How healthy is it to feed our little ones with this type of diet? Discover the pros and cons of raw veganism in children.
Food is part of our lifestyle, and we are always looking for the best one for the development of our children. However, not everything that is trendy or new means that it is 100% healthy. In this case, we are talking about raw veganism in children, and we want to share the pros and cons of this type of diet.
What is raw veganism?
It consists of feeding on vegetables and fruits in their natural state; that is, without cooking and avoiding as much as possible products from animal sources. The goal of this diet is to improve your lifestyle, lose weight or defend animals.
What does a raw vegan diet contain?
This consists of fruits, vegetables, greens, roots, nuts, seeds, algae and sprouts. However, the consumption of starchy foods, such as potatoes and ungerminated cereals, is avoided.
Raw veganism seeks a consumption balance between sweet fruits, fatty vegetables, vegetables, edible green leaves, legumes and cereals.
Benefits of raw veganism in children
The main benefit of this diet is that a high amount of fruits and vegetables is consumed, high consumption of fiber.
In addition, raw veganism has shown positive effects on levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides, which helps prevent heart-related diseases.
With a raw vegan diet it is more difficult for children to have bad eating habits.
Disadvantages of raw veganism in children
Although it has its very positive side, there are more disadvantages that this type of diet has for children, since when eliminating foods of animal origin, deficiencies of nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron and calcium can occur.
If the raw vegan diet is not properly leveled, the levels of good cholesterol could be affected: it would lower the blood level and therefore increase bad cholesterol.
Adults have experienced headaches, nausea, cravings and even anxiety, caused by the restriction of complex carbohydrates and proteins, which could also cause tiredness and discouragement. Now, it doesn’t take much imagination to know what the consequences would be for children by imposing this type of diet on them.
Raw veganism in children punished by law
In countries like Italy and the United States it is strictly forbidden to feed children with this type of diet, and it is considered child abuse. Such is the case of Elizabeth Hawk, a 33-year-old mother who fed her 11-month-old baby only with fruits and nuts, and who was diagnosed with an obsession with “healthy eating.”
Consult a nutritionist
He is the best to determine what type of food your little one needs. During its development, it is very important not to eliminate any type of food unless the specialist determines otherwise. Remember that your little one’s health is better than a food fad.