Why more people are switching to vegan diet (2024)

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31 October 2022 Why more people are switching to vegan diet (1) 5-minute read

Healthy Body Feature Diet and nutrition Vegan diet Eat Well

A vegan diet provides abundant dietary fibre and is lower in calories. (Credit: Getty Images) 

The rising trend for plant-based alternatives in the food and beverage industry reflects the growth of interest in the vegan diet. Vegan-dedicated sites have reported that "vegan food near me" saw a 5,000 per cent increase in Google search in 2021.

So why are people thinking of switching to a vegan diet? For some, it's for ethical reasons. They care for animals and don't want to see them suffer. Others have become more aware of the impact of animal-based diets on the environment. This makes them more willing to forego meat to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. However, most people who are turning to veganism do it for health reasons.

Besides fostering connection, cooking together as a family teaches kids about nutrition. (Credit: Getty Images) 

Research on dietary patterns shows eating the recommended serving of vegetables and fruits can help lower the risk of heart disease. Diabetics are advised to fill at least half of their plates with non-starchy vegetables to manage their blood sugar.

Ramping up your fruit and vegetable intake can also lead to a more robust immune system, lower cholesterol and often, weight loss. A diet with more plant-based foods can also lower the risk of:

  • Chronic inflammation
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Cancer

For many omnivores, switching to a vegan or even a semi-vegetarian diet can be tough. But adherents say the payoff comes in the excellent quality of life in your senior years.

What to include in vegan and vegetarian diets

There is a difference between vegan and vegetarian diets. The vegan diet is the stricter of the two when it comes to what not to eat.

All animal products like meat, poultry, fish, seafood, dairy and eggs are off-limits in the vegan diet. Vegans also avoid animal-based products like honey or cheese and do not use textiles, cosmetics or soaps with ingredients derived from animals.

The vegetarian diet is like the vegan diet – no meat, poultry, fish or seafood. But versions of this diet allow a few concessions. Here are a few of the several types of vegetarian diets:

  • Lacto-vegetarian: Milk and other dairy products are allowed but not eggs
  • Ovo vegetarian: Can eat eggs but exclude dairy
  • Ovo-lacto vegetarian: Eggs and dairy are both part of the diet
  • Pescatarian: No meat or poultry, but fish and seafood are okay
  • Semi-vegetarian or flexitarian: Eggs and dairy are fine, as are small amounts of meat, poultry, fish and seafood.

How to eat more fruits and vegetables

Snack healthier at the office by eating yoghurt, nuts, fruits and vegetable salad. (Credit: AIA) 

So, if you don't want to go vegan, how can you improve your vegetable intake? Adding more healthy choices to your meal planning is the key. 

1. Eat a variety of plant-based foods 

Add whole grains, nuts and seeds to your green salad. Put bananas or berries in your cereal. Make eggs with chopped vegetables. And don't worry if your produce is canned or frozen – both count! Drain and rinse canned vegetables to reduce the sodium content. 

2. Try different ways of preparing or cooking vegetables

Find salads boring? Try roasting carrots, zucchini, sweet potatoes, beets and cauliflower. You can also do a meatless version of your favourite dishes like this

Vegetarian Burger

. 

3. Cut back on processed food

If you're eating instant ramen daily, cut it down to two to three times a week for a month until you find yourself not craving it anymore. Then, find

healthy snacks

or guiltless substitutes for your favourite food. Take this

Pineapple Pancake

as an example, which calls for wholegrain spelt instead of traditional flour. 

Enlist a loved one or a friend to be your cheerleader as you adapt to a new dietary plan. Or take part in a wellness programme like

AIA Vitality

  that can help you power through your wellbeing goals. It can be that extra motivation to finally get you eating the recommended 4 ½ cups each of fruits and vegetables a day.

References:

YouGov. September 2019. Millennials' food choices are driven by quality and they're willing to pay more for it. [online][Accessed on 30 May 2022]

IFT. March 1, 2022. Taking the Pulse of Teens and Young Adults. [online] [Accessedon 30 May 2022]

Heart Foundation. Plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan diets. [online][Accessedon 30 May 2022]

Harvard Health Publishing. 2022. How much protein do you need every day? [online][Accessedon 30 May 2022]

American Heart Association. 2018. Fresh, Frozen or Canned Fruits and Vegetables: All Can Be Healthy Choices! [online][Accessedon 30 May 2022]

Disclaimer:

This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial adviser, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circ*mstances.

Why more people are switching to vegan diet (2024)

FAQs

Why more people are switching to vegan diet? ›

They care for animals and don't want to see them suffer. Others have become more aware of the impact of animal-based diets on the environment. This makes them more willing to forego meat to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. However, most people who are turning to veganism do it for health reasons.

What is the number one reason people go vegan? ›

Preventing the exploitation of animals is not the only reason for becoming vegan, but for many it remains the key factor in their decision to go vegan and stay vegan. Having emotional attachments with animals may form part of that reason, while many believe that all sentient creatures have a right to life and freedom.

Why switch to a vegan diet? ›

It can help lower or control weight, reduce the chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and possibly lead to a longer, healthier life.

Why did people start going vegan? ›

There are numerous reasons why people choose to go vegan. Whether it's to reduce their individual carbon footprint, spiritual and/or religious beliefs, for their health, or for the liberation of animals—all are valid.

For what reasons do people turn vegan or vegetarian? ›

People become vegetarians for many reasons, including health, religious convictions, concerns about animal welfare or the use of antibiotics and hormones in livestock, or a desire to eat in a way that avoids excessive use of environmental resources.

Why are more people becoming vegan? ›

They care for animals and don't want to see them suffer. Others have become more aware of the impact of animal-based diets on the environment. This makes them more willing to forego meat to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. However, most people who are turning to veganism do it for health reasons.

What is the argument for veganism? ›

Core argument for veganism. Animals suffer in the production of animal products, and since we have access to sufficient alternatives that don't require the use of animals to be made, that means products made from animals are unnecessary and the animal suffering is unnecessary.

Were humans meant to be vegan? ›

Based on the above evidence, humans are naturally omnivores and are adapted to an omnivorous diet. A meat-free diet is, however, a conscious choice made essentially for ecological, ethical, and health concerns.

Is being a vegan healthy? ›

Vegetarian and vegan diets can be healthy, but they can lack certain nutrients. You may have to use a little creativity to ensure you get enough protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12. You can find many of these nutrients in eggs and dairy if you're vegetarian, and from plant sources if you're vegan.

What are the pros and cons of veganism? ›

Pros and Cons of the Vegan Diet
Advantages of VeganismDisadvantages of Veganism
Enhanced weight lossLack of certain nutrients
Reduced health risksDigestive issues and stomach discomfort
Development of discipline and self-controlLimited food and medicine options
3 more rows
Jul 27, 2023

Do vegans eat eggs? ›

People who follow a vegan diet don't eat any animal foods, including dairy, eggs, and honey. About 3% of Americans follow a vegan diet. Their reasons for eating this way vary. Some vegans do it to improve their health, as research shows that a plant-based diet could lower the risk of certain diseases.

Why is being vegan better than eating meat? ›

Vegetarians and vegans typically have lower body mass index, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and blood pressure than comparable regular meat-eaters, as well as lower bone mineral density.

Why do some people choose to not eat meat? ›

People decide to eat less meat for many reasons. You may want to cut out meat for health, ethical, religious, cultural or environmental reasons. But it can be hard to make changes to your diet and still serve healthy meals. Why not start by serving meatless meals once or twice a week?

Who is most likely to be vegan? ›

Young people are more likely than older people to adopt veganism. Women are more likely than men to become vegans. People with college educations are more likely than people without to choose veganism. People who affiliate with liberal ideals are more likely to go vegan.

Why are so many famous people vegan? ›

Why are celebrities ditching meat? Just like us regular folk, entertainers are drawn to veganism for different reasons—health, animal welfare, environmental health, and social justice seem to be the most popular motivations.

Why are more girls vegan? ›

One reason why people may associate vegetarianism with femininity is that vegetarianism may be viewed as a lighter, more healthful eating pattern. Eating healthful foods is seen as feminine, whereas eating unhealthful foods is seen as masculine (Vartanian et al., 2007).

What percentage of the world eats vegan? ›

Even though only 1% of the world population identifies themselves as vegans, these studies are a proof that veganism is soon going to be a popular lifestyle globally. The number of vegans differs by region.

References

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