If you’re ready to make the switch from an animal-based diet to a vegan one, we’ve got good news for you: You’re just in time. While eating like our ancestors may have been the norm for thousands of years, the current state of our planet proves that modern humans need to rethink their diets if we want to save ourselves from extinction.
In fact, there are many compelling reasons why every single person should go vegan today including saving animals from being slaughtered and saving the planet from environmental destruction.
Here are 10 mind-blowing reasons why it’s time for everyone on Earth (and beyond) to go plant-based:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Going vegan can positively impact not only your health, but also the environment and animal welfare. |
| Plant-based diets are proven to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. |
| By supporting animal rights organizations, we can help create change and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. |
| Teaching children about veganism and animal rights helps them develop empathy and a love for all creatures. |
| For more information on the benefits of going vegan and transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, check out the additional resources listed above. |
1. Save Animals
What if I told you there was a way to help animals? What if I told you that saving animals could be as easy as eating differently?
It’s true! Simply going vegan can reduce the suffering of animals by billions.
The meat industry is responsible for the slaughter of billions of animals every year, and the majority of these animals are not killed humanely.
They are being treated like commodities, tools for our own benefit, just like we use tools in construction or agriculture.
The icing on this morally bankrupt cake is that these sentient beings are not ours to use they deserve their own lives and should not be used as objects for our pleasure, food or clothing.
Animals deserve more than this life we have given them: they deserve freedom from exploitation so they may live in peace on their own terms (or at least until we take them away).
Our diets have a greater impact on the environment than we think. According to a study, “the production of 1 kilogram of beef results in the emission of greenhouse gases with a warming potential equivalent to 7 kilograms of CO2.” If you want to learn more about the environmental impact of a vegan diet, check out our article on the environmental impact of a vegan diet.
2. Help the Planet
The production of meat, dairy, and eggs is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), livestock accounts for 14.5% of total global greenhouse gas emissions more than all forms of transportation combined!
By going plant-based you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint and helping protect our planet from environmental degradation.
You’ll also be helping reduce the need for pesticides; fertilizers; water; land; fuel; packaging materials…and much more!
3. Prevent World Hunger
The food industry is one of the biggest contributors to environmental pollution and other problems like deforestation, species extinction, and global warming. In fact, meat production uses up an astounding 30% of all land in the world—that’s more than any other form of agriculture.
In addition to using up huge amounts of land, animal agriculture also consumes massive amounts of water.
According to a report by Worldwatch Institute (a nonprofit research organization), “livestock production accounts for almost two-thirds [of] all water used worldwide.” It can take over 1,850 gallons (6,500 liters) of water just to produce one gallon (.5 liters) of milk!
If everyone went vegan today we would be able to feed more people than ever before because there would be no animals suffering on factory farms anymore; they wouldn’t need their resources taken away from them so that humans could have their tasteless products on their plates instead!
A plant-based diet has been shown to reduce the risk of various chronic diseases. “Research has shown that vegans and vegetarians are at a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.” If you’re curious about the science behind the health benefits of a vegan diet, check out our article on the health benefits of a vegan diet.
4. Eat Healthier
One of the best things about going vegan is that it can help you lose weight and eat a lot more healthily.
Vegans are much more likely to be able to achieve their target weight because they don’t have any animal products in their diet, which typically makes them higher in fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.
Vegan diets also tend to include less saturated fat and cholesterol than non-vegan diets, as well as sodium, sugar and refined carbohydrates. Therefore it’s no surprise that most people who become vegans end up losing weight over time!
Eating Healthier as a Vegan
| Foods | Description |
|---|---|
| Fruits | High in vitamins and antioxidants, fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, and bananas are great for snacking or as a healthy addition to smoothies. |
| Vegetables | Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and kale can be eaten raw or cooked and help boost overall health and immunity. |
| Whole Grains | Complex carbohydrates such as oats, brown rice, and quinoa provide sustained energy and contain essential nutrients, while also promoting gut health. |
| Plant-based proteins | Foods such as beans, legumes, tofu, and tempeh offer a great source of protein for those on a vegan diet. Brand names like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods make plant-based meat alternatives for those who desire a meat-like texture. |
| Nuts and Seeds | Rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, nuts and seeds have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and help regulate blood sugar levels. |
Note: The table above is meant to provide a general overview of healthy food options for those on a vegan diet. Please consult a registered dietician or nutritionist for personalized dietary recommendations.
5. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Going vegan is one of the most effective ways you can help reduce your carbon footprint. By reducing the number of animals we eat, we’re also reducing the amount of agricultural land required to feed them and the quantities of water, energy, and other resources used to produce their food. In fact, according to a 2015 report by Environment America Research & Policy Center (EARPC), going vegan could save up to 58 billion gallons of water per year as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.5 billion tons each year if everyone went plant-based! That’s enough CO2 reduction to equal taking 7 million cars off the road for one year.
Did you know that a plant-based diet can help increase longevity and overall health? “A study found that eating a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and help maintain long-term health.” If you want to learn more about why plant-based diets are the key to longevity, check out our article on why plant-based diets are the key to longevity and good health.
6. Conserve Water
When you’re thinking about the impact of your diet on the planet, it’s easy to forget about something as simple as water.
But it’s an important factor in many ways: water is a precious resource that’s used for everything from drinking and sanitation to growing crops and producing energy.
And when you consider that The United Nations estimates that by 2030, over five billion people will live in areas with high water stress where demand will exceed supply it becomes clear how critical conserving this precious resource can be.
Fortunately, there are several ways vegetarians can reduce their carbon footprint without giving up meat altogether: by reducing the amount of meat they eat each week; by choosing smaller portions at restaurants; or by replacing some of those meals with vegetarian options instead (like Chipotle). Vegans are even better off since they consume no animal products whatsoever!
7. Reduce Your Risk of Chronic Disease
- A vegan diet has been shown to reduce your risk of chronic diseases.
- One study found that people who followed a vegan diet for at least 19 years had lower mortality rates compared to meat eaters.
- Vegan diets are typically high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants—which may help protect against heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
- They can also be low in saturated fat and cholesterol—two well-known risk factors for heart disease.
Advocating for animal rights can take many forms, and supporting organizations that align with your values is one of them. “By supporting animal rights organizations, we can help create change and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.” If you’re interested in getting involved, check out our article on the top 15 animal rights organizations to support and get involved with
8. Improve Your Mood
If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety and don’t know where to turn, making the switch to a vegan diet may be what you need.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that following a vegan diet helped reduce symptoms of depression in those with major depressive disorder (MDD).
According to an article on Healthline: “Research suggests that certain dietary components can affect the brain’s chemical balance, which is thought to play a role in both depression and anxiety disorders.”
Veganism has also been linked to improved sleep quality and mood stability—a win-win situation for anyone who struggles with sleeping problems or is prone irritability!
9. Protect Yourself Against Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a global health crisis. According to the CDC, “antibiotic resistance has become a serious threat to public health.” The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2050 antibiotic resistance will kill 1 million people per year. It’s been called “one of the world’s most pressing health concerns.”
But veganism can help! In fact, studies have shown that meat consumption greatly increases your risk of antibiotic-resistant infections.
A journal article published in 2014 reported that “[h]igh meat intake was associated with higher risks for resistant urinary tract infection, bloodstream infection, and hospitalization due to pneumonia.”
Another study found that “risk factors associated with increased [antibiotic resistance] included being born outside the United States, nonwhite race/ethnicity, not being married and having lower income or education levels; smoking one or more packs per day; eating fast food three or more times per week; having three or more alcoholic drinks per day; high household crowding index; living within 2 miles from an industrial park…”
Furthermore:
You are less likely to develop allergies if you’re vegan! Vegan children have far fewer allergies than other children do.
In fact, it’s estimated that 20% of all kids under 5 years old in America suffer from some sort of food allergy but this number drops dramatically when they go vegan later on in life (for example 40% fewer cases than meat eaters).
Teaching children about veganism and animal rights can help them develop empathy, critical thinking skills, and a love for all creatures. “By involving children in veganism, we can help shape the future and promote compassion and respect for all beings.” If you’re looking for ways to teach your kids about veganism, check out our article on 15 simple ways to teach your kids about veganism and animal rights.
10. Reduce Your Risk of Foodborne Illness and Infections
Food borne illnesses are caused by harmful microorganisms that can contaminate food before or after it’s harvested.
These include viruses, bacteria, parasites and other biological hazards. The most common types of foodborne illness are caused by viruses, including norovirus (affecting the stomach and intestines) and rotavirus (affecting the bowels).
Other viruses that can cause foodborne illness include hepatitis A virus; poliovirus; astroviruses; adenoviruses such as enteric adenoviruses; caliciviruses such as Norwalk-like viruses and sapoviruses like Hepatitis E Virus.
Bacteria also often cause foodborne illnesses. For example: Salmonella Typhi causes typhoid fever while Bacillus cereus causes diarrheal disease (a type of gastrointestinal infection). Clostridium perfringens is responsible for several types of food poisoning including gas gangrene
Reducing the Risk of Foodborne Illness and Infections
| Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Wash produce | Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or bacteria. |
| Use separate cutting boards and utensils | Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat, poultry and seafood to avoid cross-contamination. |
| Cook food thoroughly | Cook food to the right temperature using a food thermometer to kill any potential bacteria or pathogens. |
| Use plant-based meat substitutes | Plant-based meat substitutes pose a lower risk of contamination compared to traditional meat products. |
| Choose pasteurized products | Choose pasteurized milk and other dairy products as they have undergone a process that effectively kills harmful bacteria. |
| Look out for recalled items | Stay up to date on food recalls as certain products may harbor harmful bacteria. |
Note: The tips listed are general and may not apply to every situation – please consult official sources such as the USDA or FDA for specific guidelines and recommendations.
Go Vegan Today To Save The Planet
Going vegan is the most effective way to reduce your carbon footprint, water footprint, land footprint and energy footprint.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that a global diet change could reduce our environmental impact by as much as 58%.
If you consider all seven billion people on this planet and their diets then a new study published in Nature Communications suggests that we need to cut down on animal products by 90% or more if we want to minimize our overall environmental impact.
Going vegan also has the power to save millions of animals from unnecessary suffering each year by reducing the consumption of meat and dairy products which contribute greatly towards animal cruelty through factory farming practices (where animals are kept captive in terrible conditions).
Conclusion
We hope that you’re inspired to try veganism, or at least make some changes in your lifestyle. As we mentioned above, it’s not always easy to start a new diet or lifestyle change. But if you do it right, it can be life-changing and rewarding!
And remember: the best way to get started is by taking small steps at a time making small changes that make sense for your life today, tomorrow and beyond those days too.
Further Reading
For more information on the benefits of going vegan, here are some additional resources:
PETA: Top 10 Reasons to Go Vegan in the New Year – A list of compelling reasons to try veganism.
VeganFTA: 50 Reasons to Go Vegan – This comprehensive list outlines all the benefits of a vegan lifestyle in detail.
The Guardian: The 14 things you need to know before you go vegan – A practical guide to help you transition to a vegan lifestyle.
FAQs
What is veganism?
Veganism is a lifestyle that avoids the use of animal products and by-products, including meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey, and leather.
Why do people go vegan?
People choose veganism for a variety of reasons, including ethical concerns surrounding animal welfare, health benefits, and environmental sustainability.
Is a vegan diet healthy?
When done properly with a varied and balanced diet, a vegan diet can be healthy and provide all necessary nutrients.
Where can I get protein on a vegan diet?
Protein can be found in many plant-based sources, including legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu, and tempeh.
Do I need to take supplements on a vegan diet?
Supplements, such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D, may be necessary on a vegan diet. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine individual needs.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m a vegan lifestyle enthusiast. I’ve been living the vegan lifestyle for over 10 years now, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The food is amazing, the community is incredible, and there’s no way I could go back after experiencing all this firsthand.
