The Basics of Vegan Nutrition

Many people erroneously believe that vegan diets cause poor health and cannot provide sufficient nutrients. In reality, vegan diets can provide an individual with all of the nutrients they need to be healthy, and vegan diets are linked with lower instances of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer (Dietitians of Canada). A healthy diet is one that is informed and adequately planned. As such, both those who consume animal products and those who do not can be unhealthy or malnourished, but only due to insufficient planning or education, not by the merit of their dietary restrictions. With that out of the way, this essay will explore the ways in which vegans can get sufficient macronutrients (i.e. carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) and micronutrients (i.e. vitamins and minerals) in their diets.