Veganism is an interesting topic to many people, whether they are practicing vegans or not. There are so many questions regarding the subject, that it’s sometimes difficult to know the truth. Are vegans able to obtain the necessary nutrients from their diet alone? What are vegan products and are they healthier? Is a vegan diet better for our planet? These are just some of the questions that vegans face on a daily basis, but of course like everything in the world, scientific evidence is really the only true answer out there. So what does science say about veganism?

Veganism: Better For Our Bodies

Research shows that partaking in a vegan diet serves to improve heart health and reduce the likelihood of heart disease, lower one's risk of cancer due to high consumption of plants which have cancer protection properties through phytochemicals, and help stimulate weight loss while lowering a person's risk of type 2 diabetes. However, a vegan diet may be lacking in some vital nutrients, so it’s important for vegans to plan and incorporate the right foods into their diet and supplements where necessary. Aside from food consumption, many vegans also stick to utilizing vegan products like soaps and creams. Non-natural soaps have been shown to dry out the skin and also contain chemicals that are easily absorbed into our body through the skin, so natural products that also fall under the vegan category are great to avoid allergies and dry skin caused by soaps containing chemicals.

Veganism: Better For Our Minds

Science has indicated for quite some time that the foods we nourish our bodies with have a direct impact on our cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that popular vegan foods like nuts and green vegetables are superfoods for our brains, however animal products like omega-3 from fish also fall into that category too. While at this point there is no conclusive evidence as to whether a vegan diet is the superior choice for brain health, one study has indicated that veganism lowers one's risk of dementia.

Veganism: Better For the Planet

The effects of human influence on the planet have begun to creep their way into our daily lives as the threats of global warming become more apparent each year. Farming animals for consumption contributing a major portion of the environmental strain put on our planet, about one-sixth of greenhouse gas emissions produced. To make matters worse, 80% of all deforestation is a result of making room for agricultural land, much of which is used as animal feed, so we are simultaneously destroying our planet's natural filtration system while allowing more greenhouse emissions to be produced. Additionally, unsustainable fishing methods all over the world are causing major destruction in our oceans, destroying coral reefs and crucial species that are needed for a healthy functioning ocean. An Oxford study from 2016 estimated that humans could cut emissions by a whopping 70% if everyone switched to a vegan diet.

It's clear that with high amounts of obesity in many countries and a planet that is on the brink of disaster, a change is needed in human behavior. Science shows that veganism could be an excellent solution to address many of our issues. Lifestyle changes don’t need to happen overnight, small and consistent daily progress toward this goal can help humanity live healthier lives while re-establishing a healthy planet.