What would be YOUR favorite "angle(s)" be for enjoying a more plant-based way of eating?
1. Heart disease/stroke prevention: Bill
Clinton, T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. in The
China Study, and Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr., MD (surgeon/former Olympic rower)
in Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease,
understand the safety in going vegan. The American
Journal of Epidemiology shows a 29 percent increase in mortality risk for
those eating red meat.
2. For the animals: Going vegan saves
an average of almost 200 animal lives per year -- and so much suffering in
overcrowded spaces, standing in their own filth, merely existing rather than
living until the slaughterhouse ends a miserable experience. Every vegan meal
grows compassion!
3. Diabetes and cancer prevention: National
Institutes of Health (NIH) states that vegan diets are best for diabetes
prevention and management, also improving control of weight, glycemia, and
cardiovascular risk. The National Cancer Institute & American Association
of Cancer Research state that vegan diets reduce our risk of cancer,
dramatically and swiftly. Fruits and veggies contain vital vitamins, minerals,
anti-oxidants and phytochemicals that can protect our bodies against cancer
growth.
4. For the planet: UN environmental
scientists showed in 2009 that consuming livestock products account for at
least 51% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions! Animal protein takes over 6
times the fossil fuel to raise than grain, and raising animals for food is
creating topsoil erosion at crisis levels.
5. For overall excellent health: Numerous
studies show strong links between a vegan diet and improved bone health, weight
control, thyroid function, blood pressure, cholesterol, longevity, and
all-around great health.
6. For social justice/world hunger and
thirst: We could grow 6 - 7 times more food per acre by growing plant-based
foods than raising animals. Raising beef requires 100 times more water than
raising soybeans or wheat.
7. For ethical/moral considerations: Many
vegans find their lifestyle aligns with and supports their values about human
and non-human suffering, care of our planet, and care of our own bodies. Gandhi
famously said: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be
judged by the way its animals are treated." OR "You can judge the
morality of a nation by the way the society treats its animals."
8. For athletic excellence: "Many [ultra athletes] choose a plant-based diet because it
allows them to most effectively train and perform…Scott Jurek is one of the
most dominant ultra-marathoners to ever live…" (Matt Frazier, No Meat
Athlete)
9. For lightness of being: Ellen
DeGeneres and many others report that the transition to vegan food leaves them
feeling lighter, with more sustained energy and a better mood.
10.For lightness of spirit: Most
spiritual and religious devotees belief that a diet without animal products
allows a clearer connection with Spirit or God.
