Vegan Diet Basics

The vegan diet consists of vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, breads, spices, soy, nuts and seeds. The vegan diet excludes all animal products. Vegans do not eat red meat, chicken, fish, or dairy products. Therefore, the vegan diet is a meat free and dairy free diet. Vegans are often considered strict vegetarians because most vegetarians include some animal products in their diet, so there is a marked distinction between the vegan diet and the vegetarian diet. Approximately 1% of the population in the United States adheres to a vegan diet.

The vegan diet reduces incidences of stroke, heart attack, diabetes, high cholesterol high blood pressure, obesity and cancer. This is largely due to the fact that a vegan diet is low in animal protein, saturated fats, cholesterol and simple carbohydrates. The vegan diet however is rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, enzymes and antioxidants which are health enhancers.

Where do vegans get their protein? Where do vegans get their calcium? What about the Vitamin B-12 deficiency? These are some of the questions vegans are commonly asked about their diet. Each of these questions has a strong answer in favor of adopting a vegan lifestyle diet.

Consider that an organic vegan diet is even better than a non-organic vegan diet. These days it's not difficult to find organic produce at grocery stores. Organic vegetables and fruit usually cost more but it's worth it for the person that is interested in a very healthy vegan diet. Certain packaged vegan food items are also marked as being organic vegan food.