Is it healthy for children to follow the current trend toward veganism? Here is what you should know.
Have you ever questioned whether or not a vegan upbringing is healthy for a child? Keeping kids on a balanced diet is important, but beware of harmful fad diets. Studies have shown that those who choose a vegan lifestyle without seeing a medical professional are at risk for a variety of health problems. In the opinion of experts, it is vital that children get a diet complete in all nutrients. Concerned about the effects of a vegan diet on your child? We've got the facts you need to make an informed decision.
The Vegan Diet: What's It All About?
Let's have a grasp on what a vegan diet actually is before we analyse its effects on kids. To clarify, a vegan diet consists entirely of plant-based foods. A vegan diet does not include any foods that come from animals. This includes all forms of non-veg items dairy products, and even some forms of honey. People choose a vegan lifestyle for ethical, environmental, or health reasons.
Will Your Kids Thrive On A Plant-Based Diet?
A vegan diet may be healthy for adults, but it may pose health risks for children. Very little research has been done on introducing a vegan diet to a child at an early age. A full consultation with a dietitian is essential for planning a healthy, balanced diet for children that includes enough levels of vitamin B12, riboflavin, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, and other micronutrients.
Doctors caution parents against following this diet with their young children. According to various studies, vitamins and minerals like calcium, B12, iron, and vitamin D are especially important for growing kids. Children's development depends on getting enough of these nutrients. Milk, paneer, and lassi are not included in this diet plan, which is a bad idea because of the nutritional value they add to children's diets.
Natural calcium sources are especially important in India, since artificial calcium supplements are not widely available. This means that infants and toddlers in our nation rely only on dairy products. The only time we need to seek for alternatives to milk is if the child is lactose intolerant or has a medical condition that prevents them from drinking milk. A vegan diet is not appropriate for a healthy youngster.
Who Is It Meant For?
Despite the fact that it is not appropriate for kids, it may be helpful for grownups. Vegan diets have been shown to offer several health benefits for adults, especially those with diabetes and high cholesterol, according to some research. This is due to the fact that a vegan diet consists of plant-based foods such as vegetables, grains, and pulses. Accordingly, it is safe for most individuals to consume. It might be challenging for children to maintain a healthy, balanced diet because it does not include dairy products.
