Why You Should Become a Vegan

Imagine a world where every bite you take contributes to a healthier planet, enhances your longevity, and aligns with your values. While this may sound idealistic, it’s becoming increasingly attainable through ideas like veganism and vegetarianism becoming more mainstream. As more people embrace this lifestyle, the possibility of a more sustainable and compassionate way of eating is within reach.

Veganism, while frequently touted as a modern fad, actually has a rich history. The concept took root in ancient civilizations with religions like Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. All of these religions had some form of Ahimsa in their respective scriptures, which advocates for non-violence towards all living beings and promotes compassion. Many Buddhists and Hindus interpreted it to mean following a vegetarian or vegan diet to align with this principle. Jainists were among the strictest vegans. They consume no meats, fish, eggs, or even root vegetables because harvesting them can disrupt microbial life. They also avoided fermented foods, as they believed in non-violence to such a degree, because they involve living microorganisms. In the United Kingdom in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the terms vegetarian and vegan were coined along with their respective societies. The Vegetarian Society, founded in 1847, sought to educate the public about the health benefits and ethical implications of a meat-free diet. The Vegan Society, founded in 1944, advocated for a newfound philosophy of rejecting all forms of animal exploitation. Towards the end of the 20th century, movements for animal rights and grassroots organizing in general were just beginning to emerge. In the 2000s, veganism began to become more widely available, with new restaurants focusing on both plant-based fast food, like salads and burgers, and gourmet vegan food. In the 2100s, the movement took off, with the rise of social media platforms leading to more and more lifestyle influencers, recipes becoming more accessible, and community support. In the past four years, there have been huge boons to veganism in biotech sectors, with the prevalence of GMOs and lab-grown meats along with the general availability of vegan options.

Aside from its rich history, veganism has a slew of environmental and physical benefits. Animal agriculture and livestock are responsible for a lot of emissions; most studies agree that animal agriculture contributes to about 16.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. These gases get trapped in the atmosphere enhancing the natural occurrence of the greenhouse effect. The Earth receives energy from the sun through solar radiation, and about 30% of this radiation is reflected back into space by clouds and other atmospheric particles. As the Earth absorbs the solar radiation, warming itself then emits this energy into the atmosphere as heat. Greenhouse gases, like methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide, in the atmosphere, re-radiate some of this heat in all directions. This process traps enough heat in the atmosphere and keeps the planet warm enough to sustain life. However, human activities have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which leads to additional warming. Animals produce methane as a byproduct of fermentation that occurs because of microbial activities in their stomachs and expel this methane through belching. If manure is placed in an anaerobic environment, the decomposition of organic matter inside it can release nitrous oxide and methane. Plant-based diets, however, have significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. Animal agriculture is also quite inefficient in terms of land and water use. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that approximately 75% of agricultural land is used for livestock production, but animal sources account for only about 20% of global caloric intake. The sheer volume of land required for livestock and feed production destroys ecosystems and causes deforestation. Vegan diets require far less land to produce equivalent or greater caloric and protein outputs, allowing for a more efficient use of land. Animal products have a significantly higher water output than that of plant foods. Producing one kilogram of beef requires about 15,000 liters of water, from irrigation and animal drinking water. In contrast, a kilogram of grains or legumes requires about 2,000 liters of water, about 13.3% of an equal weight of beef.

Veganism also has a myriad of health benefits. Vegans consume more legumes, fruits, and vegetables than the average Western diet. These are all wonderful sources of fiber, which can make you feel fuller, reduce constipation, and stabilize blood sugar. In addition, eating such a high density of fruits and vegetables can provide a wide range of prebiotics, which all feed different types of gut bacteria. This can lead to a more robust and diverse gut microbiome. Aside from nutritional advantages, veganism can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and even certain types of cancer. Diets high in saturated fats and cholesterol, which are mostly from animal sources, can lead to increased LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins) levels, which can build up in arteries. This buildup makes it harder for blood to flow and increases the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. Animal products can also lead to type 2 diabetes, which is a condition that leads to high blood sugar levels. This happens because the insulin receptors, which receive a hormone that lowers blood sugar, are desensitized by the buildup of cholesterol and saturated fats. Vegan diets, generally, are higher in fiber, have a low glycemic index, and are higher in healthy fats than an omnivorous diet. All of these things improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar. Vegan diets typically contain fewer refined sugars and less processed food which can reduce the risk of obesity. A plant-based diet can seem overwhelming, so taper yourself off of animal products gently. I started with meatless Mondays and being vegetarian for April. With technology so accessible, it is easy to find inspiration for recipes. There are hundreds of vegan blogs at your fingertips. My favorites are Yotam Ottolenghi’s section on the Guardian, some recipes aren’t vegan but it is good inspiration nonetheless and I also have one of his cookbooks that is great. Pick Up Limes, is another great blog and they also have a YouTube channel. I find it empowering to cook plant-based food, as I find it allows for some extra experimentation and free-styling. Also, plant-based milks (my favorite is soy) and healthy meat alternatives, like tempeh, seitan, and tofu are becoming far more accessible. So, start embracing your health and become a vegan.