Absolutely! First, an unbalanced diet whether vegetarian or non- can be unhealthy. However, a vegan or vegetarian diet can effectively provide the body with all the nutrients needed and it is relatively easy to plan a balanced vegan or vegetarian diet. It was stated by the ADA (American Dietetic Association) - J Am Diet Assoc. 2009; 109:1266-1282, "..that appropriately planned vegetarian or vegan diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the lifecycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes......."
Moreover, it has been proven that diets low in meat, dairy and eggs are typically healthier. In fact, numerous studies have shown that eliminating dairy products and meat, while eating nuts and whole grains will improve cardiovascular health. Being a vegan will also result in less use of medications and increased energy level. Without all of the diseases and illnesses related to a typical Western diets you won't have the need for all the medications needed to treat them.
Now if you're concerned that a vegan diet will not provide you with the necessary vitamins and nutrients, plant foods are loaded with vitamins. Whole grains, beans, lentils, tofu, nuts and veggie meats are all excellent sources of protein. Additionally, beans, cashews, raisins, spinach, tempeh and tomato juice are packed with iron. If you're concerned about getting vitamin B-12, no need to worry because you can easily do so by eating fortified cereals, fortified soy milk or taking multivitamins. Also, if you're working on weight loss you should know that the only nutritionally sound diet that has been scientifically proven to take weight off and keep it off for more than a year is a vegetarian diet.
One can live a very healthy and wealthy lifestyle as a vegan. After all, health is wealth because no amount of money can buy you good health! More than that, a plant-based diet will make you feel good and have more energy. So why not give it a go? Its a win-win situation!
