Vegan nutrition

Vegan Nutrition

Vegan Nutrition (pronunciation: /ˈviːɡən njuːˈtrɪʃən/) refers to the nutritional aspects of vegan diets – diets which include no animal products.

Etymology

The term "vegan" was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, combining the first three and last two letters of "vegetarian". "Nutrition" comes from the Latin word "nutrire", meaning to feed or nourish.

Overview

While some people worry about getting enough protein or vitamin B12 on a vegan diet, balanced vegan diets can be very nutritious and may provide numerous health benefits.

Nutrients

Protein

Protein is essential for the growth and maintenance of tissues, organs and cells. Vegans can get enough protein from a variety of plant sources including legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. It is typically found in animal products, but can also be obtained from fortified vegan foods and supplements.

Iron

Iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells. Vegans can get iron from foods like legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and dark, leafy greens.

Calcium

Calcium is necessary for bone health. Vegans can get calcium from fortified plant milks, juices, and cereals, as well as certain types of tofu and leafy green vegetables.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for heart health. Vegans can get omega-3s from flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds.

Related Terms

• Veganism
• Plant-based diet
• Vegetarianism
• Nutrient
• Dietary supplement

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Vegan nutrition
• Wikipedia's article - Vegan nutrition

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