Veganism is a more than an eating choice- it is a lifestyle. Where vegetarians decline from eating animals (although some eat fish), vegans refrain from eating all meat products and foodstuffs that are derived from animals –for example eggs and dairy. Vegans also refuse to wear or purchase any items that could be considered a byproduct of an animal such as fur, leather, wool, down, and cosmetics that use animal byproducts in their formulation or that test their ingredients on animals. There are numerous benefits to living a vegan life. Vegans enjoy the freedom of knowing that their food choices are cruelty free, environmentally conscious, and socially ethical.
Eating a meat free diet can drastically improve your health, increase your quality of life and even allow you to live longer. Medical research has shown that a meat free diet significantly lowers your chances of being diagnosed with ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.
Studies have also shown that not only are meat free diets a way to build a more efficient immune system but also a way to gain more energy, live six to ten years longer than average, and rid the system of pesky allergens that cause food allergies, ADHD, and asthma. Vegans also enjoy the aesthetic benefits of healthy hair, lower body weight, and clearer, more supple skin
The raising of meat for slaughter has widespread effects on the environment. Vegan living reduces an individuals’ contribution to the destruction brought about by feeding and raising livestock for food. Climate change, water shortages and deforestation all are being exacerbated by the livestock industry.
For instance, animal excrement is reported to be responsible for over 18% of greenhouse gas emissions; water that could be used for human consumption is being siphoned off for the irrigation of feed crops; and available water sources are being contaminated by the antibiotics and hormones administered to the livestock, along with fertilizers and pesticides utilized on feed crops. When you stop consuming meat, you begin to contribute to the reversal of these dangerous practices.
Socially Conscious Considerations
Third world countries are affected by meat consumption in a distinctive way. These countries have a large population of individuals that are starving to death, while food that could be provided to them for consumption is being used to feed livestock that will be shipped to wealthier nations. Also, the production of meat, whether it be organic or not, is a cruel process where animals are subjected to inhumane living conditions and even less humane methods of slaughter.
Veganism provides pervasive benefits at the personal and societal levels. Health wise there is no better choice for you or your family than adopting a meat free diet. Environmentally speaking, a meat free diet reduces the demand for livestock that is creating unsavory water, land, and greenhouse effects. Loving animals and the earth correlate into to doing your part to protect them, a vegan lifestyle does just that.
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