Lower food costs and other unexpected benefits of a plant-based diet
If you’ve been avoiding animal products this month, you’re now beyond the halfway point. Congratulations! Each time you skip that chicken breast or milk carton, you’re not just making a personal choice – you’re also contributing to reducing the environmental impact of industries notorious for their harmful practices and sparing countless animals from unnecessary suffering.
But you’re probably already aware of these reasons. So, what else makes participating in vegetarianism or veganism worthwhile? If you’re seeking more reasons to stay committed to your plant-based diet, researchers have uncovered several surprising benefits.
To start, were you aware that animal farming is a significant contributor to air pollution?
Less air polution
Keeping livestock confined in sheds leads to the release of ammonia, a gas causing skin and eye irritation. Ammonia can travel long distances, reacting with pollutants to form smog and fine particles, contributing to health issues like heart disease and lung cancer.
In 2019, animal farming likely caused one-fifth of the four million premature deaths from outdoor air pollution. Researchers suggest reducing animal product consumption could notably improve air quality, especially in regions like Iowa with high livestock densities.
Transitioning away from meat and dairy could significantly decrease particulate pollution. Researchers highlight that adopting vegan diets could potentially prevent over 200,000 premature deaths from air pollution, reducing such deaths by roughly 20% in Europe and North America.
You seem more intelligent
Embracing veganism often reflects positively on one’s character, conveying traits like knowledge, discipline, self-sufficiency, and strong social skills, according to marketing experts Thomas Robinson and Outi Lundahl.
They highlight that vegans typically show awareness not just of ingredients but also their impact on animal welfare, climate change, sustainability, and personal health, symbolizing a depth of understanding highly valued in society.
However, while veganism is generally viewed positively, excessive flaunting of principles may occasionally be seen as off-putting, according to other research.
Reduced food expenses
Is veganism just for the wealthy, or does it benefit everyone? Research suggests cutting meat can save money. Marco Springmann found going vegan could slash food expenses by a third in the UK, US, or EU.
To save, prioritize minimally processed foods and try new recipes.
However, going vegan is easier for the affluent. Experts Emma Garnett and Charlotte A. Kukowski say learning to cook vegan requires time, often available to wealthier people through part-time work or early retirement.
Implementing a four-day workweek could help make eco-friendly lifestyle changes more accessible.
Less period pain and other health benefits
Shireen Kassam, a wellbeing expert at the University of Winchester, suggests that a plant-based diet could ease menstrual pain. In a study, a low-fat vegan diet reduced estrogen levels, leading to less intense and shorter periods for 33 participants over two cycles.
Kassam also notes additional benefits such as decreased arthritic pain and a lower risk of urinary tract infections.
Eric Robinson, a psychology professor at the University of Liverpool, shares his experience with veganism as a scientific self-experiment. Despite initial concerns about mental health and enjoyment of food, he found no negative effects. Robinson emphasizes that the health, environmental, and ethical advantages of veganism outweigh any minor challenges.
Lower food costs and other unexpected benefits of a plant-based diet conclusion
Adopting a plant-based diet can greatly benefit the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution associated with the production of animal products. By cutting out or minimizing animal products from your diet, you can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Additionally, choosing a plant-based diet supports improved animal welfare by reducing demand for products from animals raised in inhumane conditions. This choice advocates for more compassionate treatment of animals.
Moreover, embracing plant-based eating offers a diverse range of culinary options, from vibrant salads to indulgent vegan desserts, fostering creativity and satisfaction in cooking and eating.
Overall, participating in vegetarianism or veganism brings a multitude of benefits, including environmental impact reduction, improved animal welfare, culinary exploration, and community connection.
