Veganism is a growing trend among the millennials as well as influencers across the world. With all of its health and environment benefits, it has been among the most acceptable food and lifestyle choice for a large number of people.
Considering its role in animal welfare and environment conservation, November 1st of every year is celebrated as World Vegan Day to celebrate this trend and to spread more awareness regarding the benefits of adapting to it.
Veganism is a lifestyle choice where a person chooses to exclude any animal products from their diet, that includes any by-products derived from animals, so dairy, eggs and honey.
It is very difficult to follow a vegan lifestyle in its initial stages even for vegetarians as there are numerous restrictions on diet. Apart from this, while a vegan diet is extremely healthy in every way, it is not sufficient to provide vitamin B12 to humans, which is very vital.
Not many people are attracted to veganism mainly because of the restrictions it poses in the diet. One also wonders, if there will be any significant benefit to their health or the environment if only one person adapts to a vegan lifestyle.
Not only is it beneficial if even one person chooses to go vegan, but it can also create a significant difference if one goes vegan for only one day of every week.
Benefits of Going Vegan One-Day-A-Week
Health
There are many health reasons that you should go meat-free one day a week.
Longer life – Many recent studies have shown that a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, and lower in meat, increase longevity and quality of life in later years.
Reducing Cancer Risk – There is substantial evidence through scientific study that the consumption of meats increases the risk of colorectal cancer. There is also mounting evidence that the risks of many other forms of cancer, including lung, prostate and uterine are also increased in those who regularly consume meats.
Fighting Obesity – Body Mass Index, according to many different studies in the US and EU, is vastly reduced and weight is rarely a problem in those who eat a largely plant-based diet.
Reducing Diabetes Risk – Research has shown that eating a plant-based diet cuts the risk of type 2 diabetes. A plant-based diet means that you’re cutting the number of calories that you take in and not only that, your food choices tend to be more nutrient-dense and this helps to remain a healthy weight, thus reducing the risk of diabetes.
Reducing Heart Diseases – Studies have proven that fruit, vegetables and whole grains have can help to protect us against cardiovascular disease and heart disease.
Environment
Reduce Water Consumption – It requires much less water to grow fruits, vegetables and grains than to keep livestock hydrated and thus if we all went meatless one day a week, we could cut water consumption across the globe by up to 28%.
Reduce Emissions of Harmful Gases – The production, transportation and livestock farming causes emissions greenhouse gases to the environment, contributing to global warming. By eating less meat we can cut the number of harmful gases that are expelled into the atmosphere.
Reducing Dependence on Fuel – Around 25 kilocalories of fossil fuel energy is required to produce just one kilocalorie of meat food products. In contrast, just 2.2 kilocalories of fossil fuel is required for a kilocalorie of grain.
Veganism is a process. Not everyone is suited to adopt it and give up on everything cold turkey at once. Going vegan for a day is perfect for experimenting with this lifestyle. And while doing so, if one is able to make a tremendous difference to the environment and their health, it creates a win-win situation that no one can deny.
This World Vegan Day, let us all pledge to try to go Vegan for at least one day a week!
