The vegan lifestyle has become prevalent around the world and is becoming more mainstream as more and more people turn to veganism. However, with the increasing focus in veganism, there has also been criticism towards the lifestyle.
Why has there been such an increase in veganism? It is because of the numerous benefits it offers.
Numerous critics are brushing it off as merely a fad that will gradually fade away. Others highlight the advantages of veganism, not just for humans but also for animals and the environment.
Veganism has been steadily growing in countries around the globe. While poultry, dairy, and meat products offer the right protein and nutrients needed, the consumption of these products is becoming more dangerous with each passing year.
Milk is made with added hormones and chemicals, animals are used for breeding, eggs are injected with steroids, and so much more. There have been reports of animal cruelty in large factories producing meat and milk in higher quantities.
This makes it clear that people are moving towards a healthier, plant-based lifestyle to improve their health, protect animals, and save the environment.
While research reported in Science Daily indicated vegans might lack sufficient nutrient intake, another study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed a vegan-based diet offers more fibre, with less cholesterol, saturated fat, total fat. Deficiencies in vitamins and other nutrients, like B12 and calcium, can be avoided through supplements.
The increasing demand for vegan food spurred the restaurant industry has undergone changes to appeal to the demand. Many restaurants, cafés and eateries have introduced plant-based options in their menus to cater to their vegan customers.
Many fast-food joints are incorporating vegan options into their menu. For example, McDonald’s has introduced plant-based burgers and other options for their vegan consumers. Taco Bell, Burger King, Starbucks and more have also included multiple vegan options for customers, making it more vegan-friendly.
A vegan diet can provide multiple health benefits, from lowering heart-related diseases to providing essential nutrients and vitamins.
Since adhering to a strict vegan diet, it has really helped me manage my diabetes and contributed to weight loss. I lost eight-to-10 pounds of extra weight and I’m allergy-free as I don’t consume dairy.
The plant-based diet has also been found to lower inflammation and improve gut health, and managing Type 2 diabetes.
Veganism is also beneficial for animal welfare as people are willing to protect animals and stop their ill-treatment by consuming vegan-based foods.
Many people have started avoiding animal products and turned to veganism to save the environment from further harm.
A study published in the Lancet suggests a plant-based diet is not only good for people’s health but also that of the planet. The UN and WHO say meat production creates methane gas and requires more resources to produce. Intensive operations at factories has a major impact on the environment, in deforestation, water pollution and greenhouse emissions.
Research and statistics have clearly shown a drastic increase in veganism over the past few years. Sales of meat substitutes in Canada is expected to reach $226.7 million next year, up from $119.9 million in 2015. Consumers have become more healthy and environmentally conscious and are making informed decisions.
But honestly, I love my vegan lifestyle.