Contents
Introduction
It is no secret that going Vegan does have many health benefits. But it isn’t the magical fix-all solution you might expect. From junk to processed foods, some Plant-based foods are overloaded with sodium, hidden fats, making them quite unhealthy for you. And just like any other diet, you have to be conscious of what you consume and how it impacts your well-being. So, let’s explore some of the unhealthiest Vegan food items, why they are harmful and what healthier alternative they can be swapped with.
5 Vegan Foods to Avoid and Why
Vegan Junk Food
Occasional drive-through runs after a long day are fine, but not when it becomes an everyday ritual. Fast-food, whether vegan or not, is very problematic for your health. It’s loaded heavy in oil, packed with sodium and very low in nutrition. Yes, those crunchy fries feel really good at the first bite. But this satisfaction? It’s temporary. And in the long run, it will cause a variety of problems from weight gain to poor heart health.
Mock Meats
When you are craving a nugget or a patty burger, mock meat may just hit right. Sure, it may taste great. But mock meat is one of the unhealthiest Vegan food items due to it being processed beyond recognition. This means that it is full of preservatives and salts. It is marketed as meat but it doesn’t have the same nutritional benefits and can actually lead to gut issues and high blood pressure. You can simply opt for chickpea or lentil patty as these still have vitamins intact.
Sugary Vegan Drinks
Vegan drinks are made with plant-based milk and are dairy free. But many of them fall in the category of the least healthy vegan foods as they are often full of syrups and refined sugar. This is why that first sip of sweetness feels divine. But soon, your blood sugar spikes and before you know it you are met with a mid-day crash. Have a sweet tooth? Go for fruit smoothies that are naturally sweet and rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Ramen
Instant Ramen is actually one of the unhealthiest vegan food choices out there as it is full of excess sodium and MSG and lacks any real nutrition. Just swap it with Soba noodles made with whole grain and load up with veggies for extra nutrition.
Plant-Based Desserts
We often assume that when a dessert is vegan, it’s automatically healthy. But here’s the thing. A Vegan donut is still a donut. And spoiler alert, it’s not very healthy. Loaded with carbs, sugar and unhealthy fats, if not eaten in a balanced manner, even plant-powered desserts would cause the same damage as a regular one. What can you do? Eat in moderation. Be mindful of the ingredients like the amount of sugar in the product. And when you can, swipe it with unprocessed sweet treats like a chia pudding with fruit.
The Hidden Dangers of Unhealthy Vegan Foods
- Eating processed Vegan meals means that you are missing out on the nutrients that a healthy plant-based diet can provide.
- Deep fried or sugary Plant-powered meals will have surprise calories everywhere with oils, starch, sugar bombs hiding in plain sight.
- It will damage your heart health
- Junk food whether it’s Vegan or regular is high in calories but low in satisfaction, leaving you with a loop of wanting to eat more and more.
Wrapping it Up!
We have concluded that Vegan doesn’t always equal health. So, always read the ingredients twice. Processed plants are as damaging as processed food. While a whole plant-diet is healing. Searching for a Vegan Cafe in Dubai that serves fresh and healthy plant-based cuisine? Treat your taste buds to a meal at HOW Vegan Cafe. We keep the sugar low and flavours high. So that you can keep enjoying your favourite foods without any guilt. Visit us today.