Veganism
What is veganism? During 1944 the members of the Vegetarian Society in the United Kingdom came up with the term “vegan”. Veganism is a plant-based diet that does not involve any kind of animal products. Food sources mainly include grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and vegetable fats. The vegan diet has become increasingly popular in the recent years, many transitioning from an omnivorous diet to a vegan diet. Claims have been made regarding the health benefits from a vegan diet. Although, some studies do conclude a vegan diet has many health and environmental benefits compared to an omnivorous diet.
Health benefits that vegans benefit from are lower risks of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic diseases, and lower BMI. Few studies have been conducted regarding the health benefits of a vegan diet. A study compared the cancer risks of vegan and omnivorous male and females. Studies concluded vegans slightly reduced their risks to cancer by 14%, which was not a significant difference. Although, studies done in the US have resulted in a significantly lower death rate but not related to heart disease, cardiovascular disease, or cancer. Vegan men did show significant reduction of death rate from ischemic heart disease and cardiovascular disease compared to omnivorous men. Observational studies were conducted comparing the BMI of vegans and omnivores. Studies concluded that vegans had significantly lower BMI levels compared to omnivores. Vegans that do not properly plan out meals may face protein deficiency. Making sure to consume the right foods that provide adequate protein is important to avoid energy deficiency. B12 deficiency is another hurdle vegans may come across if the proper vitamin intake is not consumed.
Environmental benefits and from a vegan diet vary from reduction of carbon input, water conservation, environmental conservation, animal species conservation, and ethical animal care. Global warming is a national issue, studies have shown the increasing temperatures due to greenhouse gases. About 41 % of carbon emitted to the atmosphere is from red meat production. Cattle production requires water and land for cattle to graze. Not only does red meat production contribute to global warming effects, also exploiting natural resources.
Vegans believe its cruel and inhumane how livestock and animals are treated then killed for human consumption. The current pandemic of COVID-19 trails back to a wet animal market in Wuhan City, China. Where many people became infected in the beginning stages, bats and birds are believed to be the link between animals to humans. Infectious diseases harmful to humans have been in the past linked to animal consumption. Which leads to conclude that we are at risk for future diseases such as COVID-19. The worlds plant-based diet population is about less then 10 %, and the rest consume an omnivorous diet. An omnivorous diet plays into religion and culture; believing it is fresh natural and traditionally safe.
In conclusion veganism seems to be a healthier diet alternative for certain circumstances that may arise as a concern. If a person’s BMI is too high, switching to a vegan diet could be beneficial in terms of reducing their BMI. Specifically for males becoming vegan may reduce the risks of ischemic heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Global Warming is a major concern for some and switching to a vegan diet will help contribute a healthier environmental impact. Also, banning the inhumane wet animal markets that pose a huge risk to new diseases. Many humans world-wide are omnivores especially in developing countries. It’s an alternative to a healthier lifestyle physically and environmentally.
Work Cited
Radnitz, Cynthia, et al. "Health Benefits of a Vegan Diet: Current Insights." Nutrition and Dietary Supplements, 31 May 2020, pp. 57+. Gale OneFile: Health and Medicine, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A626673956/HRCA?u=csuci&sid=bookmark-HRCA&xid=054b749e. Accessed 10 Oct. 2021.
Sandhu, Harman S., et al. "Pandemic prevention and unsustainable animal-based consumption." Bulletin of the World Health Organization, vol. 99, no. 8, Aug. 2021, pp. 603+. Gale OneFile: Health and Medicine, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A675461484/HRCA?u=csuci&sid=bookmark-HRCA&xid=fb764cdd. Accessed 10 Oct. 2021.
Rogerson, David. "Vegan diets: practical advice for athletes and exercisers." Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 14, no. 1, 13 Sept. 2017. Gale OneFile: Health and Medicine, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A509098770/HRCA?u=csuci&sid=bookmark-HRCA&xid=60df9089. Accessed 10 Oct. 2021.