Vegetarians or vegans will certainly avoid all types of foods that come from animals. Foods derived from plants are considered to provide better benefits for body health. However, it does not mean there are no shortcomings. According to experts, a vegan diet may be unable to meet the body's nutritional needs.

It is undeniable that there are certain nutrients such as proteins and vitamins that you can only find in foods that come from animals. Protein is an organic compound that has an important role in the body, especially in supporting the immune system, maintaining healthy muscles and bones, and other key roles in maintaining good bodily functions. You can find complete protein in foods that come from animals, such as red meat or eggs.

However, there is no need to be concerned. That doesn't mean you don't get protein from plant-based foods; it's just that the protein content is incomplete. Foods such as tempeh, tofu, soy milk, pumpkin seeds, black beans, spinach, broccoli, and edamame are types of plant-based foods with high protein content. These foods can be consumed simultaneously to meet your daily protein needs.

Not only protein, vitamin needs, especially vitamin B-12 and D, must also be considered by vegans. You can only find vitamin B-12 in foods that come from animals, such as shellfish, days, and dairy products, while vitamin D can be found in most animal foods.  Vitamin D can also be produced directly by the body if there is contact between the skin and sunlight. To meet their needs, vegans can consume processed foods that contain both vitamins. Taking additional supplements can also be your choice.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Medical News Today - High-protein vegan foods (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325448.php, 20 June 2019.