Why more people are switching to vegan diet (2024)

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.