Why a Vegan Lifestyle Can Improve Your Life and the Planet

For the past 54 years, I've chosen to live as a vegan for a variety of compelling reasons. Here are the factors that have convinced me to remain a vegan and the benefits I've experienced from this choice.

Personal Health Benefits

Choosing a vegan diet has profoundly impacted my well-being. It’s provided me with:

Reduced Heart Disease Risk: My heart disease risk is 85% lower. Lower Saturated Fat Intake: I consume 20 less grams of saturated fat per day. Reduced Cancer Risk: My risk of cancer is 40% lower. Reduced Kidney Disease Risk: My risk of kidney disease is 47% lower. Lower Type Two Diabetes Risk: My risk of type two diabetes is 95% lower. Enhanced Eye Health: My risk of macular degeneration is 36% lower. Reduced Stroke Risk: My risk of ischemic stroke is significantly lower. Lower High Blood Pressure Risk: My risk is lowered by 75%. Lower Osteoporosis Risk: My risk is 36% lower. Reduced Risk of Elderly Dementia: My risk, if I were a man, is 98% lower. Lower Risk of Erectile Dysfunction: My risk is 45% lower.

Enhanced Energy and Freedom

Switching to a vegan diet has provided me with:

Increased Energy: It’s similar to the benefits Bill Clinton experienced after adopting a healthier diet. Freedom from Dairy Opioid Addiction: I am free from potential dairy addictions. Compassionate Friendships: I’ve formed connections with other vegans who share my values. Natural Endurance: I’ve noticed that I have better endurance compared to omnivores. Antibiotic Resistance: I avoid the antibiotics fed to animals, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance. Peace of Mind: I no longer have to worry about food poisoning. Longer Lifespan: Studies show that vegans can live up to 15 years longer than non-vegans.

Environmental Impact

My vegan lifestyle has also greatly reduced my environmental footprint:

Reduced Water Pollution: My water pollution is reduced by 97%. Reduced Land Use: I save 75 acres of land from being used for animal agriculture each year, allowing it to remain natural. Reduced Global Warming: My contribution to global warming is reduced by 70%. Reduced Deforestation: I’ve saved over 80,000 trees. Reduced Food Waste: I’ve significantly reduced the amount of grain and soy that is fed to animals.

Conclusion

So why am I a vegan? Because my lifestyle choice has enhanced my well-being, provided me with greater energy, and significantly reduced my environmental impact. It’s a decision that aligns with my values and provides clear, tangible benefits.