The beautiful thing about humans is our ability to constantly learn, evolve and adapt. Our knowledge is constantly expanding and, for the most part, we're able to use it to better ourselves, our health and the planet. What was the norm 100 years ago - or even 10 years ago - is now no more, and our ability to customize a lifestyle to suit our beliefs further compounds that. For many people, one major change surrounds diet; namely cutting out certain food groups.
Some people have allergies that require them to intentionally avoid foods (like nuts), whilst others are making a conscious effort to change their diet for other reasons. Like anything that strays from the norm, there's always backlash, and an easy target nowadays is vegans. It's a lifestyle choice that has opened them up to broad criticism, but is it valid? We think not since veganism offers many different benefits to both the person and the planet.
If you've been thinking about going vegan but need a bit of convincing, here are five reasons that just might sway you into finally making the change.
1. Weight Loss
It's a fact that vegans are far less likely to be overweight; in fact, they're typically 20 pounds (1.4 stone / 9kg) lighter than their meat eating counterparts. Away from vanity reasons, this lower weight has a multitude of benefits of its own, including a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer (which reduces the risk of undergoing treatment like chemotherapy, surgery or proton beam therapy, all of which can be unpleasant). Any way to avoid all of this is welcome, and if you can look good at the same time? Winner!
2. Reduced Risk of Illness
Going vegan can reduce your risk of life-changing illnesses like cancer and heart disease, but it can also minimize the chances of you developing short-term illnesses like food poisoning. In theory, any food can cause food poisoning, but it's most likely to come from animal products, especially raw meat and poultry. Whilst food poisoning isn't usually serious, it can cause very disagreeable side effects like nausea and diarrhea which could last up to one week. Why put yourself at greater risk of discomfort when you don't have to?
3. Eco-Friendly
Meat production is hugely detrimental to the Earth; in fact, it rivals the pollution caused by all the motor vehicles and airplanes in the world. Billions of tons of carbon dioxide are emitted through meat production. Paired with the mass amounts of deforestation that are required to herd animals, there aren't enough trees to absorb the huge amounts of carbon dioxide that is produced, and this results in the Earth warming up and facing the effects of climate change.
4. Mental Health
Research has found that plant based diets contribute to reduced chances of a person suffering with mental health problems like anxiety and/or depression. Diet impacts more than just your physical health; people who are overweight are more likely to be depressed, and people who are depressed are more likely to become overweight. Whilst being vegan won't guarantee that you won't ever suffer with a mental health issue like depression, it does make you less likely to be overweight which, according to the medical research, puts you at a lower risk of developing depression over time.
5. Help Animals
We know that animals are sentient beings and are capable of feeling pain and emotion. In fact, this understanding is why many people don't eat their pet dogs and cats, but farm animals and fish are no different. Pigs are more intelligent than dogs, and cows are capable of feeling emotions like contentment, achievement, and excitement. All animals have feelings and will respond to kindness, so what makes animals bred for slaughter any different to animals we keep as pets? By becoming vegan, you'll save around 200 animals each year from slaughter, allowing them the chance to live out their natural lives in relative comfort and happiness.
Going vegan is a big lifestyle change and it's best to do it gradually to allow yourself the chance to adjust to this new way of life, but when you do eventually accomplish it, you'll be deeply rewarded for your efforts.
