10 things you only know if you’ve been a vegan as long as I have

New research shows that eating a healthy plant-based diet can cut the risk of the disordered breathing condition sleep apnoea. Another reason to try a vegan diet maybe, but there are things that the vegan-curious should know before they start, says Flic Everett

Being a vegan doesn’t have to be a headache if you follow some simple rules (iStock)

For many of us, the idea of giving the overloaded system a good clean out with plant-based eating, helping the planet and perhaps even losing a few pounds sounds like a win.

But as a mostly vegan who was purely vegan for years, I have news: if you want to do it properly, you have to commit, just as you would to a pricey gym membership or learning Hungarian. Being vegan isn’t simply a case of “not eating animal products”. It also means paying close attention to your health, high-level social management and understanding the difference between “vegan” and “actually good for you”. Here’s how to get it right – based on my years of trial and error.

From colourful smoothies to citrus fruit, you can boost your immune system and avoid getting sick (Alamy/PA)