Veganism's Rise: Why Are Plant-Based Diets So Popular?

Veganism is becoming increasingly popular, with more people adopting plant-based diets and lifestyles. While some people choose veganism for ethical reasons, such as animal welfare and environmental concerns, others are motivated by the potential health benefits associated with plant-based eating. Research suggests that vegan diets can lower the risk of certain diseases and improve specific health markers. Additionally, veganism is often seen as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option compared to diets that include animal products. However, it's important to note that a vegan diet may also come with certain nutritional challenges and potential deficiencies, especially if not well-planned.

Health benefits

A vegan diet is associated with numerous health benefits, including:

Weight Loss

Vegan diets are more effective for weight loss than other diets. Many observational studies suggest that vegans tend to have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) than non-vegans. A small study found that people eating a low-fat, high-fibre vegan diet lost more weight than those eating a conventional low-fat diet.

Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Vegan diets may offer some protection against type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and improving kidney function. Vegans tend to have lower blood sugar levels and higher insulin sensitivity, and a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A 2006 study reported that a vegan diet lowers blood sugar levels in people with diabetes more than the recommended diet from the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Protection Against Certain Cancers

Vegan diets may offer some protection against certain types of cancer, including prostate, breast, stomach, and colorectal cancers. According to the World Health Organization, at least one-third of all cancers can be prevented by factors within your control, including diet. Vegans generally eat more legumes, fruits, and vegetables, which are high in fibre, vitamins, and phytochemicals—compounds that protect against cancers.

Improved Heart Health

Vegan diets are linked to a lower risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels. Plant-based diets are high in fibre and low in saturated fats, which are associated with better heart health. People on a vegan diet tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) and lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

Vegan diets are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and some types of cancer. Vegans also have lower rates of illness and death from some degenerative diseases.

Animal welfare

Veganism is a practice that abstains from the use of animal products and the consumption of animal source foods. People who follow a vegan diet do not eat meat, poultry, fish, seafood, dairy, eggs, or honey. Vegans also avoid animal-based products like leather, wool, fur, cosmetics, and soaps derived from animals.

Veganism is also associated with ethical, moral, environmental, and humanitarian arguments. Ethical vegans avoid harming animals and reject the commodification of animals altogether. They replace personal care products and household cleaners containing animal products with vegan alternatives. Environmental vegans focus on conservation and reject animal products due to the environmental unsustainability of fishing, hunting, trapping, and farming.

Environmental impact

The vegan diet is widely regarded as being better for the planet than diets that include animal products. However, not all plant-based foods have a small environmental footprint.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The meat industry, particularly beef, is a significant contributor to the planet's greenhouse gas emissions. However, some plant-based foods can also contribute to emissions. For example, air-transported fruits and vegetables can create more greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram than poultry meat. Delicate fruits like blueberries and strawberries are often imported by air to fill gaps when local fruits are out of season. Similarly, avocados, mangoes, and plums are water-intensive crops, requiring large amounts of water to produce.

Land and Water Usage

Animal agriculture has a high environmental impact due to its land and water usage. However, some plant-based foods can also have high water usage. For instance, it takes 74 litres of water to make a single glass of almond milk, and rice milk is also considered "thirsty," requiring 54 litres of water per glass. Additionally, the production of synthetic fertilisers used in agriculture emits carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gases.

Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss

The production of certain plant-based foods has been linked to deforestation and biodiversity loss. Soy, for example, is the second-largest agricultural driver of deforestation worldwide after beef. Cocoa production has also been associated with tropical deforestation, contributing to global biodiversity loss. Palm oil production in Southeast Asia has led to significant deforestation and pushed the orangutan towards extinction.

Transportation and Carbon Footprint

The transportation of food, especially air freight, can significantly increase the carbon footprint of plant-based foods. Imported fruits and vegetables that are not locally grown or in season can have higher carbon footprints due to the fuel required for transportation.

Overall Impact

While a vegan diet is generally considered more environmentally friendly, it is important to consider the specific types of plant-based foods consumed and their sources. Some plant-based foods may have higher environmental impacts due to water usage, transportation, or production methods. However, overall, a vegan diet has the potential to significantly reduce carbon footprints and mitigate climate change.

Ethical concerns

Veganism is also associated with a desire to reduce animal suffering and deaths. Many vegans are concerned about the cruel treatment of animals in CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) and slaughterhouses, comparing it to the Holocaust. Some vegans also believe that animals should not be used for entertainment, such as in zoos, circuses, or horse riding.

Veganism can also be linked to broader ethical and philosophical arguments, such as opposition to "speciesism" or the assignment of value based on species membership alone. Some vegans argue for the abolition of human ownership of non-humans, while others take a more utilitarian approach, pursuing improved conditions for animals.

Veganism is also tied to concerns about the environment and sustainability. Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to deforestation, habitat loss, species extinction, and greenhouse gas emissions. A plant-based diet requires much less land and water, helping to reduce the environmental impact of food production.

Finally, some vegans are motivated by a desire to improve their health. Research has shown that vegan diets can lower the risk of certain diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.

Personal preference

There is also the broader ethical consideration of speciesism, which is the assignment of value to individuals based on their species membership alone. Ethical vegans extend their veganism beyond diet, rejecting the commodification of animals and avoiding animal products in clothing, toiletries, and entertainment. They may also avoid visiting zoos and aquariums, believing that they exploit animals for entertainment.

Veganism is also associated with certain political philosophies, such as anarchism and transhumanism, which seek to abolish or minimise the exploitation of both humans and animals.

Veganism can also be a matter of personal health. Well-planned vegan diets can be suitable for all life stages, including pregnancy and infancy, and can help lower the risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. However, it is important to ensure that a vegan diet provides adequate amounts of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and iron, which are more commonly found in animal products.

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