Living a Vegan Life

Question

J. Nuzzolese

Veganism is a lifestyle that focuses solely on consuming plant-based foods, excluding all animal products (including eggs and milk). As more people opt to eat a vegan diet, many questions have arisen. Is it truly beneficial? Are there any drawbacks? Is it realistically sustainable as a long-term lifestyle choice? As always, it is best to be informed before making a monumental change that will impact your daily life and future.

Many choose veganism due to ethical reasons. Those who champion against animal cruelty believe that animals should not be exploited and mistreated by the food industry. Additionally, animal agriculture is a detriment to our environment as it increases greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. According to the Environmental Center at the University of Colorado, “Animal agriculture produces 65% of the world's nitrous oxide emissions which has a global warming impact 296 times greater than carbon dioxide.” It is shocking to learn just how big of a carbon footprint animal agriculture leaves in its wake.

Following a vegan diet can also be advantageous to your overall health. Several studies show that a vegan diet tends to be lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, and richer in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Minh Nguyen, a registered dietician, advocates for “a plant-based diet for many conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.” Nguyen claims that many chronic illnesses are linked to the consumption of meat, and that consuming a plant-based diet can even lengthen our life span. Perhaps it is time to reconsider what we put on our plate.

Despite the perks of veganism, there are some areas that are overlooked when considering veganism: the higher costs and limited availability of vegan foods, social stigma, and most importantly, nutrient deficiencies. Researchers found that avoiding all animal foods may lead to nutritional deficiencies in vitamin B12, omega-3, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and high-quality protein. Careful planning is required to ensure that all nutritional needs are being met, and supplements may need to be considered to fill in those nutrient gaps.

With ethical, environmental, and personal health benefits, it is apparent why veganism appears to be gaining popularity. By making informed decisions and seeking guidance from professionals, such as doctors and registered dietitians, individuals can enjoy all that veganism has to offer.

Who is the intended audience for this passage?
Responses
A FarmersFarmers
B People considering a lifestyle changePeople considering a lifestyle change
C Doctors and registered dieticiansDoctors and registered dieticians
D Health organizations

Answer 1

B People considering a lifestyle change