Vegan diets have recently had a surge in popularity thanks to the coverage global superstars Beyoncé Knowles and husband Jay Z gave the way of life after undertaking a 22 day challenge.
While being a fully-fledged vegan, which means abstaining from any animal based products, is a lifestyle choice and not a fad diet, there are certain benefits that can be taken from the way of eating.
From physical conditions to skin complaints, veganism has been credited with helping alleviate a whole host of ailments.
Amongst the most common problems to see a dramatic change are asthma, IBS and headaches.
"Eating animal fats and proteins has been shown in studies to raise a person's risk of developing cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, heart disease and a number of other illnesses and conditions.
"The fat and protein content of cow's milk is very different from human milk - vegans say that we are not designed for consuming cow's milk," reports Medical News Today.
Vegan diets compared with other vegetarian ones contain less saturated fat and cholesterol and more dietary fibre.
Vegans tend to be thinner, have lower serum cholesterol and lower blood pressure, reducing their risk of heart disease, reports the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Beyoncé and Jay Z decided to implement the diet in a bid to physically cleanse their bodies, at the end of last year.
"Psychologists have said it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. On the 22nd day, you've found the way. On December 3, one day before my 44th birthday I will embark on a 22 Days challenge to go completely vegan, or as I prefer to call it, plant-based!" Jay wrote on his Life and Times blog.
"This all began a few months back when a good friend and vegan challenged me to embrace a plant-based breakfast every day. It was surprisingly easier on me than I thought. It just feels right! "
But diets with no animal products in them can mean the person is lacking in certain vitamins and minerals and it can increase the risk of certain nutritional deficiencies.
"Micro-nutrients of special concern for the vegan include vitamins B-12 and D, calcium, and long-chain n–3 (omega-3) fatty acids. Unless vegans regularly consume foods that are fortified with these nutrients, appropriate supplements should be consumed.
"In some cases, iron and zinc status of vegans may also be of concern because of the limited bioavailability of these minerals," states the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
If you decide that the vegan way of life is for you, talk to your healthcare professional before you undergo a change. They can advise what the best course of action to take is, and alternative places you can find all the essential nutrients your body needs.
