In comparison to meat-based diets, a vegan diet is lower in saturated fat, calories and contains more fibre and phytonutrients/phytochemicals, which have been shown to have protective properties in association with lower risks of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and lower levels of cholesterol.
However, there is cause for concern surrounding the availability of vitamin B12 in a vegan diet.