Is Veganuary Good for You?
The question of whether Veganuary or a vegan diet in general, is good for you is more complex than a yes or no answer. The answer is yes if you eat a whole food plant-based diet.
If you eat processed food or vegan junk food in excess, the answer leans towards a no. What suits one individual may not suit the next.
The question can also be considered from other perspectives. These perspectives include health, ethics, and environmental impact.
Science Supports a Plant-Based Diet
The study is titled Plant‐Based Diets and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Middle‐Aged Adults. The study investigated if eating more plants and fewer animal products can improve health. Researchers looked at the diets of 12,168 adults from 1987 to 2016. They used scores to measure how much plant-based food people ate. They also measured how much animal-based food they ate.
What Science Found Out About Healthy Vegan Food
People who ate the most plant-based foods had a lower chance of getting heart disease. They were also less likely to die from heart problems. They were also less likely to die from other causes than those who ate the least plant-based foods.
Those who ate many plant foods, of all kinds or just the healthier ones, had better heart health. They also lived longer.
But, eating fewer unhealthy plant foods didn't help. These are snacks and sweets without animal ingredients.
The study shows that eating more fruits, vegetables, and grains and less meat and dairy can keep your heart healthy. It can also increase your chances of living a longer life. It's not just about choosing foods without animal products. Healthy plant foods are what help.
This is only one study. There are many studies into a plant-based lifestyle. If you need motivation to try Veganuary and perhaps continue, heart health is a strong reason.
Everything You Need to Know About Eating Vegan
Here is some more information to help you decide if you'd like to try a diet based on veganism this January. Below is a list of the pros and cons of changing to a vegan way of eating.
While a vegan diet can help some people, poorly planned vegan diets may be just as bad as a SAD diet.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Plant-Based Vegan Diet?
There are many science-backed health benefits of eating vegan. Healthy plant-based eaters are at a lower risk of many health issues that are commonplace on a standard American Diet (SAD).
Pros:
Nutrient Intake: A well-planned vegan diet can be rich in particular nutrients. Vegan diets are rich in dietary fibre, vitamins C and E, folic acid, magnesium, and phytochemicals.
Heart Health: Vegan diets can be naturally lower in saturated fats. Lower saturated fats may lead to lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Weight Management: People on a plant-based vegan diet often have a lower body mass index (BMI). They may find it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
Reduced Cancer Risk: Some studies suggest vegans have a reduced risk of certain cancers, particularly colorectal and breast.
Blood Sugar Control: Vegan diets can improve blood sugar levels and may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Cons:
Nutrient Deficiencies: Without careful planning, a vegan diet can lead to deficiencies. These deficiencies include vitamin B12, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D.
Deficiencies are possible in any unbalanced diet, including the standard American diet (SAD). It's essential to ensure these nutrients are sourced from plant-based foods or supplements.
Potential for Unhealthy Choices: Just because something is vegan doesn't mean it's healthy! Many processed vegan foods on the market can be high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats.
The main point to remember during Veganuary is diversity in the plants you eat and eat whole foods. The closer to nature you eat, the healthier your diet will be.
It is unlikely that you will develop a deficiency within a month. If you are concerned, learn about nutrition and vegan sources for each concern. Another tip is to buy foods that are fortified with specific nutrients. For example, many plant-based milks have vitamin D, B12 and calcium.
Veganuary Benefits: Reasons to Go Vegan
Ethical Considerations
Many people choose a vegan lifestyle or participate in Veganuary due to concerns about animal welfare. For them, avoiding animal products aligns with their values.
Valuing animal welfare means pushing back against inhumane treatment. You don't need to join a protest group. By participating in Veganuary, you become an animal advocate.
If the way you live reflects your values, you are more likely to feel happy. If you love animals, extending that compassion beyond the family pets will be more in line with your values.
Environmental Impact
Pros:
Lower Carbon Footprint: Plant-based diets generally have a lower carbon footprint. A lower carbon footprint especially applies compared to diets high in animal products.
Reduced Water Usage: Animal agriculture, especially cattle farming, requires significant water resources. Adopting a vegan diet can reduce individual water usage.
Less Land: Vegan diets require less land than animal agriculture. Less land leads to reduced deforestation and habitat destruction.
Cons:
Reliance on Industrial Farming: Critics argue that vegan diets still contribute to environmental issues. If vegan diets rely on industrialized agriculture or the consumption of mono-crops like soy or palm oil. Many vegas avoid palm oil for this reason, but it's in many products, vegan and non-vegan.
Conclusion
Veganuary benefits you, animals and the environment. Going vegan is beneficial from a health, ethical, and environmental perspective. However, participants must be informed and ensure they consume a balanced and varied diet to meet all their nutritional needs.
If someone is considering a permanent switch to a vegan diet after Veganuary, it might be helpful to consult with a nutritionist or dietitian. Professional help will ensure they're getting all the necessary nutrients.
For more on Veganuary, read: Veganuary Down Under: Australia's Green Shift.
Looking for fun Veganuary activities? Explore our free colouring pages, a Veganuary fable, and a calming breathing tool. They're all designed to celebrate plant-based living creatively and mindfully.
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