The American diet is said to be one of the most extreme diets on the planet. At the beginning of the 20th century, the average American ate around one hundred pounds of meat and three hundred pounds of dairy a year. As of 2006, those numbers had doubled to over two hundred pounds of meat and six hundred pounds of dairy per person annually. Today, the average American’s calorie intake is only 10% plant based, half of which comes from potato. This steady diet of cholesterol and saturated fat has resulted in unbelievable health problems. Heart disease, strokes, and diabetes are collectively responsible for 68% of American deaths. Obesity rates have doubled since the 1970’s and children are now frequently developing Type 2 Diabetes. So how can
…show more content…
Many people who eliminate animal-based products notice an improvement in their overall health within just days. “Lowered blood pressure, lower rates of cardiovascular disease and stroke, lower blood cholesterol levels, and lowered risks of colon and prostate cancer are associated with a vegan diet.” (Dupler and Davidson) The types of diseases known to be improved or prevented with a vegan diet range from cancer and heart disease to arthritis, macular degeneration, kidney stones, and osteoporosis. Not only does veganism combat Type 2 diabetes, it has been shown to be easier to follow than the American Diabetes Association diet. Veganism is often used to treat hypertension, gout, ulcers, colitis, asthma, premenstrual symptoms, and even mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Vegans also greatly reduce the amount of chemicals they consume, given that many meat and dairy products contain pesticides and hormones. In addition to improved health, veganism also provides numerous physical benefits. The most common of these is a healthy weight loss, which is understood as a typical result of a vegan diet. Most people also experience increased energy, healthier skin, hair, and nails as well as improved body odor or breath. Chronic migraine sufferers often experience relief from their symptoms and allergies sometimes become a problem of the past. Most importantly, one can switch to veganism with the knowledge that they will live longer and
Many people who eliminate animal-based products notice an improvement in their overall health within just days. “Lowered blood pressure, lower rates of cardiovascular disease and stroke, lower blood cholesterol levels, and lowered risks of colon and prostate cancer are associated with a vegan diet.” (Dupler and Davidson) The types of diseases known to be improved or prevented with a vegan diet range from cancer and heart disease to arthritis, macular degeneration, kidney stones, and osteoporosis. Not only does veganism combat Type 2 diabetes, it has been shown to be easier to follow than the American Diabetes Association diet. Veganism is often used to treat hypertension, gout, ulcers, colitis, asthma, premenstrual symptoms, and even mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Vegans also greatly reduce the amount of chemicals they consume, given that many meat and dairy products contain pesticides and hormones. In addition to improved health, veganism also provides numerous physical benefits. The most common of these is a healthy weight loss, which is understood as a typical result of a vegan diet. Most people also experience increased energy, healthier skin, hair, and nails as well as improved body odor or breath. Chronic migraine sufferers often experience relief from their symptoms and allergies sometimes become a problem of the past. Most importantly, one can switch to veganism with the knowledge that they will live longer and