Veganism: 20 Powerful Reasons You Should Go Vegan

Veganism is a great way to not only save sentient creatures from harm but also to improve your life. Don’t waste time. Start to make the transition now.

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Veganism: 20 Powerful Reasons You Should Go Vegan

Veganism is a great way to not only save sentient creatures from harm but also to improve your life. Don’t waste time. Start to make the transition now.

Veganism is one of the most powerful ways in which you can support animal rights, spare the planet, protect your body, and live without moral compromises. More people go vegan every day, and if you’re committed to this lifestyle, you won’t find it as difficult to follow as you think. It is the single best action you can take.

While some people may believe that veganism is unhealthy, unnatural, or impossible, these ideas are simply false. In fact, going vegan can actually make you healthier and keep you more in line with the natural order of things. Plus, if you think it’s impossible, maybe you should give yourself more credit.

Today, I’m sharing with you 20 powerful reasons people choose veganism over any other diet. I’ll explain why going vegan is important and how to make the switch.

What is Veganism?

Veganism is defined as a lifestyle that is dedicated to excluding the use of animals (in food, clothing, and entertainment) while also abstaining from the use of products tested on animals. Veganism is an ideology that is against the cruelty, exploitation, and suffering of animals.

Making It Clear Why Veganism Is Important

You might not have noticed, but we’re in a bit of a crisis. Humanity is depleting the planet’s finite resources at a rapid rate, the environment is undergoing unnecessary changes, and people suffer from myriad diseases linked to their diets.

You can’t fix all that by embracing veganism, but you can be one part of the solution.

People tend to follow those they admire. If you decide that veganism is for you, your friends, family members, and colleagues might follow suit just because you led by example.

Plus, when you stop eating meat, dairy, and eggs you wage war with your wallet. Companies that sell meat and animal by-products only do so because it makes them money. When their profits start to sour, they will consider other ways of being in business.

Top Reasons to Take On Veganism

You know veganism is important — after all, you hear celebrities always talking about it — but why should you take the plunge? I’ve come up with 29 compelling reasons to give up animals and animal by-products. Let’s address them one by one.

1. Express Compassion for Every Sentient Being

When we lose compassion and empathy, we can’t relate as well to other people and other thinking, feeling creatures. We turn animals into objects rather than understand them as the sentient beings they are.

Cows, pigs, sharks, fish, chickens, and other animals that often wind up on plates have emotions, just like you and me. They experience love, grief, and fear. They may not be able to verbalize their emotions – but then again, not all humans can, either.

Imagining growing up in a steel cage with hundreds of other people. You’re crammed so tightly you can’t even turn around. You’re denied sunlight, a kind word, and affection. Then, at the end of your plight, you and everyone around you is slaughtered for someone else to eat.

None of us would consider that a humane existence for a thinking being, yet animals experience it every day, and their numbers total in the billions.

There are some beautiful stories out there about why people become vegans. Glenn Greenwald, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, became a vegan and joined the ranks of vocal animal activists. In his talk below, Greenwald describes what it was (beyond a love for animals) that triggered the decision to become a vegan.

2. Put Your Health First

It’s easy to grab a meal at a fast-food restaurant — maybe a burger and fries or a beef taco — or to throw a few chicken breasts in the oven when you get home from work. But what are those habits doing to your health?

It’s true that animal flesh and by-products nourish our bodies, but they also contribute to disease and other problems, which I’ll detail more below. If you’re fighting to lose weight, overcome an inflammation-based diseased, or prolong your lifespan, veganism is the best first step on your path.

If you ask any nutritionist what people should focus on in their diets, he or she will say, “Fruits and vegetables.” That’s always top-of-mind for any professional who makes dietary recommendations.

No nutritionist would say, “Steak and fried chicken.” For a good reason – those are much likelier to kill you early.

3. Save the Environment

Factory farming contributes heavily toward environmental problems all over the world. Think about the number of animals that are slaughtered every day to fill supermarkets with sufficient stock. All of those animals have to be fed, watered, and housed before they’re destroyed. Deforestation across the world is driven by the gluttony for more pasturelands and animal feed, whereas feeding the world with plant-based foods would require only a fraction of that land.

Animals in the agriculture industry contribute to the contamination of the water table because of the fecal runoff. They consume tons of water and grain, which must be farmed using yet more water. Pesticides are added to the crops that feed the animals, and unhealthy hormones get injected into the animals.

It’s a vicious circle that contributes to the degradation of our environment.

4. Conserve Natural Resources

We also have to think about the natural resources that factory farming and crop raising deplete. Factory farms have to be powered, so they consume fossil fuels. The more finite resources we use, the less will be left over for our children.

The crucial point here is the long production chain of factory farming – you need to put resources into growing the food for the animals, then growing the animals themselves, and then “processing” (just a pretty word for slaughter) the animals. By contrast, the plant-based food chain is much shorter and requires less natural resources.

5. Understand That There’s No Reason to Consume Meat

Veganism is the practice of eliminating meat and animal by-products from your diet. That doesn’t mean you’ll go undernourished. In fact, we don’t need meat to survive.

A report in Medical News Today states:

From a medical point of view, we should only eat meat if it is healthful to do so. Over recent years, there has been a growing mountain of evidence in support of the health benefits of a vegetarian diet and the health risks of pounding too many burgers into our bodies.

We need neither meat nor animal by-products to survive. Quite the opposite, we can improve our health by abstaining from those types of foods and turning to a plant-based diet instead.

6. Realize That Animals Die in Efforts to Prevent Predation

What many people don’t realize is that veganism contributes to saving lives other than those of cows or chickens. These animals have natural predators, and farmers use cruel methods to trap and kill those predators.

Again, it’s all about preserving the source of their income.

Coyotes, wolves, and other predators get stuck in traps all the time. So do non-predators (at least of cows), such as birds who unwittingly fly into these traps.

7. Know That Animal Consumption Contributes to Worldwide Malnourishment

Imagine if everyone embraced veganism at once. Nobody would need to breed cows and other animals for food because there would be no market (of course, we’d take good care of the farm animals currently alive, don’t worry).

The effects ripple far beyond that, though. Instead of shoveling grain and other crops into animals’ mouths, we could feed the hungry populations of the world.

Those populations could use the grains and other foods that factory farmers feed their animals. We could systematically provide relief to those in need. Perhaps we could also bring water to those who don’t have it readily available since we’d eliminate all the water that farm animals consume.

8. Recognize That Our Anatomy Doesn’t Make Us Predators

Some refer to humans as the ultimate apex predator. However, our anatomy doesn’t bear that out. We don’t have the long, sharp teeth required to tear into flesh, and our intestines often struggle to digest meat. Calling those little, pointed teeth at the corners of your mouth “canines” is quite the overstatement.

The same thing goes for dairy. Cow’s milk contains more protein and fat because it’s meant for calves, who grow rapidly from birth — and who wind up weighing 1,000 or more pounds. It’s not meant for human consumption and can contribute to weight gain among other problems.

If you are reading this and you are a baby cow, go ahead and continue drinking milk. Otherwise, it’s not really for you.

9. Maintain Your Weight Without Effort

It’s a lot easier to lose weight or maintain your ideal weight when you’re not consuming fatty foods like meat and cheese. Veganism entails a diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Women, in particular, can gain weight easily due to hormone imbalances. When this happens, any food that contributes to inflammation can cause a weight gain. Meat and animal by-products are inextricably linked with inflammation.

You’ll also consume fewer calories on a plant-based diet as long as you stick to whole, natural foods. Don’t shop the frozen aisle at the supermarket for vegan TV dinners. Fill your plate with nutritious fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

10. Reduce Risk of Foodborne Illness

We’re not just talking about salmonella and E. coli here, though those are certainly problematic. Foodborne illness can also result from the contamination of meat: feces, insect eggs, and other things you probably don’t want in your mouth — let alone your gut.

Related to this are illnesses that are not technically foodborne, but borne from the intensive factory farming practices that are needed to turn animals into human food. You may have heard of bird flu and swine flu – they are called that because they were most likely originated in chicken factories and hog farms. Pathogens borne out of factory farming are one of the largest, most real existential threats to humanity.

11. Diversify Your Palate

Meat eaters often restrict their diets to the same meals over and over again. Not only can the monotony get boring, but it also reduces your exposure to foods that could improve your immune system, reduce digestive problems, and reverse vitamin deficiencies.

When you decide to turn to veganism, you’ll automatically get more creative with your meals. Adding color and texture to your plate can make it even more delicious, and you’ll have fun experimenting with new flavors that might go with favorite standbys.

12. Improve Digestion and Build More Lean Muscle

Digestion is a complicated topic, but it’s also problematic for many people. More and more consumers are speaking out about ulcerative colitis and IBS, two digestive disorders that have their roots in inflammation of the digestive tract.

Plant-based diets are rich in fiber, which help aid digestion. Additionally, all that rich nutrition will help you build lean muscle and dissolve fat. Many people assume that they’ll struggle to gain muscle after turning to veganism, but the opposite is often true. As long as you continue to work out and consume sufficient calories, you can train as well as — or even better than — you could before veganism.

13. Get in a Better Mood

Did you know that veganism can help reverse chronic psychological and emotional problems like anxiety and depression? A study suggests that a plant-based diet can improve not only our physiological health but also our mental health.

Millions of people struggle with mental health issues, ranging from the minor to the acute. By changing your diet and eliminating animal products, you can help better yourself psychologically.

14. Improve Your Concentration

Similarly, you might discover that you can concentrate for longer periods of time after you convert to veganism. That’s because you’re consuming more healthy nutrients that improve cognition and productivity.

You’re likely to feel more rested, which we’ll cover more below, and you might find that you get better performance reviews from your boss. It’s amazing what eliminating meat and animal by-products from your diet can do for you.

15. Age More Gracefully

Skin health is a common topic of discussion in dermatologists’ offices and at beauty stores. Men and women alike want to know how they can prevent evidence of aging. The answer: veganism.

Meat and animal by-products often lead to acne, facial swelling, and the development of wrinkles. They contain harmful chemicals, such as the pesticides mentioned above, and hormones that our bodies can’t easily process. Your skin suffers as a result.

16. You Might Live Longer

Experts haven’t yet agreed on whether veganism leads to longevity, but there are a few new sources of information to suggests that vegans live longer. One study suggests that, regardless of carbohydrate intake, people who eat plant-based diets have reduced mortality rates. Interestingly, per the study plant-based food becomes even more important when reducing carbs – so if you are doing keto or paleo diets and eating animals, you’re doubly shortening your life expectancy.

17. Reduce Pain Associated With Arthritis

Again, animal by-product consumption contributes to inflammation, which makes inflammatory diseases worse. If you suffer from arthritis or any other condition that impacts your joints, you might get some relief from veganism.

18. Get Over Illnesses Faster

When you have the right combination of vitamins, minerals, and macros in your body, your immune system is better equipped to fight disease. You might discover that colds and other minor illnesses last for shorter time frames.

The anti-inflammatory properties of many plant-based foods help, too. Inflammation is harmful to the body, whether it impacts the skin, organs, cartilage, or other body parts. That inflammation gets even worse when you’re sick.

19. Align Your Diet With Your Beliefs

Maybe you have an “I ❤ Dogs” bumper sticker, or perhaps you volunteer every weekend at the local animal shelter. You love animals, dislike hunting, despise the cruel conditions in which factory farmers keep their animals, but you still eat meat, dairy, eggs, and honey.

That means you’re not living your life in line with your beliefs. By embracing veganism, you live your beliefs instead of just espousing them. And, as mentioned above, others might follow in your footsteps. Getting rid of hypocrisy will feel good.

20. Inspire Others

Share vegan meals on Instagram, talk about your favorite recipe over dinner with your family, give veganism credit when a colleague asks how you lost the weight. When other people can see the positive changes veganism has created in your life, they’ll want to know more.

You don’t have to push your veganism on everyone you meet, but if the opportunity arises, take advantage of it.

How to Become a Vegan

You’re convinced, right? You want all the benefits described above. So, how do you become a vegan?

It’s not that hard, really. Focus on filling your shopping cart with items that contain no animal flesh or by-products. Look for vegan and cruelty-free labeling on consumer goods, and make sure you read labels when choosing processed foods.

That’s it. Eliminate the problem from your diet and become vegan.

Join a Vegan Community

Start by getting in touch with likeminded people. When you surround yourself with other people who have chosen veganism, you have a built-in support system. Plus, you won’t have to fear listening to diatribes about how meat eating is good for you.

You might have friends and family members who disagree with your dietary choices but try to tune them out. You know what’s best for your body, so stick to your guns.

Make Adjustments to Your Life at Your Own Pace

You might not switch to veganism all at once. Maybe you’ll cut out red meat and pork first, then poultry. Move on to removing fish and shellfish. Some vegans remove dairy and eggs at the very end of the transition, but it all depends on your lifestyle and preferences.

There’s no rule that says you have to sign a blood oath to never consume X, Y, and Z products again. Just let your comfort zone guide you toward veganism. Eventually, it’ll feel as natural as eating a burger used to feel.

Study and Learn

Make sure you’re fully informed about your dietary choices. Veganism is about your health as well as the health of other sentient creatures. Reading articles by Sentient Media and other organizations can help you better understand your food choices.

Veganism Doesn’t Mean Deprivation

Your mindset has to shift if you’re contemplating veganism. Don’t think about what you’re “giving up.” Think about what you’re giving to others.

You don’t have to deprive yourself. In fact, you might find that veganism introduces more flavor and satiety into your life. You might crave a hamburger once in a while. Buy a vegan tofu patty. If you’re dying for ice cream, choose a vegan alternative.

But don’t rely too much on those processed options. Focus on creating delicious meals that include whole ingredients.

Conclusion

Veganism is a great way to not only save sentient creatures from harm but also to improve your life. Don’t waste time. Start to make the transition now.

Sure, you might struggle to find good restaurants at first, and find some challenges in your grocery shopping, but you’ll get better at it the longer you’re vegan. It’s like any lifestyle change. It may not feel like it fits at first, but you gradually warm to it. Or maybe you, like many, quickly realize that you’ve finally made the right choice and it feels entirely right and natural from the beginning.

Are you thinking about going vegan? Have you tried veganism?