Here I will cover the basics to a healthy, vegan diet. Having a balanced diet is more than just eating your daily intake of vegetables and mixing it with some rice or lentils. There are so many non-animal based products that are not too well known about which can boost your protein (a big one), vitamin and mineral intake.
So look around your health store this week, or visit an online store specialising in organic, natural and vegan foods.
Here are some great additions:
flaxseed oil
Commonly used as a natural medicine in the Mediterranean countries for centuries to treat many conditions including arthritis and high blood cholesterol
olive oil
almonds/almond butter
walnuts
avocados
coconut oil and milk
mushrooms
Mushrooms are an excellent source of Vitamin B12 and contain iron which is easily assimilated, helping to maintain a strong immune system.
Other advantages include a low level of carbohydrates, calories and sodium - it is fat free.
Squash
Squash is essentially a vegan superpower and can be divided into both summer/winter version, which have different physical characteristics but similar nutritional value. It is especially noted for having a natural vitamin b6 source.
Quinoa
Little known for its great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Quinoa 'the mother grain' also contains all 8 essential amino acids including magnesium, iron and phosphorous.
The only issue that vegans may is that the over-demand in the USA and other developed parts of the world are driving prices rocket-high and causing the indigenous people of the land to abandon eating their own harvest.
