Which is healthier? Vegan or plant based diet?

Fresh vegetables including carrots, radishes and beetroot

Vegan or plant based diet? What are the differences and which is better for my health? Even though they follow similar eating there is quite a big difference.

A vegan diet is more of a lifestyle choice based on solely animal welfare. Whereas a whole food plant based diet is based on health. The difference can be confusing.

Vegan or Plant based?

Vegan

A vegan diet is not synonymous with a healthy diet as can be highly unhealthy processed food as the main aim is animal free rather than a health aspect. That's not saying all vegans are unhealthy but health isnt the reason behind the choice for that lifestyle.

Plant Based

Whole food plantbased (WFPB) main aim is health. Most do not consume any animal products but more important focus on being health than being veganism. A plant-based diet is centered on unrefined, or minimally refined foods derived from plants, including vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts, seeds and fruits, with few or no animal products.

Resources

General guidance and further reading. These links have not been checked against the individual claims on this page.

  1. NHS: The vegan diet

    Public health guidance on planning a vegan diet and getting essential nutrients.

  2. British Dietetic Association: Vegetarian, vegan and plant-based diet

    Dietitian guidance on plant-based eating. The fact sheet is currently under review by the BDA.

  3. NHS: The Eatwell Guide

    Guidance on food groups and the balance of foods across a day or week.

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