| jimbo2012 |
11-08-2012 09:45 PM |
5 Reasons to Go Vegan
Bill Clinton did it.
So did Ellen DeGeneres.
In fact, millions of people around the nation have taken the pledge to go vegan. November is considered World Vegan Month, and it is a great time to take a look at what veganism is and why so many people are moving toward this lifestyle, which eschews using any animal products.
“Veganism is a diet based on living in peace and harmony with the natural world,” explains Louix Dor Dempriey, a spiritual master who started and leads events through the Louix Dor Dempriey Foundation. “There are many great reasons for being vegan, and people around the country are beginning to take notice, helping to increase the number of those who are either vegan or moving toward a vegan lifestyle.”
Many people are familiar with what a vegetarian is: someone who does not eat animals (e.g., no fish, flow, meat, etc.) but may or may not still consume dairy products and eggs. A vegan is a type of vegetarian who takes it one step farther and makes it a lifestyle, rather than just a diet. A vegan does not use or consume any type of animal products at all. This would include avoiding any foods that contain animal products, as well as not using animal products in their clothing or hygiene products. For example, vegans avoid using leather, silk, wool, and cosmetics that have been tested on animals or that contain animal ingredients.
Here are five reasons to go vegan:
1. Your health. Research indicates that those who eat a plant-based diet tend to reap many health benefits, from lower cholesterol and cancer rates to lower heart attack and obesity rates. Eating fruits and vegetables helps to keep your body healthy, as they are loaded with the fiber and antioxidants that the body needs. Vegan diets that contain plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources, such as beans, quinoa, tofu, and lentils, are healthy.
2. The planet. Raising animals for foods has been dubbed as one of the most destructive practices on the planet. It is leading to deforestation, an overuse of water, agricultural run-off, and an increase in greenhouse gases. A vegan diet is more environmentally friendly and better for caring for the planet. Vegan diets use a lot less water, land, and resources.
3. The animals. While out of sight often means out of mind, 10 billion land animals are raised and killed in America each year for food. The animals, by and large, live in deplorable conditions and suffer in many ways. Being vegan helps people to live a life that is more in tune with their ideals of being against animal cruelty.
4. Inner peace. By living without killing sentient creatures, we find that we live a more peaceful life. By choosing to dine on food that has not come from bloodshed, we can attain an inner peace that would be hard to find elsewhere.
5. Voting with your dollar. The meat industry is one that involves death, as animals are slaughtered by people trying to make a living. Slaughterhouse workers experience a much higher rate of injury than other factory workers. In addition, nobody should have to make their living by killing animals all day. Doing so often leads to psychological problems and a disconnect with nature.
“Some of the great philosophers and spiritual leaders throughout history have eaten a plant-based diet,” adds Louix, “Adopting a vegan diet will not only help you feel better, but it extends compassion to those at our mercy, and teaches others that they can live a life focused on peace and harmony.”
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