Gone are the days when a vegan sounded like some alien race from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. With the growing interest in plant-based food, veganism has exploded in popularity. In the US alone, for example, there’s been a whopping 500% increase in the number of vegans in the last decade. These people are clearly onto something.
So in celebration of World Vegan Day, let’s examine what all the fuss is about and see what the meat-and-two-veg crowd could be missing out on.
So why vegan?
1. It’s super healthy
The vegan diet typically has high amounts of fibre, iron, magnesium, folic acid and vitamins A, C and E, to name just a few nutritional goodies. Contrary to popular belief, a vegan diet really can give you all the nutrients you need.
2. You can save animals’ lives
99% of farmed animals spend their entire lives in factory farms. By not eating meat, you can spare between 100 and 300 animals a year that kind of needless suffering.
3. You can save your own life
Being full of fibre and phytochemicals, the vegan diet helps protect you from those major killers we all read about, such as cancer and heart disease.
4. It’s good for your brain
Fruits and vegetables, which often make up a large part of the vegan diet, are rich in polyphenols, which may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
5. It helps you lose weight
Research shows that people have shed an average 4.1 kg over three months by following a vegan diet. Why kill yourself at the gym when you can eat your way to slimness?
6. It makes you glow
The healthy fats and antioxidants in the vegan diet could help improve your complexion, and can even reduce acne.
7. It saves you money
Yep, here’s another myth busted: The vegan diet is not only no pricier than a meat-based one, but it’s actually a whole lot cheaper. That’s 30% cheaper!
8. You can protect the planet
The carbon footprint of a vegan diet is around 60% smaller than a meat-based one. If the whole world turned vegan tomorrow, scientists believe that all food-related emissions could drop by 68% within 15 years.
9. It can improve your blood-sugar levels
Vegan diets are often lower in saturated fat, include plenty of fruit and veg and contain a higher amount of soluble fibre, which slows the absorption of glucose, so they tend to be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes.
10. It tastes amazing
Seriously! But don’t just take our word for it; try out a few of these meatless marvels.
Ready to go vegan? Check out these tips for a smoother transition.
Can’t make the switch? Find out what could be holding you back.
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