WHAT IS VEGANISM?

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A recent study published by Oxford University in their journal Proceeding of National Academy of Sciences says that in a world where everybody was vegan, the food-related emissions would have dropped by 70% in 2050, saving the world around £440 billion.

Plant-based dairy alternatives reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by a whopping 49% compared to the dairy industry. As a result of the increase in the green cover on the planet, the carbon levels are regulated by the plants through photosynthesis.

• Veganism not only promotes sustainable farming or crops which would prevent soil erosion but also create a diverse ecosystem as various species of plants would be grown by farmers.

•  Animals whose meat is consumed are bred and farmed against the natural process of pre-creation, leading to over-population and disruption of the ecological balance. By adopting a vegan diet we contribute to reducing land usage by 76% and also taking a step closer to putting an end to animal cruelty.

• The dairy industry consumes over 1,410,000,000 liters of water for drinking, processing milk, and producing milk products every day. Veganism promotes afforestation which would keep a tab on the groundwater levels and reduces the risk of water pollution by adopting organic farming processes.

• A plant-based diet helps consume nearly 8 times less energy and resources than animal-based products.

• Veganism protects the rainforests from being slashed down for meeting the increased demand. Since 1995, areas in the Amazon rainforest of the size of Israel [1.7 hectares] have been destroyed every year and converted into farmlands.

• Fishing practices like dredging, dynamiting, poisoning, and overfishing has not only to lead particular marine life to the point of extension, caused a misbalance in the marine ecosystem but has also destroyed the marine habitat. Veganism protects the fragile marine ecosystem from collapsing.

• The oceans are dying not only because of plastic pollution but also because of the increased carbon dioxide uptake from the Earth’s atmosphere. It causes acidification of the water thus preventing organisms with shells made of calcium carbonate from reproducing and even surviving. Adopting a vegan diet contributes to bringing back the ocean’s ecosystem to a sustainable state.

One of the primary reasons people make the switch to veganism is because consumption of animal flesh and by-products has a detrimental impact on the animals as well as the environment. In addition to this, here are some great health benefits of going vegan that may encourage you to make the lifestyle switch:

• Plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants, which protect against cell-damaging oxidants. Therefore, a plant-based diet can keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check and therefore reduce the symptoms of diabetes, kidney failure, arthritis and heart disease. A vegan diet can not only lower risk of developing diseases but it can also slow or reverse the progression of existing ailments. 

• According to WHO, 30-50% of cancer cases are preventable, and one of the most important approaches for cancer control is dietary modification. Studies indicate that every 50gm portion of processed meat and every 100gm portion of red meat eaten daily could increase the risk of colorectal cancer by 18% and 17% respectively. Phytonutrients, which help regulate hormones and slow the growth of cancer cells, are found in abundance in plant-based foods.

• A common misconception is that protein can only be obtained from animal flesh, and calcium can only be obtained from cow milk. However, plant products like quinoa and soy bean are complete proteins- they contain all the nine essential amino acids that humans need. They can be packed with more protein than animal flesh and come along with fewer calories as well.

• Vegan food generally has lower caloric content than non-vegan food and also contains substantially less saturated fat. Moreover, vegan meals can make one feel more satiated because they are typically more nutrient-dense. Therefore, reaching a healthy body weight is easier with veganism as it may not require intensely targeting cutting calories.

• A vegan diet can make one feel more energized and improve overall physical fitness levels as well as arterial flexibility and endurance. Just like with any other diet, balanced nutrition is key to acquire these benefits.

• Past research links depression to inflammation in brain cells. This inflammation can be moderated through consumption of antioxidants and phytonutrients, which are plentiful in plant foods. As already mentioned, going vegan also helps lower blood pressure, cholesterol and weight. This in turn can decrease stress and anxiety levels.

• Acne is often triggered by consumption of cow milk and related products because the cows are injected with artificial hormones to enhance their milk supply. These hormones can interact with our own hormones, leading to imbalances and skin breakouts. Therefore, ditching dairy by adopting a vegan lifestyle can improve your complexion.

• Vitamin C, one of the most important nutrients for the skin, is found only in plant foods and is associated with anti-ageing, anti-inflammation and protection from ultraviolet radiation.