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Feb 19

10 Reasons to Go Vegan

As more people become aware of the impact of the meat industry on the environment, animal welfare, and human health, veganism has been gaining popularity around the world.

For those unaware, veganism is a lifestyle that avoids the consumption of animal products and the use of products derived from animals. Although just a small percentage of the general population follows a strict vegan diet (somewhere between 2% – 10% depending on the location), the number has been growing steadily in recent years, as has the number of people following vegetarian and plant-based diets or simply lowering their consumption of meat and dairy.

With this in mind, here are 10 reason why going vegan is a good idea:

  1. Environmental Impact

Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, and it also requires large amounts of water and energy to produce meat, dairy, and eggs. By choosing to follow a vegan diet, you can help to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Specifically, animal agriculture accounts for around 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is more than the entire transportation sector combined. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is produced by livestock during digestion, while carbon dioxide is produced during the production and transportation of animal feed, fertilizers, and pesticides. Animal waste also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, as it releases methane and nitrous oxide as it decomposes.

In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, animal agriculture also contributes to deforestation and water scarcity. The production of animal feed requires vast amounts of land, leading to deforestation and habitat destruction. Animal agriculture is also a major consumer of water, with up to 2,500 gallons of water required to produce a single pound of beef. By contrast, plant-based foods require significantly less water to produce, making them a more sustainable choice.

A study published in the journal Science found that a vegan diet could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% and land use by 75%, compared to a typical Western diet. Another study published in the journal Environmental Research Letters found that the adoption of a plant-based diet could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food by up to 70%.

A study published last year in the peer-reviewed journal Science of the Total Environment found that “the protein profile with low contribution from meat has great potential for human health and environment preservation. Shifting a large part of the population toward this profile could be an easy first step toward building a more sustainable diet.”

  1. Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is a critical issue that many people are becoming increasingly concerned about, as more and more evidence suggests that many animals are subject to inhumane and cruel treatment in the animal agriculture industry. Animals raised for food are often subjected to extremely cramped and unsanitary conditions, and they are typically kept in small cages or confined spaces, unable to move around freely, and are often unable to engage in natural behaviors that are essential to their well-being, such as grazing and foraging. In addition, they may be subjected to cruel practices such as debeaking, tail docking, and castration, all without pain relief. When laws have been passed to increase the lives of farm animals such as requiring pigs to be put in cages that allow them to turn around, many in the industry have opposed them.

Another significant issue in the animal agriculture industry is the practice of factory farming. Factory farming involves raising large numbers of animals in small, crowded spaces, where they are often fed a diet that is not appropriate for their health. This can lead to a wide range of health issues for the animals, including infections, diseases, and malnutrition. In addition to the animal welfare concerns associated with animal agriculture, the industry also contributes to the destruction of natural habitats, such as forests and wetlands. The clearing of forests and other habitats for grazing and feed crops leads to significant loss of biodiversity and can contribute to climate change.

By choosing a vegan diet, individuals can help reduce the demand for animal products, which in turn reduces the number of animals raised for food. Veganism is a way to promote compassion and respect for all living beings, and it allows individuals to align their values with their dietary choices.

  1. Health Benefits

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the health benefits of a vegan diet, which can have a significant impact on overall health and well-being.

One major benefit of a vegan diet is a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. A review of 96 studies found that vegans have a 75% lower risk of developing high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. Another study found that vegans had a 68% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to non-vegans.

A vegan diet is also associated with a lower risk of certain types of cancer, particularly colon, breast, and prostate cancer. The same review found that vegans had a 15% lower risk of developing cancer compared to non-vegans.

A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that vegans tend to have lower BMIs and reduced risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that plant-based diets can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 40%. The American Dietetic Association has also stated that well-planned vegan diets are nutritionally adequate for all stages of life, including infancy, childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy.

A vegan diet can also provide all the necessary nutrients for good health, including protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins B12 and D. Plant-based sources of protein, such as beans, lentils, and tofu, are often high in fiber and other nutrients, making them a healthy addition to any diet. Plant-based sources of iron, such as dark leafy greens and fortified cereals, can be just as effective as animal-based sources of iron. While vitamin B12 and vitamin D are typically found in animal products, they can also be obtained through fortified plant-based foods or supplements.

You can find dozens of additional peer-reviewed studies demonstrating the benefits of following a vegan diet by clicking here.

  1. Improved Digestion

A vegan diet is typically high in fiber, which is essential for good digestive health. Fiber helps to keep the digestive system running smoothly, promoting regular bowel movements and reducing the risk of constipation. The high fiber content of a vegan diet also helps to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which can improve overall digestive health.

In addition to being high in fiber, a vegan diet is also typically low in saturated fat, which can be difficult for the body to digest. Animal-based foods, particularly those high in saturated fat, can be harder on the digestive system, leading to discomfort, bloating, and other digestive issues.

A vegan diet can also help to reduce the risk of certain digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A study of over 60,000 people found that those who followed a vegetarian or vegan diet were at a lower risk of developing IBS than those who followed a non-vegetarian diet. Similarly, a study of over 77,000 people found that a vegetarian or vegan diet was associated with a lower risk of developing IBD.

Finally, a vegan diet can also help to improve overall gut health, which is essential for good digestion. Plant-based foods, particularly those high in fiber, are known to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which can help to improve overall gut health and reduce the risk of digestive issues.

  1. Increased Energy

Eating a plant-based diet can increase your energy levels and improve your overall sense of well-being. A study published in the Nutrition Journal found that participants who switched to a vegan diet reported increased energy levels and improved physical functioning. The study also found that a vegan diet can lead to reduced levels of fatigue and improved sleep quality.

  1. Weight Loss

A vegan diet can help with weight loss and management. A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that individuals who followed a vegan diet lost significantly more weight than those who followed a conventional diet. The study also found that a vegan diet can lead to improvements in insulin sensitivity, which is important for weight management and overall health.

  1. Better Skin

A vegan diet can promote healthy skin by providing important nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants. These nutrients can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that a plant-based diet can lead to improvements in skin health, including a reduction in acne and other skin conditions.

  1. Improved Athletic Performance

Plant-based diets can improve athletic performance by providing the necessary nutrients for muscle growth and repair. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a vegan diet can provide sufficient protein for athletes. The study also found that a vegan diet can lead to improvements in endurance and overall athletic performance.

  1. Cost Savings

A vegan diet can be more cost-effective than a diet that includes animal products. Plant-based protein sources, such as lentils, beans, and tofu, are often less expensive than meat. Additionally, plant-based foods can be grown more sustainably and may require fewer resources, such as water and land, to produce.

  1. Delicious and Varied Food Options

Many people assume that a vegan diet is limited to salads and vegetables, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Veganism is not about depriving yourself of delicious food; instead, it’s about exploring new and exciting plant-based food options that are made ethically and humanely and without the requirement of an animal being killed.

One of the biggest misconceptions about veganism is that it is boring and lacks flavor. However, with the increasing popularity of veganism, there are now countless recipes and food options available that are both delicious and satisfying.

There are also many vegan substitutes available for traditional animal-based products. For example, plant-based milks, such as almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk, are delicious alternatives to dairy milk. Vegan cheese, made from nuts or soy, is also widely available and can be used in many recipes from pizza to grilled cheese sandwiches.

Veganism also offers the opportunity to experiment with new ingredients and cooking techniques. Plant-based proteins, such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan, can be used to make a wide variety of dishes, from stir-fries to burgers. Whole grains, such as quinoa, farro, and brown rice, can be used as a base for salads or as a side dish. Many vegan foods are also rich in flavor and spices, which can add a new dimension to your meals.

Anthony Martinelli

Anthony Martinelli is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Vegan Herald, which launched in 2015 as a daily vegan news and information website.