It is a fact that there is no one-size-fits-all diet. And new diets are coming out every now and then . Among them are the paleo diet and veganism. These two are complete opposites, but they can co-exist. Yes, it’s like the divorced parents who are into co-parenting!
That is how the PEGAN (paleo + vegan) diet came about. It combines the meat-centric diet our ancestors used to have and plant-based eating. This diet was the brainchild of functional medical specialist, Mark Hyman.
Let us find out what this diet is all about and how it is done.
What is a Pegan Diet?
According to Dr. Hyman, to follow the Pegan diet, your plate must have 75% plant-based food, including nuts, seeds, and vegetables, and 25% of sustainable, lean meats. The diet, which was first introduced in 2014 gained attention among those looking for ways to clean and healthy eating.
There is a mixed reaction on the diet though, as it has been heavily criticized because it has excluded grains, beans, and dairy on its must-eat lists. Many nutritionists believe that these food groups are keys to a balanced diet.
Health Benefits of the Pegan Diet
Since the pegan diet is more focused on eating sustainably sourced meats and nutrition-rich vegetables, you would expect it to have plenty of health benefits. This positive aspect of the pegan diet means that the foods are packed with nutrients, fiber, vitamins, and minerals with less cholesterol.
Another advantage of this diet plan is it helps you avoid processed foods and sugar. We all know that these foods are bad for us and contain fewer nutrients. Sugary food can even make us feel hungry and crave more food. It can often lead to gaining unwanted weight.
Like any other diet plan, the pegan diet is not perfect. As mentioned earlier, many nutrition experts are against it because it cuts out the majority of the legumes and grains from the food list. That means taking out the primary sources of fiber and vitamins.
And when you remove dairy from your diet, you will miss the protein and calcium your body needs. Fruits and vegetables can provide you with the necessary nutrients, but they cannot cover all the protein, vitamin B12, and iron found in tofu, eggs, and meat.
An adult needs an average of 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily, while pregnant and older adults need more. Therefore, you should consult with a dietician or medical practitioner before going into a Pegan diet.
Should You Go Pegan?
Our advice is to proceed with caution. The pegan diet has some health benefits as it promotes clean and healthy eating. However, take note of the risks too. Bear in mind that the diet removes the primary sources of protein, calcium, Vitamin B12, and iron. Getting advice from a nutritionist or doctor is the best way forward. Read More Healthy Articles :- Whey Protein 365.