Becoming vegan: The best thing you can do for the planet and for your health
What does it do for our health?
It is well-known that eating plant-based foods that come from the Earth such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, potatoes, legumes, nuts and seeds has tremendous health benefits. As we replace meats, dairy products, oils, and other oxidizing foods with antioxidant- and nutrient-rich, plant-based foods, our bodies are better able to fight and even reverse illness and disease, but what does a vegan diet do for our amazing planet?
A vegan diet that is whole-food and plant-based is surprisingly beneficial for the planet, too. Why? Studies show that lower greenhouse gas emissions are associated with vegan and vegetarian diets. The main reason for this is that meat and dairy production requires more energy and creates higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions than plant-based industries. A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that “reducing livestock herds would also reduce emissions of methane, which is the second largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide.”
Almost 60% of global gas emissions come from the animal and dairy industries, but because they are not strictly regulated, many of them don’t report full emissions. If they continue their unregulated practices, it is estimated that by 2050 the animal and dairy industries will account for 80% of global gas emissions. By contrast, only 29% of global gas emissions come from the plant-based industry.
As we improve our health with a flavorful and nutrient-rich plant-based lifestyle, we also improve the life of our beautiful Earth. An alkalizing diet, which is a vegan and plant-based diet, helps reduce inflammation, cell damage, environmental toxicity and it also helps balance our hormones. While helping ourselves, we are contributing to the health of the planet. For more information about how a vegan, plant-based lifestyle can improve your health, visit Alkalizing Foods: A Heathy and Balanced Diet.
