Vegans: They survive on more than just air, sunshine
Erika Bonnell
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: Life
I am just one vegan with my own reasons for adopting the lifestyle, but there are many other reasons for choosing veganism, such as for health or environmental reasons.
According to the American Dietetic Association, vegetarian and vegan diets are proven to lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, lower body mass index and meet all of the current nutritional requirements for people of all ages.
Anyone can realize these benefits by at least reducing the amount of animal products they consume. This does not apply if people only eat the over-processed junk that is technically vegan but still bad for you.
Veganism aims to reduce demand and consumption. Vegan Action's Web site said current levels of resources, such as food and water, go to the billions of animals raised for slaughter when they could have been used to feed the numerous people who go hungry. By not eating meat, or eating less of these products, we can reduce the number of animals taking up resources and damaging the environment.
In 2006, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization concluded greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming accounts for 18 percent of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Veganism is not just giving up meat, dairy and eggs. It is an attempt to help reduce the amount of suffering inflicted on animals, reduce the number of cattle who take up land and resources only to be killed, and is an attempt to help the environment.
It's not surprising when people react to veganism with confusion and debate. In America, grilling out is a national past-time.
Hopefully my own story will help people reconsider their attachment to animal products, or at least take interest in finding out more about veganism.
For more information, stories and vegan recipes go to our Web-site, www.fourthestatenewspaper.com.
According to the American Dietetic Association, vegetarian and vegan diets are proven to lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, lower body mass index and meet all of the current nutritional requirements for people of all ages.
Anyone can realize these benefits by at least reducing the amount of animal products they consume. This does not apply if people only eat the over-processed junk that is technically vegan but still bad for you.
Veganism aims to reduce demand and consumption. Vegan Action's Web site said current levels of resources, such as food and water, go to the billions of animals raised for slaughter when they could have been used to feed the numerous people who go hungry. By not eating meat, or eating less of these products, we can reduce the number of animals taking up resources and damaging the environment.
In 2006, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization concluded greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming accounts for 18 percent of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Veganism is not just giving up meat, dairy and eggs. It is an attempt to help reduce the amount of suffering inflicted on animals, reduce the number of cattle who take up land and resources only to be killed, and is an attempt to help the environment.
It's not surprising when people react to veganism with confusion and debate. In America, grilling out is a national past-time.
Hopefully my own story will help people reconsider their attachment to animal products, or at least take interest in finding out more about veganism.
For more information, stories and vegan recipes go to our Web-site, www.fourthestatenewspaper.com.
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