"I understand that Veganism has a positive environmental impact, but won't I be giving up health and happiness once I give up animal products?"
In my opinion, the answer is no. However, I recognize that everyone is different: depending on someone's genetics, digestive system, and food preferences, Veganism might make little to no sense for them. That's perfectly fine. But I'd like to argue that for the large majority of people, not only is a Vegan diet more healthy than an omnivorous diet; but also, it doesn't have to be restrictive as many people would believe.
To begin, I'll list two common health problems and explain why Vegan diets help cure them:
To begin, I'll list two common health problems and explain why Vegan diets help cure them:
Heart Disease
Heart disease- the U.S's #1 killer according to the CDC- has several risk factors, including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes (NIH). Considering that Vegans literally consume no dietary LDL cholesterol (that's the bad type of cholesterol found in meat, dairy, and eggs), they have a much lower average serum cholesterol level than omnivores, pescatarians, and even vegetarians according to this study (M Thorogood et al.). Additionally, vegan and vegetarian diets have been linked through causational research to lower blood pressure, and even lower risk for diabetes (S. Tonstad et al.).
Overall, Veganism does reduce heart disease risk through the reduction of a variety of risk factors. The American Dietetic Association released a statement claiming just that, and even went on to state that Vegan diets are suitable and healthful for any and all stages of life. In my opinion, we shouldn't be seeking a health equilibrium through cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-lowering medications; rather, we should be focusing on diet changes to help eliminate heart disease risk.
Cancer
Coming in a close second in the list of the U.S.'s top killers, Cancer is more of a "black-box" than heart disease in terms of how much science has revealed about it. However, as you might predict, research suggests that a Vegan diet can reduce risk of certain cancers. (Here and Here are two more experiments demonstrating this) This isn't to say that being Vegan will stop you from getting cancer. Genetics, lifestyle choices, and chance can override diet any day of the week. Nonetheless, vegan diets can definitely lessen the chance.
While I do hold the opinion that Veganism can increase overall health; I know that this isn't a black and white issue: some of the studies I've linked today are correlational, not causational. In other words, a lot of research still has to be done to confirm or debunk the benefits of Veganism. Let me know what you think in the comments! Do you believe the evidence I've presented is BS, or do you believe in the power of plants? (Don't be afraid either way to express your opinion)
With that in mind, let's discuss the "restrictiveness" myth. Many people think that going Vegan means you sacrifice the joy of eating. While I wouldn't say that it's easy to have an enjoyable vegan diet; it's definitely doable. There are several awesome Vegan restaurants in State College including Café Verve. I particularly enjoy Café Verve because they have very realistically tasting faux-meats. Vegans can still have many types of candy, chips, doughnuts, milks, ice-creams (Cashew and Soy Milk Ice Cream DO taste good ;) ), and faux-meats. I find that faux-meats taste almost indistinguishable from the real thing, especially if they're soy-based.
In summary, don't buy into the myth that Veganism sacrifices health and happiness simply for an activist cause. If planned correctly, a plant-based diet can be fun and sustainable.
Again, let me know what you think! Have you had good/bad experiences with faux meats? Have you ever tried a vegan or vegetarian diet but fallen off the wagon?
Image Source: Public Domain Pictures
Image Source: Public Domain Pictures
I think one of the biggest issues surrounding "going vegan" is ensuring that you'll still receive all the necessary vitamins and nutrients from your food. I know people that have tried to "go vegan" by just cutting out all non vegan foods - but not replacing the nutrients that they're cutting out. That's one of the biggest places where people go wrong when trying to go vegan, in my opinion. I appreciate how you linked numerous studies because it does give validity to your claims about how a vegan diet can be extremely healthy and beneficial for one's overall health. I think it would be wise, however, to also mention the health risks that can come from an incomplete vegan diet: anemia, etc, because these can be dangerous too.
ReplyDeleteThat's so awesome that a vegan diet can protect against these diseases. These diseases are so difficult to fight at times, that it always good for there to be more and more ways to fight them. I'm also glad that I learned about LDLs in my nutrition class yesterday, which helped me to understand that part of your post. Overall, your post was super interesting!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the evidence you posted- I have also seen numerous studies supporting a connection between veganism and healthier lifestyles. Actually, I've considered going vegan before, but every time I'm ready to go for it I chicken out. But I didn't know they made faux-meat that tasted so close to the real thing, so maybe I could actually follow through. Despite your reasoning against the restrictiveness myth, however, I'm not sure how long I would last if I ever decide to go through with it. Good post! I'm always interested to learn more.
ReplyDeleteI really like reading these posts! My dad is cardiologist, and he tells me how he often sees patients who are overweight and have poor eating habits. He will tell them that they should lose weight but, as you hinted at, many people like to "take the easy way out" and just go on medications to regulate cholesterol, blood pressure, and other things. Of course there are many people who do need to go on medications, but dietary changes could make a big difference in their lives. I also really liked how you made sure to mention that some of the articles you linked were only correlational and not causational.
ReplyDeleteIt is eye opening to read all the health benefits to becoming vegan. I like how you threw in some of your own personal vegan restaurants that you enjoy, especially the one on campus. You may be able to influence at least one meal for the viewers that are reading your blog. I appreciate that you recognize the fact that everyone is different and has differing opinions about their diets. That is something we are also learning from our Deliberation work.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that veganism can help in preventing, or protecting us, from heart disease and cancer. It is definitely a really good diet to have since you lead a much healthier lifestyle and can get food that tastes just as good. One of my best friends from back home is vegan and we've gone out to vegan restaurants in the city that, honestly, have food that taste just as good as regular meats! I really liked this post, it was really informative.
ReplyDeleteSuper informative! Its good to read about all of the benefits of veganism. I don't know if I'd ever be able to do it myself, although I have made an effort to cut a lot of red meat out of my diet, I certainly appreciate anyone who can do it! Great blog.
ReplyDeleteI find it so interesting that you mention how Veganism can actually help indivudals with heart disease! I'm definitely considering a healthier diet and eating a lower amount of cholestrol because that runs in my family. Your posts are so interesting Jesse I can't wait for next week!
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