What are the benefits of being a vegan?

Answer 1

You probably know that fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts are good for you. When you choose a whole-foods, plant-based diet, you are likely to lower your cholesterol, lose weight, reduce your risk of Heart disease, cancer, and Type 2 Diabetes, increase your energy levels, and never need a laxative or antacid.

The production of meat requires far more water, land, and fossil fuels than would the production of the same amount of plant-based food. Up to 16 pounds of grain are needed to produce one pound of beef. Out of the huge amount of pesticide used on these grains, a percentage ends up on the food is destined for animals that are used to produce meat, milk, and eggs. The pesticide concentrates in the bodies of the animals. This pesticide is then eaten by people, and fed to their companion animals. The meat industry generates nearly one-fifth of man-made greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and many scientists now believe that in the wake of a changing climate, the switch to a largely plant-based diet is necessary to avoid famine.

Besides costing in terms of water and fuel that much of the world cannot afford, a pound of ground beef will cost $2.88 this year in the United States, where its production is highly subsidized. It provides 1,152 calories, nearly 91 grams of fat, 78 grams of protein, and no fiber. A half pound of lentils mixed with a half pound of brown rice costs about $1.38 in the United States. They provide 1,587 calories, 8 grams of fat, 88 grams of protein, and 77 grams of fiber.

Spending less on groceries is great, but the biggest savings are long-term. By avoiding chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, you could save on such procedures as a $57,439 heart bypass operation, take far fewer sick days, and substantially lower your life insurance premiums.

Animals on factory farms lead lives of unimaginable suffering and die cruel deaths. Dairy cows spend years in a concrete stall or filthy feed lot before they are slaughtered. Calves and are quickly separated from their mothers, confined in tiny pens, and the males are killed for veal after only a few months of life. Baby pigs are castrated without anesthesia, taken from their mothers who are confined in tiny crates, and killed at just 7 months. Chickens raised for eggs are crammed in tiny cages and have their beaks clipped to prevent them from hurting each other due to stress from confinement. These animals are killed with a bolt to the head or a knife. Male chicks are thrown into trash bags to suffocate or ground up alive.

Eating plants is healthier, cheaper, and better for the environment than eating animals.