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Is vegan junk food really any healthier than regular junk food? We take a look at the pros and cons of vegan junk food to see if it’s worth the switch.
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Introduction
A question that is often asked is, “Is vegan junk food healthy?” The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. Just because a food is vegan does not automatically make it healthy. However, there are some vegan junk foods that are healthier than their non-vegan counterparts.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular vegan junk foods and see how they compare to their non-vegan counterparts.
Vegan Junk Foods
Popular vegan junk foods include French fries, chips, cookies, cakes, ice cream, and candy. While these foods may be vegan, they are not necessarily healthy. In fact, many of these foods are high in calories, fat, and sugar.
Non-Vegan Junk Foods
Non-vegan junk foods include hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken nuggets, and fishsticks. Like vegan junk foods, these foods are also high in calories, fat, and sugar.
So, which is healthier? The answer may surprise you.
Some Vegan Junk Foods Are Healthier Than Their Non-Vegan Counterparts
While some vegan junk foods are just as unhealthy as their non-vegan counterparts (if not more so), there are some that are actually healthier. For example:
-French fries: A large serving of McDonald’s French fries contains 480 calories and 24 grams of fat. A large serving of Burger King’s French fries contains 520 calories and 26 grams of fat. By contrast, a large serving of VeganFries contains only 340 calories and 12 grams of fat.
-Chips: A large serving of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips contains 1120 calories and 64 grams of fat. A large serving of Fritos Original Corn Chips contains 1080 calories and 60 grams of fat. By contrast, a large serving of Kettle Brand Potato Chips contains only 580 calories and 32 grams of fat.
-Cookies: A standard Oreo cookie contains 160 calories and 10 grams of sugar. A standard Lofthouse Sugar Cookie contains 210 calories and 11 grams of sugar. By contrast,…
What is vegan junk food?
Vegan junk food is often high in fat, sugar, and salt. Examples include:
-fried foods
-processed snacks
-sweetened drinks
Although vegan junk food may be lower in calories and fat than its non-vegan counterpart, it is still not considered a healthy option. This is because it is often lacking in important nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the high fat and sugar content can lead to weight gain and other health problems over time.
If you are looking for a healthy vegan option, be sure to choose foods that are high in nutrients and low in unhealthy ingredients.
The health benefits of vegan junk food
Though it may seem like an oxymoron, vegan junk food can actually be quite healthy. Here are some of the health benefits of vegan junk food:
-Vegan junk food is typically low in saturated fat and cholesterol. This means that it can help to reduce your risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions.
-Vegan junk food is often high in fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating. This can help to control your weight in the long-term.
-Vegan junk food often contains healthy plant-based ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This means that it can provide you with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for good health.
Of course, as with any type of food, it’s important to eat vegan junk food in moderation. Too much of anything is never a good thing!
The health risks of vegan junk food
Vegan junk food is often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt. It is also often low in fiber and nutrients. While it is possible to find vegan junk food that is healthier than its non-vegan counterpart, it is still important to be aware of the health risks associated with this type of food.
Vegan junk food may increase your risk for heart disease and other chronic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. In addition, vegan junk food may contain harmful chemicals that can affect your health. These chemicals can come from the processing of the food, as well as from the packaging and preparation of the food.
If you are considering adding vegan junk food to your diet, it is important to speak with a doctor or registered dietitian first. They can help you make sure that you are getting the nutrients you need while still staying within a healthy range for your BMI.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that there is no such thing as “healthy” vegan junk food. Just because a food is vegan does not mean it’s automatically healthy. Junk food is junk food, no matter what label you put on it.
If you’re looking for truly healthy vegan foods, stick to whole, unprocessed plant foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. These foods are packed with nutrients and fiber and can help you reach your health goals.
