The truth behind the vegan myths

Plant-based eating is here to stay and that’s a fact! As the popularity of this diet continues to gather momentum, more people than ever before are beginning to explore this way of eating.

Plant-based diets appeal to people looking to improve their health while also addressing the wider issues of food production, which include both environmental and animal welfare concerns.

It allows people who may not be ready to go vegan to eat healthier and more sustainably. However, myths surrounding plant-based eating and diets have led to this style of eating being criticised as unhealthy or lacking in the nutrients that the body needs to function properly.

What are the health benefits of plant-based eating?

A well-balanced plant-based diet contains more fibre, which is an important nutrient lacking in the diet of many people.

The plant-based diet has also been shown to include more fruit and vegetables, which are a rich source of micronutrients and essential nutrients. Studies also show that eating less meat may lower the risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Why is plant-based eating, and especially veganism, often criticised?

Criticism often comes from a lack of knowledge on how to cater for a fully plant-based diet. This style of eating does require knowledge, imagination and a degree of cooking skills to create healthy balanced meals.

With the right information, there’s no reason a plant-based diet cannot supply you with everything your body needs, which in turn will dispel many of the myths surrounding this way of eating.

People living on a plant-based diet need to take supplements

Not necessarily. The plant-based diet is often assumed to lack essential nutrients, but this is more about food choice than the diet per se.

Plant-based eating does take a little more planning and food knowledge, but once you understand what to include in your diet, preparing balanced meals quickly becomes second nature.

One exception is omega-3. Plant-based omega-3 comes from foods such as nuts and seeds, and while these are useful sources, they’re not adequately converted in the body, so a vegan supplement may be an option worth exploring.

Linseed oil, for example, is an excellent source of omega-3 and it can be found in various plant-based butters or margarines.

Plant-based diets don’t get enough vitamin B12

Plant foods naturally rich in vitamin B12 are limited to yeast extract spreads, such as Marmite. Some forms of seaweed do contain vegan vitamin B12 and may be a useful source, but not one to solely rely on.

This doesn’t mean you can’t get what you need from your diet, as many foods such as fortified plant-based drinks (soya, nut and coconut), cereals and spreads are a reliable way to top up your intake.

Plant-based diets don’t get enough iron

There’s no reason why you can’t get enough iron from a plant-based diet, as it’s found in many foods such as beans, pulses, lentils, nuts, fortified breakfast cereals, tofu, dark green leafy vegetables and seaweed.

You can absorb more iron from plant foods by teaming them with a source of vitamin C, found in fruits, broccoli, red peppers and cauliflower.

You should avoid drinking tea with meals as it contains compounds called tannins, which can prevent the uptake of iron in the body.

Plant-based diets don’t get enough protein

Criticism is often levelled at the quality of plant-based protein. But, if heavyweight boxer David Haye can get enough protein on a vegan diet, then so can you!

Proteins are made up of 21 amino acids, nine of which are referred to as being essential. Many plant proteins are lacking in essential amino acids, but if you eat a full range of these foods across the day, then you will be able to glean all the necessary amino acids required to build proteins in your body.

Plant protein can be sourced from foods such as soybeans, beans, pulses, nuts, seeds, quinoa, tofu and edamame beans.

Plant-based diets don’t get enough calcium

Dairy is not the only source of calcium and sufficient quantities of calcium are available from many plant foods.

To ensure a good intake of calcium you should include two or three servings of foods such as tofu, almonds, dark green leafy vegetables, sesame seeds, tahini and fortified plant-milks.

Plant-based margarines are chemically processed and bad for you

This is a myth that has been flung around for many years, but simply is not the truth. Plant-based spreads and margarines such as Flora contain healthy fats, including the omegas and monounsaturates that are good for your heart.

They do not contain trans fats and are usually lower in saturated fats, which is better for health.

These spreads contain a few ingredients that are all natural and, in some cases, they are additionally fortified with other nutrients to help support good health for those following a plant-based diet.

A plant-based diet is boring and bland

Plant-based foods are actually brimming with colour and flavour – you just need to know what to use when cooking them and how to get the best from them.

Fresh herbs and spices are essential to flavour plant-based dishes, as are sauces like soy or sriracha.

You can create a very savoury ‘umami’ flavour by using ingredients such as dried mushrooms, seaweed or miso to create stocks and dressings.

Other foods, such as flavour oils, citrus fruits, dried fruits, nuts and seeds can all be used to add both flavour and texture to virtually any dish you cook.

Don’t let the myths outweigh the many positives associated with following a plant-based diet. With a little planning and understanding on how to prepare tasty plant-based dishes, there’s absolutely no reason you cannot get everything your body needs for optimal health.

Rob is a registered nutritionist and Nutritionist Partner for Upfield. Follow him at @robhobsonnutritionist