Going vegan in UAE? Seek an expert opinion first

More people in the UAE are switching from fatty, meat-based diets to a colourful vegan diet. However, doctors warn that if serious planning is not made ahead of joining the trendy diet, a crisis in health could arise.

Shebini Hameed, dietitian and nutritionist, Universal Hospitals, Abu Dhabi, told Khaleej Times that the vegan diet has become more popular recently, adding that 20 per cent of her patients have switched to the environmental-friendly lifestyle.

"Many people believe the vegan diet is good for weight reduction, improving health and longevity, preventing cruelty against animals and the environment, but very few people consider the important steps to take before becoming vegan."

The dietitian said the vegan diet has become a popular trend, particularly in the past two years, because more people are becoming aware and educated about the dangers of meat consumption.

She said patients who have switched to a vegan diet witnessed their cholesterol levels drop, as well as their weight.

"People are consuming many animals loaded with industrial wastes, including chemicals, which is a major cause of cancer."

She pointed out that before modern farming, animals were consuming food and seeds that were healthy and natural. However, today animals are often injected with chemicals and fed hormones, that could be harmful on the overall health of an individual who consumes animal products and meats on a regular basis.

"Today, more people are concerned about consuming animal products, because they are more aware about animal growth hormones, so they are leaning towards a vegetarian diet or a vegan diet."

She stressed that prior to becoming a vegan, proper planning is crucial when it comes to ensuring vitamins and minerals are maintained.

"You can't just decide to become vegan and be healthy, you need real planning to make sure there will not be any vitamin deficiencies."

Hameed said the top three vitamin and mineral deficiencies that often result in vegans who do not plan ahead, are vitamin B-12, calcium and iron. She advised people to do a thorough health checkup before and during a vegan lifestyle.

Dr Anita Das Gupta, clinical dietitian and head of Department, Burjeel Hospital, said there is a "food scare" amid red meat controversies.

"There are a lot of controversies behind meat consumption now, because of the link to cancer and other diseases. That's why more people are turning to a vegetarian based diet.

"Vegan diets are lower in calories and provide high antioxidants, but people need to plan how they can get their important vitamins."

However, Dr Gupta stressed that since Vitamin B-12 is mainly found in animal-derived products, vegans should ensure they are consuming a sufficient amount of the vitamin each day to avoid deficiency.

The vitamin is essential when it comes to protecting the nervous system, synthesising DNA, forming and dividing red blood cells, as well as providing energy.

Vitamin B-12 can be found in non-animal products, such as nori, shiitake mushrooms and nutritional yeast.

For people with iron deficiency, it is advised to load up on tofu, tempeh, lentils, beans, pumpkin, pea nuts, seeds and leafy greens.

Calcium rich food for vegans include poppy, celery, chia seeds and sesame seeds, as well as beans, lentils, almonds, tofu, figs and dark leafy greens.

jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai