When President Clinton went (almost) vegan several months ago, my reaction to the news wasn’t quite as enthusiastic as it might have been. Seeing high-profile people (or anyone for that matter) go vegan for health reasons makes me nervous. First, President Clinton referred to his diet as “strict,” which is not an especially enticing word when it comes to food choices. He also suggested that it was an “experiment,” noting that 82 percent of those who go on low-fat almost-vegan diets see their heart disease reverse. The implication was that, if he turns out to be among the 18 percent who aren’t so lucky, the experiment will be over. That is, his diet is a treatment, not a commitment to an animal-free lifestyle.
For the record, I expect that President Clinton will see benefits because he’s lost so much weight, and this alone has a powerful effect on heart disease risk. But despite that, I think the health argument fails veganism and animals for several reasons.
~People who adopt vegan diets for health reasons never seem to be satisfied with just being vegan. They’re inclined to pile on more restrictions like no added oils or no cooked foods, or only whole plant foods, or even no nuts and seeds. If any of those restrictions had actual benefits, it would be one thing of course. But they don’t, and they can actually work against good health for vegans.
I’d love to know where the evidence is that vegans who eat only whole foods are healthier than those who consume some fortified orange juice, calcium-set tofu, olive oil and a little Coconut Bliss now and then. I’ve certainly never seen any. I think people who adopt more restrictive forms of veganism are more likely to run into health problems, not less. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises women to eat a diet that provides at least 15 percent fat—yet some vegan women strive for 10 percent fat or less by shunning all added fats and limiting other high-fat foods.
Researchers with the WHO are also taking a new look at protein needs—and some believe that these needs may be higher than previously believed. That’s not a big deal for the average omnivore, and probably not for the average vegan, either. But for those vegans who eat a raw foods diet or a super-low-fat diet that minimizes higher-protein foods, it could be.
~The ethical argument for veganism pertains to everyone, but health arguments target a very specific population. In a trailer for the book The Engine 2 Diet, one person who went through “the program,” is no longer on it, because “she doesn’t need to be.” That is—like many omnivores—she is in good health and sees absolutely no reason why she should be vegan.
~The health argument is not foolproof. Per my comments about President Clinton above, if people don’t get the intended benefit—reduced cholesterol or weight loss—they don’t have much reason to stick with a vegan diet. In contrast, the ethical argument for veganism always delivers on its promise. It is always the most compassionate choice and it always promotes an ethic of justice for animals.
~The health argument isn’t unique. People who are focused only on the health aspects of a vegan diet are more likely to be enticed by other dietary philosophies that make promises about improved health. For ethical vegans, there is no comparable or alternative way of eating and living.
The counter-argument to all of this, of course, is that getting people to go vegan for any reason is a good thing. It reduces animal use and it helps shift paradigms about food choices—which can eventually open minds to the issue of animal liberation. I’m in favor of most efforts and campaigns that do those things. But here is the problem with using the health argument in this way—it’s that there isn’t any health argument for veganism.
There is, of course, a pretty good argument for eating more plants (lots more plants) and less animal food, but no one has shown that you must eat a 100 percent plant diet in order to be healthy. So to make an argument for a 100% vegan diet based on health benefits alone, we have no choice but to stretch the truth. We have to overstate the benefits of vegan diets, and sometimes minimize or dismiss the risks. And as soon as we stray from the actual facts, our advocacy is on shaky ground.
There is a reason why I recommend only a handful of resources on vegan nutrition, which include Vegan Health, the Vegetarian Resource Group, Dr. Michael Greger and the books Becoming Vegan and Simply Vegan. It’s because these are all reliable resources that never overstate the benefits of veganism or ignore potential pitfalls. And guess what? They all come from health professionals who are ethical vegans.
Housekeeping note: I’m heading out on some travel for the next five days and won’t have very regular internet access. I’m going to let comments go through unmoderated and will try to respond as often as I can. I generally moderate only to weed out the very rare offensive language or personal attacks against others. So please—be nice, and don’t use any language that you wouldn’t use in front of your grandmother, okay?
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Generally, when I talk to people about veganism and they ask about health, I say that veganism is "healthy enough". A well-rounded vegan diet with appropriate supplementation is a good diet. It probably isn't the perfect diet, but who knows what that is? Advocating any diet as a perfect diet is ridiculous.
All this is in the context of advocating that people move towards veganism for ethical reasons. I, and Compassionate Action for Animals, the animal rights group I work with, always stick to the ethical argument as a means of persuasion. I try to talk about health only when someone I'm talking to brings it up.
I think there are health benefits of being a healthy vegan, especially one modulating more towards being raw vegan. Health benefits don't happen over night, it takes time. When I had depression and a skin rash eating more raw foods didn't take it away over night but over two to three months. I have been vegan 17 years and meat free for 26 years, I am healthy and slim. You say, 'but no one has shown that you must eat a 100 percent diet in order to be healthy', think about the benefits when you are older, I am not going to die of cholesterol related disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, obesity etc. These things don't happen over night either they are a life time of eating meat and dairy. As for protein I get more protein than any meat eater from spirulina as it contains 3-4 times more protein than meat and is more easily digestible.
Janice, this is excatly what the article is NOT saying. Veganism is not a magical diet that enables you to escape arthritis, cancer, diabetes, etc.
Gosh, did you even REAd what she was saying? This is exactly why people can dismiss everything you say about veganism – because you make grand statements that can be easily disproven.
That is close to how my own approach tends to be. Though I haven’t used the “healthy enough” slogan – I think I’ll reuse that from now on. :-)
My experience is also than most people don’t need much convincing that there might be some positive health aspects with going veganism (most people need to eat more greens, fruit and so on) because they already tend to believe that. So I mainly focus on answering any worries about negative aspects that might crop up. Questions on B12 and so on. Acknowledging such issues in a non-dramatic way and giving practical advise how they can be easily handled works well I think.
Lots of typos, sorry. Got. To. Write. Slower. :)
You know the vegan "scene" is getting big when one group of vegans that aren't that different from another set of vegans are arguing with each other over which aspect of veganism is more important.
Many people became vegan long before studies were published and celebrities chimed in. So I find it hard to care what the WHO thinks is the right amount of fat in a woman's diet, even if I think they're right.
It's nice that we have different diets to choose from within the vegan umbrella. I think it's silly that someone would eat an entirely raw food diet but if it works for them then great.
Preaching moderation from within veganism is also an interesting perspective. People who become vegan (wether they stick with it or not) are probably not moderate people to begin with.
There is also psychological aspect to cutting out certain foods rather than cutting down. Humans are better at cutting out than cutting down. I'm surprised that this doesn't get mentioned as much.
I look forward to the end of this debate. But not before all the vegan RDs and DRs get into a room for a final showdown.
Your point about cutting out being easier than cutting down is an excellent one.
Taking the leap to a vegan diet forced me to totally reevaluate what I was eating both at home and in restaurants. Before going vegan I was trying to eat healthy without really knowing how. Going vegan opened up a whole new world to me as I had to find alternative foods to replace those that I had cut out and I was inspired to do the research to find out what it meant to eat healthfully.
Many of the vociferous ex-vegans were interested in AR.
Nina Planck, from that famous New York Times article stated that she was into animal rights. I'm not a 100% sure, but I am mostly sure that Lierre Kieth was political. I think the Voracious Ex-Vegan probably gave lip service to the political side too.
I went vegan in college after reading the health and environmental arguments in Diet For A New American. Years later I still am vegan, though the IN YOUR FACE AR vegans I worked with in a college food co-op are enthusiastic omnivores again. The loudest AR vegan of that bunch was once put on review for sticking "Meat Is Dead" bumper stickers all over the co-op. Before I left that job she went full omni.
I don't think you can generalize about one group being more prone to becoming ex-vegans and be completely right.
People who adopt vegan diets for health reasons never seem to be satisfied with just being vegan. They\u2019re inclined to pile on more restrictions like no added oils or no cooked foods, or only whole plant foods, or even no nuts and seeds. If any of those restrictions had actual benefits, it would be one thing of course. But they don\u2019t, and they can actually work against good health for vegans.
Guilty as charged. I started off as a teenager looking for that special diet to make me superman. I went that route. I learned the hard way that letting yourself have that teaspoon of oil,sugar, salt etc.. gave me enough comfort to stick with a regime more so than being a perfectionist. Years later I'm still vegan and I stay that way partially for the animals.
Thanks for this post, Ginny. I have thought, and have been saying, this for years: that there is no health argument for veganism. I am always surprised how much that angers so many vegans who insist that it's nothing short of a cure for death itself.
My partner and I (we went vegan at the same time) always tell people–and it's the honest-to-goodness truth–that nothing changed when we went vegan. We literally experienced….nothing. A decade later, I still believe our real life experience is a good sell as far as health is concerned. And we aren't health nuts or overly careful either. About the only thing we avoid are trans-fats.
In my opinion, the people who seek perfect health, and try to avoid the human experience, are setting themselves up for supreme disappointment. No matter the diet.
I posted President Clinton's CNN interview to a web board I read that has nothing to do with veganism. Some people started making ignorant comments and then a surprise came. The owner of the web board, a very prominent woman in her community posted that the women in her family have genes that predispose them to dying young from cardiovascular issues. She stated that she was impressed enough by President Clinton's interview to give a plant based diet a try and told the board that similar posts from me would be most welcome as far as she was concerned. If this woman doesn't go 100% vegan or stay vegan it would be no loss to the animals as none of these things would have happened otherwise.
@BeforeWisdom I think you are correct; I too can name a lot of "politcal" vegans who reverted to omnivorism for one reason or another. The reasons why are psychologically complex, to be sure. But I do think what Ginny is writing here is equally true: the path of the health nut rarely finds a true destination. It's one journey after another after another. And honestly I think your vegan journey might be more the exception than the rule (the fact that you've stuck with it!), but of course I have nothing to back that statement up.
Dustin, not having numbers is exactly why I keep bring up this point in replies to Virgina's contention. I don't think the generalisation could be made that "health nuts" are more likely to quit than politically motivated vegans. The numbers just aren't there and I have seen plenty examples of people quitting from all walks of life. There are many health enthusiasts who aren't OCD perfectionists who do know when to stop. Just like there are many people into alternative politics who do know how to handle themselves in a healthy way.
BW, I agree with all your points. However, this post is meant to be a follow-up of my previous 2 posts. Part of my concern about the health argument is that it tends to promote more restrictive types of vegan diets (not always, but you have to admit that it often does) and this increases the risk that people will not meet nutrient needs.
The other big concern is–do we really want to base our advocacy on a rationale that isn't quite true? I read a whole lot of claims for health benefits for veganism that go way beyond what the research actually shows. Again, I know that some might say that's okay–as long as it gets people to go vegan. I'm just betting that you are not one of the people who would say that!
No, I would not say that spreading false information is okay as long as it gets people to try vegan diets. Aside from being wrong, that kind of thing only destroys the credibility of vegan activists.
I think there is a vegan health argument that is backed up, your point about being able to eat *some* meat on a plant based diet notwithstanding. That amount is pretty small. I *think* people who advocate that promote no more than 4 ounces a day. That is about 2 – 3 thick slices of cold cuts.
My issue with the comments you and Dustin make is that you seem to be pinning a bum rap on people interested in health. I've pointed out that the public ex-vegans, at least most of them, have been political. Dustin even agreed that many of the ex-vegans he knew were political. There was even Rob Coronado who went to jail for his direct action AR and decided that he deserved to eat cheese. Yet both of you keep stating that people in this group who try vegan diets are more likely to quit.
A few years ago the leaders of an animal protection group started writing essays warning vegans about overstating the health arguments People could get health benefits by not being 100% vegan. In those same set of essays that organization also endorsed flexitarianism, stating that every reduction in the consumption of animal products helped animals. One of their famous lines is to answer a person who complains "I could be vegan except for X" with "then don't give X up, but eat vegan the rest of the time.
So, where is the problem with people who would never be vegan otherwise, being 90% there as the result of a health argument?
There is no problem with it. But this is the argument that it is better for your health to eat a mostly plant foods diet–which is probably true. The problem lies in trying to make the case that it is necessary to eat a 100% plant foods diet to be healthy, which is probably not true.
Hi Beforewisdom,
The problem is not with people cutting down their consumption of animal products. The problem is them continuing to use animal products. And if we overestimate the health benefits of a vegan diet, we not only lose credibility and confuse people about what it means to be a vegan, we distract from veganism itself which is a philosophy against animal exploitation and cruelty (including for non-dietary reasons), not just some diet.
While I wish everyone would actually be vegan, of course, a part of me is very glad to see certain people dropping the vegan label (sometimes in favor of labels like "nutritarian") when what they are/were doing is not veganism as it has nothing to do with animal exploitation and usually limited to just diet. I feel like that's much better than misusing labels, as many have done to describe Bill Clinton as "vegan".
We can definitely still promote whole foods, plant based diets on their own merits and while letting people know that that itself is not veganism. And, yes, there will hopefully be people who will cut down their animal consumption as a result. But I think the only argument for veganism that holds up and promotes consistency is that it is wrong to unnecessarily exploit and kill other animals. So, that should be our focus when promoting veganism.
Before I went vegan, I was 60 pounds overweight, at risk of diabetes, had high cholesterol levels, anemia, and insanely high blood pressure for a 22 year old. I went vegan for ethical reasons and, yet, it changed my whole life from a health standpoint. I also never attempted to limit myself re: fatty foods either. I desired to eat healthy because I enjoyed no longer having high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or anemia, but I think the fact that I am comfortable downing a pint of Coconut Bliss occasionally has actually helped me maintain the health I'm in. I am always surprised when people make comments about my weight loss (over 60 pounds), but then talk about how much I eat or what I eat. "You must have good metabolism." When I say, "No, not really. I just … eat a lot of vegetables and grains, limit REFINED carbs, and have ice cream when I get a sweet tooth."
I mean, I understand in a sense why people have such an eschewed view of eating, but I don't understand how people will willingly starve themselves, count calories, take pills, eat non-fat stuff (like, I have a coworker who eats those junk breakfast bars every morning, but won't eat an avocado because it's "Fatty"), but they won't simply realize that food is there to nourish and sustain you.
I think you're onto something about the using veganism to lose weight is just another attempt to restrict one's diet. After my "transformation", a few people I knew attempted vegan diets, but failed because it was just "another diet".
I always advise anyone going raw, to get enough calories, number one; and number two (and this goes for cooked food eaters as well), eat YOUR GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES. Please! :)
just today I blogged about how I went vegan for vanity–to be skinny, to have clear skin and for my health (I'd had a cancer scare)–and in the process, my whole world shifted into focus and the reasons I stay vegan (for the environment, animals, etc) is long and vast. I've had dozens of people comment saying they had a similar story, so i think it's unfair to discount that sometimes people who become vegan for vanity or "health reasons" or anything other than "animal rights" might stay vegan because of those. For me, veganism is a three-legged stool… and by the way, my veganism with added restrictions (no added oils, mostly whole plant foods, no nuts and seeds) has had drastic health benefits for me and so many others (with lots of science and personal life examples to back it up) in fact ALL the vegan doctors out there (McDougall, Fuhrman, etc) all support the low fat vegan diet… . I really liked this website, and now–not so much.
Lindsay, I agree that some people who go vegan for health reasons will stay vegan or embrace the ethical considerations for veganism and said as much in my post. That is certainly a good argument in favor of presenting a health rationale for going vegan. My question, though is this–since there isn't really any science to suggest that a vegan diet is the healthiest (or only truly healthy) way for people to eat, do we want to say that it is? Some people might say yes–anything to get people to go vegan. I'm not sure I agree with that.
And since the bulk of the evidence suggests that including some plant fats in your diet is better for people than going too low with fat , the restrictions that many health-oriented vegans recommend are probably not the best idea. And they make a vegan diet look that much more difficult.
"They" make a vegan diet "look" difficult? I'd say closed-minded people, who can't imagine a meal without bread or grains; without meats; without slabbing butter, sour cream, or cheese on their plates may have issues with making changes, but it's all about THEIR mindset, not how someone else applies general health advice and feels good doing so. If using vegetable broth and no oil or eating a vegetable raw *faints* doesn't appeal to someone, that merely shows how limited THEY are in their minds, that they can't imagine doing something different than what they're used to, that another culture or way of life exists (like, not steaming, baking, boiling, frying everything to oblivion and adding salt to further dehydrate yourself).
And someone can get a good amount of healthy plant-based fats without eating overtly fatty foods, without eating oils and other processed items as well. I'd hardly say that an item that must be processed/extracted, clarified/filtered, and bottled to be used is necessary to sustain a healthy human body. Your choice if you want to use oil, but to say it's unwise to NOT use it is a bit of a stretch if you ask me.
Well, that process that you described doesn't apply to olive oil, and there is definitely a pretty compelling body of evidence to suggest that it has some health benefits. But I agree that oil is hardly an essential food in a healthy diet. My point really is that it's okay (and probably good for you) to include some higher fat plant foods in your diet. So why add additional restrictions to a diet that don't improve on its health benefits? After all, our goal is to help as many people to go vegan as possible.
Sorry, but I don't call "eating as many fruits and vegetables as I want" to be restrictive. Maybe someone would feel that way if you had an emotional attachment to something, but considering I eat 30% more calories than the average person, I get to enjoy a lot more! Pass the pineapple. :) If I ate oils (which I don't think have any health benefit, and I've been there done that with including them versus not, and also many other things, like grains), I would probably have the same boring life of trying to limit my caloric intake so I wouldn't gain a pound, or waiting for all of those grains, legumes, nuts, oils to digest for 3-4 hours. I'd rather eat and go for a run an hour later. :)
Why do you think that because I or any other person doesn't eat oil (or whatever) would inhibit your goal to help people go vegan? Do you think that because I do something, I try to dictate that other people do the same? I really don't understand. Can you clarify?
Again, what you consider a restriction isn't for me; it opened up an entirely different world. I have been an omnivore; I have been a cooked & raw vegan; I have been a raw moderate-fat-eater vegan; I'm less restricted now than I've ever been.
I'd ask that you consider there are different view points on what constitutes a road block or restriction or not. Some people are addicted to bread; others have never had it in their lives.
I'm really talking about the image that we create for vegan diet and the importance of making it seem as mainstream as possible. As well as the fact that more restrictive versions of vegan diets increase the risk that people will fail when they go vegan–and that's not good for vegans or for the animals who depend on us to promote veganism as widely as possible. As a dietitian and an animal rights activist, I want to promote a type of diet that will be as realistic and as safe for as many people as possible.
Well, I'll always be honest with people on what type of abundance of fruits & vegetables I have felt best on. :) But I'm happy to show someone where to find a cooked vegan junk-food cookie as well, if that's what makes them happy and living a more animal-friendly lifestyle. :D
As long as you're not hiding the cookies from them, I think you're doing your job as a vegan advocate. :)
@Cherie,
Just curious; do you not eat any grains, nuts or legumes at all or am I misunderstanding?
Ginny is an RD, who is vastly more qualified than an MD regarding nutrition. McDougall is very unhealthy looking. I used to live in Santa Rosa. There are some extremely unhealthy vegans following a low fat diet. I’ve seen their graying teeth and dark circles under their eyes. I’ve read about their depression. I met children who are so frail who had all their front teeth rot out on a vegan diet. All in Santa Rosa under the guidance of a vegan MD. Horrible. And there are very healthy vegans, like me, who eat good fat such as avocados, nuts and flax oil, take my B12 under the tongue, D3 and other supplements because the thought of eating animals and drinking their juices is revolting. There’s plenty of people on a Paleo diet who are very, very healthy and all their numbers back it up. The vegan diet is for people who want to align their hearts with their actions, and once you do that, the universe will assist. That’s my take on it anyway.
I am a great example of why vegans can't use the health aspect of veganism to prop up their reasons about why to be vegan.
I've been vegan for more than eight years. In the last year and a half I've gained more than 20lbs, and there's no way I could convince any non-vegans I know that my diet is healthier than theirs. A serious injury prevented me from exercising for about a year, during which time my diet, although vegan in every way, was rubbish. I made poor choices – I had an enormous sweet tooth and when I tried to avoid sugar I ended up eating too much fat. Because walking was nearly impossible at times, I resorted to the easiest, most processed foods I could easily get to. If I had tried to tell somene my diet was healthier than theirs just because it's vegan, I would have looked like a really big fool.
I've met several people who went vegan for dietary reasons, and not one of them ever stayed vegan or went back to being vegan. Only one of these persons has said that she was healthier as a vegan, but for her own reasons has remained an omni.
At the AR conference LetLive in Portland this last June, one of the speakers at a panel said that overstating the benefits of veganism only harms those we're seeking to help – the animals themselves.
That's how I feel about overstating the benefits of vegan diets–I think it can never serve the animals well in the long run. And I know *many* vegans who are overweight, even without having had an injury.
It should be clear that simply being vegan does not automatically make someone healthy, as it has to be done right – because are merely taking away something (animal food) that the body does not require. But that doesn't mean there isn't a health argument for being vegan if it is done right – as humans were never designed to eat animals to begin with (as our anatomy shows). And thus what do not require cannot be necessary for health – and its inclusion can actually be harmful – as is shown by its link to numerous degenerative diseases (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.). Having said all of that, the health argument should not be made alone, but in conjunction with all of the other strong arguments in favor of it, particularly moral and environmental – as they all feed on each other – and which together make for an even more powerful argument for being vegan, which is difficult to refute.
Thanks to Meg for bringing up what i think is the most important point: veganism is actually a philosophy. Yes, this is lost on most people who call themselves 'vegan', but it's important to be familiar with some of the basics.
For example, 'vegan' isn't some nebulous term. It has a definition (and was coined in 1944), and the Vegan Society of the UK works to promote a meaningful vegan message (unlike many other 'vegan' organizations….some of which confuse the term, and would have people thinking that veganism is little more than the opposition of factory farms…) Here's the definition:
[T]he word "veganism" denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practical — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.
Clearly, this isn't a 'diet'. Doing so is like reducing feminism to a single issue, like 'equal pay'. (If someone agreed with 'equal pay' but no other feminist principles, are they a feminist? I would say no..) It states clearly that veganism is an anti-exploitative philosophy, and of course the application of this wherever practical and reasonable.
I don't mean to be harsh, but it's simple linguistics. And if someone doesn't agree with this, why would they even want to refer to themselves as a 'vegan'?
When this is understood, the 'health argument' also become moot..eating plants because they're 'more healthy' completely overlooks what veganism is all about – respecting other animals. I wish this got more discussion… Very few groups ever mention or discuss the origin of veganism (hurray for Friends of Animals for being one such group to embrace our roots!)
Thanks for all your work, Ginny! Fantastic and essential blog. =)
Or to put it briefly the word "Vegan" as coined by Donald Watson in 1944 refers to a person with a particular ethical belief ( http://beforewisdom.com/veg/archive/watsonStartVeganism.pdf ) as opposed to a person who does not hold that belief who eats a vegan diet.
For me personally it is all about avoiding harm. I'm a Buddhist and I want to practice compassion to animals and to people. I'm sick of all the "diet wars" too.
HOORAY!
It's nice to finally see somebody (especially a science professional) admit this is with all the overstated claims frequently employed to bait & switch people into veganism.
Thanks.
Thank you! Yes, for love only. Not for "rights" or "ethics" but when done for love those are the people who never stop and always are so healthy. This is what I have found. I do feel that this is so, is in spite of my new beliefs that I think some people are genetically predisposed to require meat, or they think they need it. I also have ideas about cholesterol being too low. Just as there's a genetic predisposition for high cholesterol, the opposite is true with SLOS and there are varying degrees. Someone with SLOS needs dietary cholesterol, from what I could gather. Incidentally, there's not much difference in thinking you need meat and actually needing biologically. Either way, they should not be shunned, they need to be embraced to help end factory farming. Thank you again! Yes, it's not for your health, it's for the animals health!
I meant for love of animals, seeing yourself in them. I am so happy that I am healthy on this diet or rather "live it" It ain't raw, it's not low fat, when I want to drop weight, I avoid bread and white stuff, but I lost 60 lbs after 4 years as a vegan. I gained 20 back due to slacking a little, and also gaining muscle (lifting heavier and eating more to support it). At 140 lbs. I look 120 lbs. and I still fit most of my skinny clothes. But I'm back at it. VeganBodyBuilding helped me initially and I suspect I'll be back there since the people are awesome and very helpful rooting you on!
Yes, yes, yes! Love this post so much! I love the point about whole foods & restrictive diets making it harder for some to get enough nutrients and the benefits of fortified foods. Thanks for the link.
The health argument regarding veganism is, in fact, relevant, just like the environmental and ethical arguments, not more and not less.
That being said, the healthiest diet for human beings is called low-fat raw veganism (fruitarianism).
Thank you for opening up your heart.
Just saying something doesn't make it so.
Dear Ginna,
You are right about one thing, there are cravings for sugar, oils, cooked foods, spices, fats etc. Drug addicts have cravings for their chosen drug. just because you crave it, doesn't mean it's good for your health.
Let's cut to the chase. Stack up a LowFatRawFood Vegans blood analysis and body composition VS. a non-vegan, HighFatVegan, cookedVegan, SAD lifestyle. I suggest you do the study, crunch the numbers. Then publish it on this blog!
I am healthier now at 49 than I was in my 20's! My blood work and body composition proves it.
Sincerely,
Chris Canicosa!
I think all of the arguments for veganism have validity but some are more persuasive to certain populations than others. Since I left Houston (a city of 4 million) and moved to Marshall Texas (a city of less than 30 thousand) my husband and I have convinced more than a dozen people to try a vegan diet. We did so primarily using "The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell, "Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease" by Caldwell Esselstyn and a few other resources. All of which are filled with solid evidence of the benefits for an animal free diet. If it weren't for the health benefits (which we have both experienced ourselves) there would be no vegans in Marshall except for us. Am I failing the animals by encouraging people to adopt a vegan diet for health reasons? Using an ethical argument here would not only be ineffective it would be counter productive. This is a place where hunting is considered noble and cattle ranching is glorified. Yet using the health argument works. It also brings many of them around to the ethics eventually. If not, I'm still satisfied. They have all lost weight, lowered their cholesterol and no longer support the industries that exploit animals for food. I consider that a win.
Sure, and I agree that it's a win if these people remain vegan. However, most people could also lose weight and reduce their cholesterol on a diet that includes some animal foods. So I can't, in all honesty, tell anyone that they need to go vegan if they want to reap those benefits. That's where the argument falls short for me. I can only tell them that they need to greatly cut back on their intake of meat and other animal products. And that's good–I'm happy to do that. But it's not veganism!
This is the sort of prudent reply I appreciate. In the grand scheme, the goal is for people to eat less meat. Idealogic purity is less important than helping people find infromation on this topic that appeals to them.
great post and comments. i also think of veganism as a philosophy with many facets. and, we should embrace all those that pursue this philosophy whatever the reason. i became a vegan after reading The China Study and Thrive by Brendan Brazier. as a triathlete, i was looking for a performance edge and found it through a vegan diet. to achieve a neutral pH balance the body has to work extra hard in converting acid forming foods (animal) which is not the case with alkaline forming foods (plants). this extra work takes away from performance and recovery. more and more althletes are going plantstrong! and the primary reason is health, performance and recovery.
PS. hemp oil is nutrionally superior to olive oil
Ginny,
Though I tend to fall on the uncooked side of the spectrum, I basically agree wholeheartedly. Veganism CAN offer great health, but so can most unprocessed, plant-heavy diets. I get tired of people waving the CHINA STUDY around and trying desperately to find scientific evidence that veganism is the ONLY healthy diet, because the truth is that no such evidence exists. And those who pursue veganism with a religious belief that it is the only path to health are very likely going to encounter at least some disillusionment. I became vegan for health reasons and psychological reasons, but it's not what's kept me vegan for six years. Compassion has.
G
I appreciate your perspective. I went vegan for ethical reasons and I personally don't even think a vegan diet is the same as being vegan–there's clothing and other things to consider.
I do appreciate that within the vegan diet there are variations such as a raw diet. it was a nice option to have to get healthier after eating less healthy vegan diet. It can become restrictive for some, but not for others. I too felt as the Cherie did at first, that my options had exapnded. But once I felt restricted, I included more cooked vegan foods. I also think that once people feel released from the addictions of certain animal foods, they can feel more free to consider the animal issues more deeply.
I think the health argument is a good entry point for people to get into eating vegan foods. Some will become vegan and eat less animals in return. But they won't encompass the full vegan philosophy, no. Let's face it, a lot of people are selfish and the only thing that will get them to even consider eating a vegan meal is for their own well-being.
This is a country of dietary extremism…just look how the huge food production companies retool for no gluten once low carb loses favor. I see veganism growing in popularity, but hope this doesn't end up being another fad. Ginny: I think you're right about the Clinton 'experiment.' He'll move on if it doesn't work, and where does that leave the general public who's watching very closely.
I sometimes get the feeling that the AR vegans have it in for us health vegans. I was vegetarian for many years before I read The China Study which caused me to go full on vegan. I went vegetarian because of the "ick factor" of eating a dead animal. I went vegan because of T. Colin Campbell's well made case that animal proteins causes cancer to express itself. Am I correct that you dismiss the cancer argument Campbell makes in his book? The evidence to me seems overwhelming.
As a dietitian wouldn't you say that eating more plants and less meat and dairy is probably your best bet to avoid most health problems? As a dietitian, what diet do you most recommend? A vegan diet or almost vegan diet? And in either case it at least cuts down on animal consumption which helps the compassion movement. It seems to me that both arguments HELP each other, not hinder.
Also, after going vegan I have been introduced to a lot more AR literature. Now I'm doing away with leather in my wardrobe. So compassion is yet another reason to stay vegan. So regardless of whether my health takes a turn for the worse I will never go backwards.
My feeling is that the health argument is going to do far more to advance the AR movement than anything that has been tried thus far. Because like bitt stated in his comment above, most people are selfish. This is unfortunate but a fact. In my opinion, to say that the health argument fails Veganism is ridiculous. The health argument is a valid argument and should be made.
Thank you Josh, well said.
Ginny, please answer Josh's question about the cancer argument Campbell makes in the China Study. I don't understand how you can say the health argument fails veganism, that's totally ridiculous.
Josh, you said everything I was thinking, thank you.
The China Study was an ecological study, which generally provides fairly weak evidence. That's not a criticism because ecological studies are part of the bigger research picture and are important for that reason. They add pieces of data, but by themselves, they are never a basis for drawing conclusions about diet and health. And, because this particular population didn't include vegetarians, it makes it that much harder to draw conclusions. Likewise, data from animal studies is not always relevant to human health. I would recommend taking a look at the AICR/WCRF report on diet and cancer to see where we really are in our understanding abouat these issues. It's truly more complex (and not nearly as well understood) as most non-scientists think!http://www.dietandcancerreport.org/downloads/chapters/chapter_07.pdf
As for your question, Josh, about what diet I recommend–I recommend a vegan diet because it is the only ethical choice and it is a perfectly healthy choice. That's really all I need to know.
There are no health benefits to being vegan? !
The China Studay I would have thought would have provided enough proof that there are…
The closer one is to a vegan diet the healthier one gets – and even if some people will not stay 100% vegan due to health benefits they will at least tend towards it if they have had any/enough experience with it to see and feel the health and spiritual benefits which entail ( of which there are many… ) …
Any and all steps in a vegan direction are better than no steps at all surely…
I am sure the animals agree with me…
And of course then there is always the fact that as one becomes and allows oneself to become more sensitive and open to a vegan diet for health reasons one does tend to become more aware of and sensitve to animal rights issues – this is something which I see happening and reported on over and over again…
So YAY to anyone becoming vegan for ANY reason at all, let's not lose sight of the big picture ( the earth, the animals… ) …
Health was the main reason i re-became vegetarian – after a few years of not being … – and am able to stay consistently vegan!!! As soon as i would eat any cheese for example I would break out in spots…
Otherwise cheese ( for example ), for many, just tastes too good to give up completely… Spots however are a big enough detterent… On the other hand animal rights may be the detterent needed for others… I don't think there is a lot of benefit from ( apart from these kinds of discussions of course! ) saying one way of getting to vegan is better than another…
When all of the USA watches Bill Clinton lose weight and get fitter a lot will surely be "awakened" to new options. Well done to him. And of course the diet seems restrictive to him to begin with and until he gets his teeth into it… And even if he does go back to a vegetarian diet ( for example ) there will still be no denying the health benefits he attained eating vegan and he will still have made leeway in the right direction…
And of course whole, non-processed foods and low fat options are better than processed and high fat choices whatever diet one has, and that includes vegan… Which again, is not to say that each person is not allowed to find their own balance within that and that "less healthy" options should be or have to be excluded at all costs… These are just general guidelines that absolutely work and whatever works for each person is great and there really is no-one of us who can judge another for their choices, no matter if we like to or think we can! :)
PS Thanks Ginny for allowing me to express myself on your blog! :)
This is a great post, Ginny. But I think you miss the main argument: when the general public hears "the health argument," the vast majority of people who make changes eat more animals — they replace large animals (cows and pigs) with smaller animals (chickens and fishes).
The health argument has caused far more suffering in the world than anything else that I can imagine.
Matt, I think what that proves is exactly the power the health argument can have on people's choices. I think up until a few years ago the consensus was that chicken and fish are ok and red meats like steak and pork were bad. People believing this shifted their consumption from one type of meat to another. I think with the new health argument that it's best to eat no meat and dairy, you will see the same shift happen, but will decrease all meat and dairy consumption, not shift it onto another type of meat and dairy. Some AR people make the argument that veal consumption is the only meat to have been cut because of the compassion argument. How do we know the reasons people have stopped eating veal? It could be both for health and compassion. It seems to me that it was such a small percentage of people eating veal to begin with that of course if cow and pig consumption drops so would veal. If the health argument has caused far more suffering than you can imagine, has the AR argument done much to stop or reverse it?
Great points, Josh and Matt!
So many times I have told people I'm vegan and then they tell me about how they don't eat "red meat" anymore or not as much as they used to — and in a tone that makes it obvious that they think I should be happy about it! If they had any idea what veganism was about, I should hope that they would realize that no, I'm not pleased to hear that they are probably eating more, smaller animals.
Yet some would have us believe that that is a "step forward", as if the path to veganism was just a matter of cutting out one specific animal product after another instead of getting people to oppose animal exploitation and do their best to avoid it in all its forms. And, with so many forms, it's definitely going to take more than giving up one form here and there.
First of all, I would like to say thank you for your blog. The work that you and Jack Norris do for the vegan community is invaluable.
In regards to your argument: I too first became a vegan for health reasons. My husband and I watched the movie Eating (which I now admit has many holes) and it convinced us to become vegan overnight. I can say that at that point we were trying to eat healthier. We avoided red meat, fatty meat and a lot of high calorie dairy products. We also didn’t eat anything with hydrogenated oils. I tried to eat a lot of fruit. But watching the movie convinced us that what we were doing was not enough. My husband was obese. After becoming vegan he lost 30 pounds and both of us were able to substantially lower our cholesterol. We stopped experiencing heart burn and started having a regular stool. I had my raw food period, but I got back to eating more cooked foods. It did not turn out to be a good experiment. Now, our diet mainly consists of whole plant foods. We drink soymilk and eat other soy foods, but rarely severely processed foods. I eat as many seeds, nuts and avocados as I want, but I try to use little oil in cooking.
I am glad that I went through this route. The ethical argument didn’t work for me. I received Vegan Outreach brochures twice while I was in college. I put one of them on a shelf of my bookcase and recycled the other one. The one that was on a bookshelf was never opened. I also remember passing a guy showing scary videos on the Santa Monica Promenade in Los Angeles. It was probably Meet your Meat. I just turned my head away. I couldn’t watch. I still can’t. It has been 2.5 years since both of us went vegan and we still are. And I don’t see that changing. I have read a lot since then, and both my husband and I fully realize the amount of pain involved in the production of animal products. We eventually came to the ethical side of veganism. And at this point, it is probably the primary reason why we are vegan. I understand that I can include small amounts of animal products and still remain healthy. However, I will never do that because those are, well, animal products. And they always involve suffering.
Personally I got interested in the vegan diet because of the research coming out on cardiac health, changed our diet completely to plant based for environmental reasons, and can see the point of the animal advocacy after seeing the documentary Earthlings. That was a rough movie!
Really whatever the reason one adopts plant based living I think we need to support each other rather than find differences to criticize.
I agree we vegans should support each other of course. But it also important to think critically about how to communicate and what types of claims that we can back up with evidence. It is not about creating a split between those who found their way to veganism through health considerations or through AR considerations and it’s not about categorically dismissing one or the other. I read Ginny’s post as written in a more constructive spirit. There are risks with taking the health claims very far. That’s compatible with there being some other risks with communicating the AR reasons for veganism. Let’s deal with each of the cases in turn and try to work out solutions together.
I enjoyed the article and want to thank you for writing it. The one thing that upset me about one interview Clinton did is the dancing around of the subject of Veganism… It was clearly obvious that is what his doctors were pushing for in his diet and yet the words never uttered his lips.
The one thing I disagree with on some of the comments made is that people keep emphasizing that it isnt how or why you become Vegan simply that you are… I think the relevancy of the article has been missed by some with statements like that. I feel the article is meant to bring about thoughts like…Yes it is fabulous that you have decided to go Vegan but for how long will your dalliance with Veganism last if its only for health issues? Does this hurt veganism by compartmentalizing what for many is a lifestyle choice into a simple diet fad?
The title really embodies the sentiment of the article; how the health argument fails.
I was a living embodiment of this article. From the age of 13-17 I was a Vegetarian because shockingly I hated the texture of meat. It was never a moral dilemma for me and eventually I went back to some forms of animal "meat" and it was only until I saw the moral imperative associated with what I consumed (eat, wore, used) in daily life that I became Vegan and countless years later I have stayed that way.
@ Kelly. I love how you generalize my life long commitment to staying healthy through a plant-based diet as a "simple diet fad". For me it very much is a lifestyle choice. How would you feel if someone referred to your commitment to AR as a silly phase? Sure the plant-based diet may be something some try for 6 weeks and decide it's not for them. But the same thing happens to some who go vegan for 6 weeks or so for AR reasons and then decide they aren't really committed enough to stick with it. And it does happen.
I take the plant-based diet movement very seriously. I am, just like you, committed to a cause.
@Kelly
" The one thing that upset me about one interview Clinton did is the dancing around of the subject of Veganism… It was clearly obvious that is what his doctors were pushing for in his diet and yet the words never uttered his lips."
Actually, I thought it was really great that Clinton *didn't* say that he was a vegan. What upset me was that others were calling him a vegan when he never said it (as far as I've heard). What his doctors were pushing for wasn't for him to become a vegan, after all. They could probably care less about whether he wears leather or goes to zoos and what his views on animal exploitation are. What they advocated was a plant-based diet — no more, no less — and that's the right term for it, not veganism.
I am a newbie for a year and a half now. I am guilty for going into "veganism" for health reasons. I may not be 100%, and it may be for my own selfish reasons, but I have compassionately helped animals as well. Is anyone truly a 100% vegan? I have read that books and cars are made or have something from an animal. I think we all try and that is what is important. It's like believing in God and not going to a church or temple. Does this make you a non religious person? As long as you have belief and faith in what you believe in, you should be able to practice in your own way. Perhaps the "vegan diet" is not all what it is made out to be. I think I have only gained weight, but I have hypothyroidism and I am also highly allergic to soy! Go figure. I am now trying to limit soy in my diet and which is not easy!! I have also read the controversy of soy possibly bringing on problems for those with hypothyroidism. I have not given up. I like it and feel great. Some other health issues have disappeared and I am grateful and I have simply adapted. Lately I do not feel comfortable using the word, "vegan", I feel that I have not properly earned that title. I tell people, I am a vegetarian that eliminates all animal products, and I do it to eat clean. It's nice to know, that less animals were harmed because one more selfish person has decided not to eat them anymore.
@Danielle, Maybe strict vegetarian is a better term than just vegetarian.
Danielle, I never suggested that those who go vegan for health reasons are "selfish" or that it is a bad thing to be vegan for whatever reasons you choose. I said only that, in terms of advocacy, promoting veganism for health reasons alone is not a good idea, for all the reasons I listed in my post.
"I’d love to know where the evidence is that vegans who eat only whole foods are healthier than those who consume some fortified orange juice, calcium-set tofu, olive oil and a little Coconut Bliss now and then. I’ve certainly never seen any"
Dr.'s Caldwell Esselstyn, John McDougall, and Dean Ornish seemed to have had no problem getting people extremely healthy, including reversing heart disease, for the past 20+ years on a low fat, no oil, vegan diet.
I think what it comes down to is, you're pissed off that people would adopt a vegan diet for health reasons instead of for YOUR own personal animal-rights based beliefs. At least be truthful and admit it.
Mike,
I don't think anyone here has denied that those doctors have gotten many people healthy. However, the comparisons seem to always be between very strict vegan diets and the typical SAD diet. Ginny never said that people should go out and habitually gorge themselves on stuff like vegan (or non-vegan) ice cream. The key part of her quote you used is "now and then". Where are the studies that show that there can't be stellar results under a slightly less strict program? Even the very occasional bit of cheese or meat? Certainly, there are many people who eat healthy diets and are healthy but aren't vegan or even vegetarian, strict or not. And if we ignore that when most people won't, then we don't do ourselves or animals a favor.
And I think it is very rude and also foolish of you to be accusing Ginny of lying and telling her what she really thinks and feels. She seems more than capable of speaking her mind. There is no excuse to prop up straw men here.
@ Meg, I believe that if someone gets 90 perfect of their daily total calories from fruits, vegetables and whole grains they can be pretty much assured that they will not get cancer. If you wanted to almost guarantee yourself a cancer free life, you wouldn't eat any meat or dairy. T. Colin Campbell says getting anything more than 10 percent of your total daily calories from meat and dairy will start turning cancer cells on and also starts increasing your risk of heart disease. The science on this is very clear, the closest you are to a diet free of meat and dairy, a VEGAN diet, the better off you are. There might be people who will live a healthy life and escape the risk. But 1 in 3 people will develop cancer in their lifetime, the numbers are stacked against non-vegans.
Actually I think the numbers for men is 1 in 2 men will get cancer in their lifetime. So those not taking precautions to prevent it are pretty foolish.
Thank you, Meg–you are absolutely right about this. Just because one diet is successful in helping people become healthier doesn't mean that it is the only diet that does so or even the best way to eat. In fact, the only published research on diet and reversal of heart disease come from the Ornish study–which didn't use a vegan diet. So it actually proves that people don't need to be vegan in order to reap the benefits. Again, we have good research showing the benefits of plant-based eating, but nothing that shows that a vegan diet is better than other healthy plant-based diets. This is why the health argument doesn't work for promoting veganism.
And Josh, your statement about the type of diet that almost “guarentees” that someone won’t get cancer helps to make one of my points. This is typical of the kinds of overstatements that people make about the protective effects of vegan diets. The research on diet and cancer is vast and confusing and conflicting and we are a long way from being able to define the diet that guarentees a person won’t get cancer. Researchers don’t even agree about the protective effects of fruits and vegetables or fiber. Certainly people would be wise to adopt a plant-based diet to reduce their risk for cancer, but they shouldn’t be complacent in thinking that it means they are completely protected.
"And Josh, your statement about the type of diet that almost “guarentees” that someone won’t get cancer helps to make one of my points."
Not my statement but what T. Colin Campbell is suggesting in his book and public speeches.
Hello Ginny! Yes I'd love to hear your thoughts on The China Diet. I read it, and of course, not being a scientist, it sounded very credible to me. Are there any specific books speaking to vegan health that you WOULD recommend? Thank you!
Also, great website!
Landree, the resources I can recommend with complete confidence are those that I mentioned in this post: Jack Norris' website (veganhealth) and blog, the Vegetarian Resource Group, and the books Becoming Vegan and Simply Vegan. You can also find good information about vegan diet at Dr. Winston Craig's website: http://www.vegetarian-nutrition.info/
I want vegans to get the absolute best nutrition information for healthy diet planning and these are resources that are very thorough in that regard and supported by the research. I think many other resources fall short in providing all of the necessary information, especially for new vegans. And some recommend versions of vegan diets that are too restrictive.
Thank you very much Ginny! I've been vegan for about a year now but my blood sugar is all over the place, etc. I appreciate the help!
Hi Ginny -
Can you comment on what you think of no-added-oil diets which are rich in whole-food sources of fat like avocados, nuts, and coconut?
I think it's great to include those foods. I didn't mean to indicate that people should consume oils–just that it's fine to have small amounts of added fats if you want. But the important thing is not to let your diet get too low in fat, and getting adequate fat from whole foods–like the ones you mentioned–is fine.
one problem with the "reduce suffering" argument is that it is NOT terribly difficult to raise and slaughter animals in such a way as to zero-out any APPARENT suffering.
check out Ms Grandin's website: templegrandin.com
check out: http://www.stockmanship.com
it is quite easy to invent and implement, animal-agriculture frameworks in which the animals appear to suffer less than an average college student. In fact, there is a strong dollars-and-cents BUSINESS PROFIT motivation to do it that way. The animal-holocaust argument falls apart quickly (under skilful counter-arguments) when you focus on "suffering".
I'm still searching for a "women's right to choose" advocate who changed her mind because of "The Silent Scream" video. It's the same "suffering"argument,and is likely to have the same problems.
So be JUST as careful of going for heart-tugging, non-philosophical advocacy, as you are in going for "it's healthiest" advocacy. On the "healthiest" front, you're already in a "Mexican standoff" against Denise Minger and Chris Masterjohn.
I think what you're saying is that claims such as "you must be vegan to be healthy"and "you won't get cancer if you're vegan" are not supported by research, and it's important to be credible when doing advocacy. We can still educate people on the healthfulness of a balanced vegan diet.
I guess the difference between ethical veganism and eating a vegan for health is "Inflicting avoidable harm on animals is wrong" vs. "Inflicting these specific avoidable harms on animals is unhealthy."
In any event, my experience has been that when people give up animal products for any reason, they seem to be more receptive to the ethical arguments. Perhaps when one is not engaging in an activtity, one is less inclined to defend it.
Certainly an interesting argument. thanks for posting. Major celebrities becoming vegan for health reasons and then quitting the lifestyle soon after, won't be stepping back, but I think in order to move forward, we need to realize that to be prevent illness permanently it takes a permanent healthy diet. Not just when we are in need. Nice topic, thanks!
- Tommy
Switchtoveggies.com
i disagree with this. most of the vegans who i knew in the 90's in my late teen years were vegan b/c of animal rights and NOT health. now in 2010 99% of them went back to eating flesh after so many years of being hardcore about it. i originally went veg b/c of animal rights. reading health books on the topic, not to mention just feeling and recovering better after workout sessions, simply reinforced my commitment to being a plant-eater. i have other friends who have seen their friends originally into animal rights later on down the road give up this path.
Beautiful article and great comments. I personally have only known "health vegans" to go back to their old ways. Once the ethical realities really get into a person's psyche, there's a change in the individual. It's not just a diet then. It's a commitment.
I guess I have mixed feelings about the whole Clinton thing.
On the one hand, I don't really think he is doing this because of ethical considerations so calling him a vegan in the true sense of the word (one that avoids all animal products) seems kind of misguided. and he also says he eats fish every once in a while so wouldn't that make him more of a pescatarian? I agree with Rip Esselstyn's approach of calling dietary veganism "plant strong" or some other such word and yes, if he goes off the diet for whatever reason then people will just assume veganism can't be done.
On the other hand…. I also see that reducing animal product consumption for whatever reason is a good thing. so maybe Clinton's diet will convince some people to go totally vegan, or to cut some out. I mean, semi-vegans or flexetarains don't seem like such a bad thing to me if they are at least making an effort to get some of the way there…
cheers!
I've said it before & I'll say it again..you are the (vegan) voice of reason. I too an dubious when people talk about going vegan for health reasons. I personally think a vegan diet is only as healthy as you want to make it. It can be just as unhealthy as your average meat eater who knows nothing about nutrition and eats all kind of crap. It's all about knowledge baby!
FYI .. My comment was intended to be a reply to the original post, not to another comment. Not sure if thats what I did.
hi ginny! I am so happy to know that a nutritionist dietitian who is not beholden to milk companies exist! cheers!
I was reading this blog and your lemon meringue pie recipe and my reaction is:
oh my! what a lot of sugar! well, many vegetarians might say, i don't want to deprive myself of sweets. however, in my experience, if people ask me, why is it that my relative/friend who is a vegetarian always get sick? my first question is: do they eat a lot of sweets? or are they fond of sugary foods? and the answer would always be a resounding yes.
i met a carnivore in nyc when i went there last 2008 who does not get sick easily and has no known bouts of colds. according to his wife, he never eats anything with sugar. happily, he is interested to become a vegetarian.
do you know any recent studies on the ill effects of sugar in the body? have you read the book entitled "sugar blues"? this book has cited studies on the deleterious effects of sugar on our immune system, our bones, blood etc. what do you think?
i think, if we will conduct a study on the effect of a vegetarian/vegan diet on general health, we should also scrutinize what these self-professed vegetarian/vegans are eating. when i started avoiding meat in 1991, i still ate plenty of processed foods. consequently, i still had many bouts of illnesses. when i totally avoided sugar and dairy products, the bouts of illnesses practically disappeared. that was in 1995.
in 2002, the world health organization upheld the global strategy on diet, physical activity and health so i think, we should always include the value of exercise to achieve healthy.
to emphasize that health is not just about nutrition i made a powerpoint presentation entitled NATURE'S BEST: The Eleven Secrets of Health. Below is the meaning of NATURE'S BEST.
N – Nutrition
A – Air
T – Temperance
U – Understanding your body
R – Rest
E – Exercise
S – Sunshine
B – Breastfeeding
E – Environmental Activism
S – Service to God and His people
T – Trust in God
I just found your blog, so apologies if this post is long dead. I just wanted to share with you, though, that I am a committed vegan for health reasons alone. I understand your misgivings towards those of my ilk, but I on the other hand believe that it is my lack of ethical motivation that allowed me to structure my diet mindfully so as to stay healthy (supplementing with B12, beginning to study nutrition to guide my intake). Then again, I went into this because of various blogs which lead me to believe it would help with my energy levels, depression, insomnia, inability to gain weight (I'd been at 100lbs for a long time, and am pretty tall), and anxiety; I did not suffer from something like cancer or high cholesterol. I think the improvements I saw, and continue to see, in my health caused me to love my new lifestyle and stick to my veganism, most notably when I spent a week in butter-and-pork-filled South Carolina, rather than make me a more fickle adherent (as seen in one of my hardcore PETA friends, who quit veganism after 2 weeks because it was too difficult).
Alexix, I have no misgivings toward those who go vegan for health reasons! My post wasn't about those who are vegan for health reasons–it was about how we advocate for animal and that the health argument fails as a foolproof argument for veganism.
My significant other, Alex, went vegan for health reasons. He was diagnosed with heart disease at the age of 38. His Uncle was an MD at Mass General Hospital in Boston when Dean Ornish was doing his pilot study on reversing heart disease. Alex’s Uncle had severe angina with 90% blockages in all his coronary arteries. They wanted to do quadruple bypass on him. Being an MD and a scientist he looked at the survival rates of a 70 year old having the surgery and decided not to have the procedure. Instead he went on Ornish’s program. Within 2 weeks the angina was gone! Uncle Elliot lived to be 92. He died because he tried to jump his garden fence, hit his head and got a staph infection at the hospital!! Today at age 51, Alex has no signs of heart disease. A whole foods plant based diet does provide health benefits (Not a junk food vegan diet). Anyway, today Alex is a vegan for all the reasons. After 2 years on the plant based diet, he made the connection when his mom tried to get him to eat turkey at Thanksgiving. He realized it was the corpse of a dead animal. Alex and I are both animal rights activists. I say whatever gets you to become vegan is all good. For me it was spiritual reasons and the animals. I must admit I am also enjoying the health benefits too.