The Pros and Cons of a Vegan Diet
By: Ailis Daly, '18
(CHAOS 2017 EDITION)
(CHAOS 2017 EDITION)
For many, veganism is a drastic shift that alters the lifestyles and diets of individuals and families. The decision to go vegan, to cut all meat and animal byproduct out of one’s diet, can be very easy, or very difficult. There are many positives and negatives to suddenly altering your diet in such a major way. Veganism is a very controversial subject as of late, with many people both avidly supporting it and opposing it.
To some, veganism is a no-brainer. For both health reasons and animals rights concerns, veganism seems like a straightforward solution to the problems. By cutting these animal products out of a diet, an overall healthier lifestyle can be achieved. According to nutritionist Jackie Keller, people with Type 2 diabetes who have adopted a vegan diet have experiences an LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol decrease by about 21% (Bhide). In addition, veganism generally means that the intake of vegetables and fruits increases, and these foods contain high amounts of antioxidants, which are used to fight illness and maintain a healthy immune system. Those who consume a more plant based diet are less prone to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even cancer (Vegan Diets). It is also more beneficial to be vegan and not vegetarian because cutting meats out of your diet will not significantly lower saturated fat levels, because of the maintained consumption of milk, eggs, and cheese. Therefore, cutting all animals and animal products out of your diet would allow for the most effective betterment of overall health.
On the other side of the spectrum, there are many people who are against veganism based on the effects and their own specific health limitations. Because going vegan is such a radical shift, it can disrupt the way that the stomach and digestive tract reacts with some substances that are foreign or new, such as soy. In addition, it has been found that those who are vegan tend to receive less essential nutrients from their diet, such as vitamin B12 and calcium (Bhide). Many in opposition also argue that our ancestors have consumed meat for centuries and were meant to eat protein in this way, and that as long as meat is not processed to be harmful, it is perfectly safe and healthy for human consumption (Gunnars). Especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions, veganism can interfere and make living with the condition or illness much more difficult. For example, people with osteoporosis need a steady intake of calcium to maintain healthy and strong bones to prevent breakage. Many vegan diets would not provide for a large enough intake of calcium to tend to the needs of an individual with osteoporosis. This could result in increased suffering for the person who isn’t intaking the nutrients necessary to lessen the symptoms of their condition. For some, veganism is not the answer, and would cause more harm than good to their body, regardless of animal rights concerns.
For anyone considering a vegan diet, each individual person is different in their medical history and dietary restrictions. Ultimately, going vegan should be a decision based off of research and immense consideration, and should not be on a whim. Everyone has the right to choose whatever diet they feel is best for their health, and should not feel pressure from either side. Veganism has many benefits as well as many negatives; for some, veganism is not an option, and for others, it is the only option. Either way, people have to choose the diet that is most beneficial to them, be it veganism or otherwise.
To some, veganism is a no-brainer. For both health reasons and animals rights concerns, veganism seems like a straightforward solution to the problems. By cutting these animal products out of a diet, an overall healthier lifestyle can be achieved. According to nutritionist Jackie Keller, people with Type 2 diabetes who have adopted a vegan diet have experiences an LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol decrease by about 21% (Bhide). In addition, veganism generally means that the intake of vegetables and fruits increases, and these foods contain high amounts of antioxidants, which are used to fight illness and maintain a healthy immune system. Those who consume a more plant based diet are less prone to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even cancer (Vegan Diets). It is also more beneficial to be vegan and not vegetarian because cutting meats out of your diet will not significantly lower saturated fat levels, because of the maintained consumption of milk, eggs, and cheese. Therefore, cutting all animals and animal products out of your diet would allow for the most effective betterment of overall health.
On the other side of the spectrum, there are many people who are against veganism based on the effects and their own specific health limitations. Because going vegan is such a radical shift, it can disrupt the way that the stomach and digestive tract reacts with some substances that are foreign or new, such as soy. In addition, it has been found that those who are vegan tend to receive less essential nutrients from their diet, such as vitamin B12 and calcium (Bhide). Many in opposition also argue that our ancestors have consumed meat for centuries and were meant to eat protein in this way, and that as long as meat is not processed to be harmful, it is perfectly safe and healthy for human consumption (Gunnars). Especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions, veganism can interfere and make living with the condition or illness much more difficult. For example, people with osteoporosis need a steady intake of calcium to maintain healthy and strong bones to prevent breakage. Many vegan diets would not provide for a large enough intake of calcium to tend to the needs of an individual with osteoporosis. This could result in increased suffering for the person who isn’t intaking the nutrients necessary to lessen the symptoms of their condition. For some, veganism is not the answer, and would cause more harm than good to their body, regardless of animal rights concerns.
For anyone considering a vegan diet, each individual person is different in their medical history and dietary restrictions. Ultimately, going vegan should be a decision based off of research and immense consideration, and should not be on a whim. Everyone has the right to choose whatever diet they feel is best for their health, and should not feel pressure from either side. Veganism has many benefits as well as many negatives; for some, veganism is not an option, and for others, it is the only option. Either way, people have to choose the diet that is most beneficial to them, be it veganism or otherwise.
Works Cited:
Craig, W. (2016, January). Vegan Diets: Pros and Cons. Retrieved November 27, 2016, from http://vegetarian-nutrition.info/vegan-diets-pros-cons/
Bhide, Monica (2011, February 14). 9 Pros and Cons to Going Vegan - AARP. Retrieved November 27, 2016, from http://www.aarp.org/food/diet-nutrition/info-02-2011/9-pros-and-cons-to-going-vegan.html
Gunnars, K. (2016). 5 Potential Problems With Vegan Diets. Retrieved November 27, 2016, from https://authoritynutrition.com/top-5-reasons-why-vegan-diets-are-a-terrible-idea/
Craig, W. (2016, January). Vegan Diets: Pros and Cons. Retrieved November 27, 2016, from http://vegetarian-nutrition.info/vegan-diets-pros-cons/
Bhide, Monica (2011, February 14). 9 Pros and Cons to Going Vegan - AARP. Retrieved November 27, 2016, from http://www.aarp.org/food/diet-nutrition/info-02-2011/9-pros-and-cons-to-going-vegan.html
Gunnars, K. (2016). 5 Potential Problems With Vegan Diets. Retrieved November 27, 2016, from https://authoritynutrition.com/top-5-reasons-why-vegan-diets-are-a-terrible-idea/