What is all the BUZZ about Vegan/Plant Based eating?

Three reasons why people are making the switch to a more plant-based, vegan, lifestyle.

Why is everyone going vegan? Or at least, why do you see huge companies like Burger King rolling out the red carpet for the vegans with the Impossible Whopper? People of all walks of life are starting to become vegan; celebrities, politicians, doctors, professional athletes, your 12-year-old niece, even grandma and grandpa. You may find yourself asking: what is this all about anyway?

What does vegan even mean?

A vegan is someone who refrains from using or eating any animal products - no meat, no cheese, no eggs. Vegan's eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. Individuals transition to a vegan diet and lifestyle for many reasons, but the main thee are compassion for animals, concern for the environment, or a concern for their health. Veganism isn't new, the term originated in 1944, but the idea can be traced back to ancient Indian and eastern Mediterranean societies as far back as 500 BCE. In the story of Daniel 1:8 from the old testament, the concept of veganism is explicitly mentioned. Religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism all have vegetarian ideals that humans should not kill or inflict pain on other animals. So why now is veganism picking up so much steam?

Reason #1: For the Environment.

The United Nations, yes the U.N., just published a > 500-page paper concluding that Plant-based diets can help fight climate change. The finding of the report is a big deal; it went on to say that the "west's" high consumption of meat and dairy produce is fueling global warming. Over 107 scientists for the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) concluded that land-use connected with animal production needs better management. The document highlights that keeping global warming below 2 degrees C can only be achieved by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors, including land-use and food. The U.N. promotes balanced diets of mostly plant-based foods with some animal sources produced only from sustainable low greenhouse gas emission systems.

"Some dietary choices require more land and water, and cause more emissions of heat-trapping gases than others." - Debra Roberts, Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group II.

Vegetarian lifestyles require fewer resources like water, food, oil, contribute less CO2 and methane into the atmosphere. Raising livestock contribute more to global warming than automobiles, and is the second leading cause of global warming behind industrial pollution. Choosing to become vegetarian or vegan is one of the best things you can do for the environment. So if climate change is getting you down, eat more plants and fewer animals.

Reason #2: For your Health.

A major study just published in the Journal of the American Heart Association concludes that eating mostly plant-based foods and fewer animal-based foods may be linked to better heart health. The article also states that plant-centered diets lower the risk of dying from a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular diseases. The AHA journal article is just a recent example among a plethora of studies that show the long-term benefits of a plant-based diet. How does a plant-based diet benefit health? Meat and dairy are high in saturated fat with no fiber, whereas fruits and vegetables are low in calories, high in nutrients and fiber. The study found that men who ate the most plant-based foods overall had 16% lower risk of having cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and stroke, and 32% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

"The American Heart Association recommends eating a mostly plant-based diet, provided the foods you choose are rich in nutrition and low in added sugars, sodium (salt), cholesterol and artery-clogging saturated and trans fats. Unprocessed foods, like fresh fruit, vegetables, and grains, are good choices," - Mariell Jessup, M.D., the chief science and medical officer of the American Heart Association.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 610,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. every year. Heart disease is the leading cause of death, our number one killer, in the U.S. with 1 in 4 deaths being from heart disease. A vegan diet has more benefits then just helping our heart, but if this were its only benefit, I would still get onboard.

Reason #3: For the Animals.

There are people in this world that believe animals are sentient, conscious beings, they feel pain and can suffer - just like humans - and that we should not harm animals for food. Some vegans extend this concern even further believing that they will not use any product that involved killing or injuring an animal in any way. They will not eat animals as food, wear clothing made from animals, condone research done on animals, or believe animals should be exploited for entertainment. Some religions believe we have dominion over the animals of the earth, but others think we violate that status by mass breeding and keeping them in horrific conditions for the duration of their short lives. Preventing the exploitation of animals seems to be the primary reason why many people have become vegan in the past. Many celebrities such as Ariana Grande, Ellen DeGeneres, and Moby all take a stand for the animals.

"I personally chose to go vegan because I educated myself on factory farming and cruelty to animals, and I suddenly realized that what was on my plate were living things, with feelings. And I just couldn't disconnect myself from it any longer." -Ellen DeGeneres

Many people make a connection between the dog in their bed and the pig that lives in a cage. Would they keep their dog in a cage for nine months straight? Not spending your money on animals products is the most significant way you can take a stand against animal cruelty. If you want more information on animal advocacy, there are a plethora of websites, and documentaries to educate you on what being a vegan can do for the animals.

Wrap-up. Why get on Board?

While people who became vegan for the last few decades were primarily concerned with animal welfare, climate change and personal health are more recent avenues inspiring people to become vegan. People are fed-up with the status quo. Fed-up with governments not taking responsibility for climate change. Fed-up with the chronic disease death toll in the world and the skyrocketing rates of obesity and obesity-related diseases. Fed-up with seeing pictures and videos of the horrific places their food comes from and the processes involved in killing animals. There is no more hiding from it. Shifting your diet to a plant-based vegan lifestyle empowers you to do something about these problems. You get to vote with your dollars at the store and with every bite of food you take. You can do it to promote your health, protect animals, and save our future on this planet.