Veganism – the concept confuses some, disgusts others, and still inspires the question in some- “Um, what’s the difference between vegetarianism and veganism?”

While vegetarianism generally applies to a restricted diet, veganism requires major lifestyle changes, as it includes customs ranging from refusal to purchase animal-tested products to avoidance of animal-based foods. While vegetarians, under the strict definition, can still eat eggs, vegans do not eat any animal products, including honey and omega-3 fatty acids. Tofu and tempeh are major sources of protein in the absence of meat, and almond and coconut milk comprise the dairy intake for vegans. Nuts, legumes, and yeast also provide vital nutrients and protein to make up for what meat would normally provide. There are a few popular vegan diets, such as a raw food diet, a whole food diet (fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, nuts, seeds), the 80/10/10 low-fat diet, and the starch diet (consisting of potatoes and corn). Studies conclude that vegans tend to have lower BMIs than non-vegans, a major reason why many begin to go vegan. The typical vegan diet contains more vegetables and less processed foods; since vegetables’ calories are more filling than traditional processed food, vegans tend to eat less because they feel full faster.

Others recognize the impact that consuming meat has on the environment. For example, hamburger production requires ample burning of fossil fuels, and pig factories produce a city’s worth of raw waste and the largest source of water pollution. On an agricultural scale, raising livestock results in acute soil erosion, removing land that had the potential for usage as crop farmland.

Many also believe that the livestock industry is brutal in its treatment of animals, particularly in killing methods at factory farms. This ties into the modern ideal of social equality; some propose that along with the eradication of racism and sexism, governments must also advocate for humane treatment of our fellow animals. 42% of vegans are between the ages of 15 and 34, a population highly influenced by the advent of social media and glittery Instagram food prep videos. They tout its health benefits, as well as its environmental appeal. Others criticize this method of thinking, as seen when John Smith ‘20, an avid fan of hamburgers, notes that “meat tastes good. I can’t see how one could simply remove such a critical component of their diet simply because they now know where their food comes from.” This is a major concern, as vegan diets are typically much more restricted than the average human’s. Opponents of veganism also argue that many vegan recipes are “tasteless” and endanger the person’s health rather than bolster it.

Indeed, nutritionists stress that vegan diets must be balanced; having three salads daily would result in serious deficiencies of certain minerals like zinc and vitamins such as vitamin D, B12, negating any health benefits that newspapers and fitness magazines may tout. One solution is to avoid processed vegan foods such as soy burgers or ice cream and to focus on plant-based dishes to get as many nutrients as possible. Consuming seaweed or algae oil supplements also ensures that the body has the resources to make omega-3 acids for proper function. The raw food diet is a large culprit of nutrient deficiency; as such, cooking and fermenting foods will increase iron and zinc absorption. Michelle Li ‘20 believes that “veganism is a very moral. In a way, it can be more eco-friendly and definitely healthy for you.  There should be, however, some way to have protein because our body requires these nutrients.” As with all diets, there needs to be balance, and it is impossible for a body to completely subsist on vegetables, just as it is extremely unhealthy to consume meat only. If necessary, vitamin and mineral supplements (pills) are available, but these are not the best method, as consuming foods with natural amounts of these ingredients allows for better absorption by the body.

As with all sociocultural trends, skeptics question whether people truly recognize the environmental and health benefits of veganism or if some continue to simply join after celebrity endorsement and peer pressure. However, it provides a compelling solution for the global obesity epidemic and could strongly influence the generation of young adults to make healthier choices and embrace our planet’s health and love it, and ourselves, for what we all are: human beings striving to improve our lives and make a difference as we float through ever expanding space on a rock.