Veganism

Is it Really the Environmentally Friendly, Health-Conscious Diet of the Future?

Veganism has rapidly gained popularity, often touted as a healthier, more ethical, and environmentally friendly lifestyle choice. However, beneath its appealing surface lies a series of significant risks that are frequently overlooked. The potential health implications, environmental impact, and rigid social dynamics within the vegan movement deserve careful consideration.

Health Implications: Chronic Illness and Nutrient Deficiencies

A major concern with veganism is the risk of chronic illness and malnutrition due to the lack of essential nutrients in many vegan foods. Unlike animal-based products, which offer highly bioavailable forms of crucial nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, plant-based foods often fall short. A review published in Nutrients emphasizes that “vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent in vegan populations and can lead to serious health complications if not addressed through proper supplementation” (Nutrients, 2021). Similarly, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes that “vegans often have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids due to the limited availability of these fats in plant-based foods, which can contribute to cardiovascular and cognitive health issues” (AJCN, 2009).

In addition to nutrient deficiencies, many vegan products are heavily processed and marketed as healthy alternatives, despite being packed with seed oils and preservatives that can disrupt hormone production. Saint Luke’s Health System highlights that “a diet high in processed foods, even if labeled as vegan, can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems, as these foods often lack the essential nutrients found in whole, unprocessed foods” (Saint Luke’s, 2022).

The struggles faced by several former vegan influencers, such as Yovana Mendoza (Rawvana) and Alyse Parker, illustrate the real-world impact of these nutritional challenges. Despite their best efforts to supplement and consult with nutritionists, these influencers found that they could not maintain a healthy nutrient profile on a vegan diet, leading them to return to animal products. As reported by Women’s Health Magazine, these influencers were staples of the online vegan community who studied the diet extensively, but even with all this research and support, they couldn’t achieve a sustainably healthy nutrient profile.

Environmental Impact: The Misconception of Veganism as a Planet-Saving Diet

Veganism is often portrayed as the environmentally responsible choice, but recent studies suggest that its impact may not be as positive as commonly believed. While it is true that cattle farming is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, some plant-based foods can have a larger carbon footprint when compared per calorie of nutrients produced. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that “when comparing the carbon footprint per calorie of nutrients produced, certain plant-based foods can surpass that of cattle farming, particularly when considering the processing and transportation involved” (AJCN, 2023).

Furthermore, the shift to large-scale industrial agriculture required to support a global vegan diet would result in the displacement of massive amounts of natural habitats. An analysis from Praise the Ruminant explains that “industrial agriculture, particularly for crops like soy and palm oil, has already replaced vast amounts of natural habitats. Expanding this model to support a global vegan population could exacerbate these environmental challenges” (Praise the Ruminant, 2023). Additionally, replacing animal agriculture with plant-based agriculture could increase overall land use and potentially have a net negative impact on the carbon footprint of our food production. A report by Phys.org highlights that “while reducing meat consumption has some environmental benefits, a wholesale shift to veganism could result in greater land use and a higher overall carbon footprint due to the need for extensive crop farming” (Phys.org, 2023).

Moreover, the notion that veganism is a planet-saving prescription is further challenged by research showing that the energy use and fossil fuel consumption associated with large-scale vegetable farming can be significant. For example, an article from UC Davis CLEAR Center points out that “animal agriculture is often more energy-efficient than plant agriculture when considering the full lifecycle of production, including the use of fossil fuels” (UC Davis, 2023). The Bovine Practicum adds that “the land use argument against beef is often oversimplified, ignoring the fact that many grazing lands used for cattle cannot be easily converted to crop production” (Bovine Practicum, 2023).

The Rigid Social Dynamics of the Vegan Movement

Beyond health and environmental concerns, the vegan movement has been criticized for its rigid social dynamics. The ideology often associated with veganism can lead to an “us vs. them” mentality, where those who question or deviate from the diet are harshly criticized or ostracized. Ethical Omnivore discusses how “veganism can resemble a tightly-knit group that demands adherence to its principles, often leading to guilt, shame, and social isolation for those who struggle to maintain the diet” (Ethical Omnivore, 2023).

This mentality can create pressure to ignore or downplay the negative health effects that some individuals experience on a vegan diet, further perpetuating the cycle of misinformation. The moral superiority that often accompanies veganism can be damaging, both to individuals who feel compelled to adhere to the diet despite negative health outcomes and to the broader conversation about sustainable and healthy eating practices.

Conclusion: A Safer and Healthier Alternative

While veganism may offer benefits for some, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and the potential risks to health, the environment, and social dynamics within the movement should not be ignored. Given the evidence presented, those considering a vegan diet or currently following one should be well-informed and critically evaluate their food choices. For those seeking a safer and healthier alternative, a diet based on whole foods and intermittent fasting, such as the one discussed in our previous article regarding a proper human diet, may provide a more balanced and sustainable approach to nutrition. This diet emphasizes nutrient density, bioavailability, and environmental responsibility, offering a practical path to achieving optimal health.

Read More

1. Health Impacts:

• Risks of Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency in Non-Vegan and Vegan Populations – Nutrients (2021)
• Iron and Zinc Nutrition in the Economically Developed World: Vegan Diets, Lifestyle Factors, and Plasma Zinc and Iron – Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition (2014)
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Vegan Diets – American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2009)

1. Environmental Impact:

• Carbon Footprint of Food Products in the EU: A Comprehensive Review of Available LCA Results – Journal of Cleaner Production (2020)
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Use Associated with Production of Individual Self-selected US Diets – Environmental Research Letters (2017)
• Land Use and Environmental Pressures of Meat Production and Consumption in the EU – Science of The Total Environment (2018)
• The Beef vs. Vegetable Land Use Argument: Breaking Down the Numbers – Praise the Ruminant (2023)
• The Beef vs. Vegetable Land Use Argument: Why It’s Really a Non-Issue – Bovine Practicum (2023)
• Fossil Fuels vs. Animal Agriculture: A Comparison – UC Davis CLEAR Center (2023)

1. Social Dynamics of Veganism:

• Dangers of the Vegan Movement – Ethical Omnivore (2023)
• The Rise and Fall of Vegan Influencers: Why Some High-Profile Vegans Have Quit – BBC News (2020)

1. Alternative Diets:

• Achieving Optimal Health Through Whole Food Diet and Fasting – ItsChromo (2024)