Vegan nutrition made easy!
It’s natural to think about nutrition when we decide to go vegan, perhaps in a way we didn’t before.
To put your mind at rest, we’ve pulled together some key vegan nutrition facts, focusing on the nutrients people typically have questions about.
Please note: one of the most common mistakes people make when transitioning to plant-based eating is not replacing what they’ve removed. Be sure to replace animal protein with plant protein. In short, you shouldn’t ONLY eat veg!
Protein
Protein is important for cell repair and maintaining or building strength, so it’s a vital part of our diet. And guess what? It doesn’t have to be animal-based.
Protein can be found in almost every food – even vegetables and potatoes contain some. Some of the best vegan protein sources are:
- Legumes – beans, peanuts, peas, lentils and soya (beans and soya products like tofu and tempeh)
- Grains – brown/wild rice, wholewheat bread and pasta, amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa
- Nuts – Brazils, peanuts, cashews, almonds, pistachios and walnuts
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is needed for the production of DNA and the healthy function of our nervous systems. Some good vegan B12 sources include:
- Marmite/Vegemite and other fortified yeast extract spreads
- Nutritional yeast flakes (check for ‘fortified with B12’ on the label)
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Fortified plant milks
- A good quality vegan multivitamin/B12 supplement (25 – 100 mcg a day is ideal or one 2,500 mcg supplement each week).
Find out more about B12 in a vegan diet with our dedicated page!
Note: If you’re concerned about your B12 levels, you should get them checked by a medical professional. If you are low in B12, you may have an issue absorbing it. This is relevant to everyone, regardless of their current diet.
Omega-3 and -6
Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are two polyunsaturated fats that our bodies cannot make, and are therefore crucial in our diet, which is why they are known as essential fatty acids.
Keep a check on your omega-6 intake. Too much omega-6 can reduce omega-3 conversion. The most recent advice is to not worry too much about ratios between the two but just make sure you get plenty of omega-3.
As omega-3 is not available in sufficient quantities from plant-based food, vegans must take it as a supplement. Look for a brand made with EPA and DHA from microalgae.
Good dietary sources of omega-3 are:
- Ground flaxseeds (linseeds)
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts (4 halves) and walnut oil
Sources of omega-6:
- Sunflower oil
- Safflower oil
- Soya oil
- Most nuts and seeds
Find out more in our dedicated omega-3 and omega-6 guide.
Calcium
Calcium is key for strong teeth and bones, so it’s important to ensure your body gets the amount it needs. Here are some vegan sources of calcium:
- Kale, watercress, collard greens
- Broccoli
- Calcium-set tofu
- Fortified plant milks
- Soya yoghurt
- Tempeh
- Tahini
It’s also important to combine calcium sources with lots of fruit and vegetables and protein-rich foods, to aid absorption.
Dr Michael Greger’s acclaimed book, ‘How Not To Die,’ offers some great suggestions for a healthy, balanced plant-based diet. In it, he shares his Daily Dozen checklist to help you keep track of your nutrients each day. To make it even easier, simply print off the checklist and planner below and stick them on your fridge:
And that’s your vegan nutrition in a nutshell!
