By Nicole Shapiro ’18
Veganism has been on an upward trend for a couple of years now, and the main question everyone seems to ask is: why go vegan? Although it sounds like a very simple question to answer, there is a lot of complexity behind why someone might decide to drastically alter their eating habits to become fully plant based.
- For their health:
People going vegan for their health is probably the most obvious and prominent reason. According to One Green Plant, “as several scientific studies have confirmed what vegans have been saying for years – you don’t need to consume animal products to live a healthy life; in fact, consuming a diet of plant-based whole foods is undoubtedly the healthier choice.”
Some people also try veganism to lose weight, while others want an overall healthier lifestyle to make them feel better and to benefit their own body. Going vegan is the healthier option, especially when compared to a meat inclusive diet.
- For the environment:
Going vegan for the environment is another prevalent reason why vegans have decided to go plant based. They have every reason to believe this is in fact helping the environment because it is. According to The Vegan Society, “The vast amount of grain feed required for meat production is a significant contributor to deforestation, habitat loss and species extinction.” This is just one way by which vegans are helping the environment through a diet excluding meat. From recycling to carpooling, people are aware of their actions when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint. Going vegan is just another way of doing so.
- For animals:
Becoming vegan to save the lives of animals is not something that everyone thinks of at first for a reason why someone might choose to become a vegan, but it is another huge factor that goes into it. The emotional attachment between humans and animals is an integral aspect; moreover, there is a prevailing belief that all sentient creature have a right to life and freedom. According to PETA, “…each vegan saves nearly 200 animals per year.” There is no simpler way to help animals than by choosing a plant based diet.
So, next time you run into a vegan, before asking “why?” just think to yourself, the reasoning behind why is a lot more intricate than you may think.
