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What are the benefits of a vegan diet, and are they dangerous?

Last Updated: May 10, 2010

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There are many benefits to eating a vegetarian diet. Vegetarians have less heart disease and stroke, lower rates of some forms of cancer, and are more likely to be a healthy weight. Vegan diets, those that contain no animal products, are the most restrictive vegetarian diet and do come with some nutritional challenges. Specifically, vegans may have a hard time getting enough calcium, B12, and zinc since these nutrients are found in dairy and meat. A carefully chosen vegan diet can be healthy; however, it may require supplements to make sure that all nutrients are consumed in adequate amounts. Check with your physician to see what supplements may be right for you.

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