Should you go Vegan?
These days, a vegan lifestyle is slowly becoming a norm around the world. About 0.1% of the world population is vegan, which does not sound like a lot, but it is about 7.7 million people. There are a couple of reasons why people choose to go vegan. No matter if it is their health or a desire for weight loss, or maybe their concern for the environment, following trends and keeping up with the world, going vegan benefits our planet.
If you are an environmentally conscious person, then maybe you are thinking about making a change. We will go through all the benefits of becoming vegan and switching up your diet.
Healthier You
Studies show that trying a vegan diet will show the most benefit if you are at risk of developing cancer. There is a 35% decrease in prostate cancer by following a vegan diet. Prostate cancer is the most dangerous and common type of cancer in men.
Also, this type of diet can minimize the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. A study shows that there is a 23% less chance of developing diabetes. If you already have diabetes, a vegan diet will help you control it by lowering your cholesterol.
Not only that, but there is a lower risk of any heart problem if your diet consists of nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fruit. It will not cure your heart disease completely, but it will help in preventing any new problems.
Slimmer and Fitter Body
Some people choose a vegan lifestyle to lose weight. Weight loss journey is not an easy one, so high-fiber foods and foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, among others, will help with your weight loss.
According to a study, test subjects lost around eight pounds more than other subjects on a controlled diet. Approximately 30% of people around the world are non-meat eaters who choose to lose weight this way.
Greens are notably low in calories, so eating broccoli, spinach, zucchini, and similar can significantly help you on your weight loss journey. Make sure you include some protein in your meals to have a balanced diet.
Think of the Planet
Protecting the environment has been in the limelight even more recently. What vegans are particularly proud of is that their lifestyle helps reduce air and water pollution.
Agriculture causes a stunning 60% of gas emissions. If every person in the world decided to go vegan, there would be a 70% decrease in gas emissions—and you can easily be a part of that change.
Earth’s land is used for livestock every day, and it occupies more than 45% of the land in total. On the other hand, only 37% of proteins that we consume come from meat. Other proteins come from different nuts and green vegetables.
Keeping Up with the Trends
Veganism is trending with more people gaining interest in meat-free products and plant-based diets. In 2018, there was a high demand for plant-based products, and it only continues to grow.
Dairy products for vegans are a fast-growing industry, with more people buying vegan ice-cream, yogurt, cheese, and more. While the sales of regular dairy products remain the same, vegan dairy products are taking over.
In 2018, cow milk sales decreased by 3% while alternative kinds of milk made an impact on the market, where they accounted for 13% of all milk sales. Between 2012 and 2017, there was a 61% increase in non-dairy milk sales in the US.
Other Countries
In 2018, the UK was in the lead when talking about vegan-based products on the market. Even children in the UK are choosing not to eat meat with 10% of them picking vegetables over meat.
Greece might be a good option for your next holiday because it offers the most diverse vegan-friendly meals on the menu. India leads with most vegans in the country, followed by Israel, Taiwan, Italy, and Austria.
More people in the US are trying to include vegan options in their everyday diet. About 11% of the US population does not eat meat, which makes them one of the leading countries.
What Does the Future Hold?
In 20 years, there will be significantly fewer meat eaters than vegans. Only 40% of people will maintain a meat-based diet. Veganism will continue to expand and take over the world.
Vegan baby food is finding its market and will continue to do so in the next year. Parents choose a healthier alternative for their children from their toddler years by incorporating a balanced diet and still prioritizing their development.
The vegan food market shows no signs of stopping. In just five years, its value will reach over $7 billion. According to some estimates, Europe will be dominant on the market, and Asia will see significant growth in the number of people who will opt for veganism.
