dietician at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi
Adhering to veganism requires dedication and resolve. Food companies offer a variety of choices for consumers, and even fast food chains have vegan options. Due to the health benefits and environmental considerations, many people are opting for a vegan lifestyle. To support this, manufacturers provide various options to satisfy consumers. However, be mindful that many meat alternatives are processed, so choose wisely.
A vegan diet is beneficial due to the intake of protective nutrients such as fiber, folic acid, vitamins C and E, non-heme iron, and other plant compounds. These nutrients are key to the health benefits associated with veganism. Research has shown that adopting a plant-based diet can improve cardiovascular health, aid in weight management, and reduce the risk of various cancers, diabetes, and other conditions. Generally, vegans have lower risks of obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease, thanks to the protective substances found in fruits, vegetables, vegetable oils, whole grains, and other plant-based products.
Overall, it has been noted that vegans have lower risks of obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. This is attributed to the protective substances present in fruits, vegetables, vegetable oils, whole grains, and other plant-based products.
In conclusion, the shift towards a vegan diet offers a multitude of health benefits, supported by extensive research and expert opinions. By embracing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant-based products, individuals can enjoy enhanced energy levels, better digestive health, and a lower risk of various chronic conditions. As the plant-based industry continues to innovate and expand, it provides more options for those committed to this lifestyle. However, it is essential to choose whole, unprocessed foods to maximize the benefits. With dedication and informed choices, a vegan diet can be a powerful tool for achieving optimal health and well-being.