4 min read
One of the most common excuses animal-eaters give as to why they "could never go vegan" is that it's not healthy.
At first, this might sound like a plausible rationale for supporting the exploitation and abuse of nonhuman animals.
No one wants to harm innocent animals, right? But if we need to in order to get all the nutrients we need, then it's okay, right?
Fortunately for the trillions of innocent animals slaughtered for food every year, that is just not true.
Which is why the major dietetics and nutrition organizations in the world - the people qualified to make such statements - agree that vegan and vegetarian diets can be just as healthy as standard omnivorous diets.
But don't take my word for it, read on for what they have to say about the nutritional adequacy of strictly plant-based diets.
Formerly known as American Dietetic Association, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the largest organization of food and nutrition professionals in the world.
It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that appropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. These diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes.
Dietitians of Canada is the accrediting body for all university and training programs that credential dietitians to practice in Canada.
A healthy vegan diet can meet all your nutrient needs at any stage of life including when you are pregnant, breastfeeding or for older adults.
- https://www.dietitians.ca/Downloads/Factsheets/Guidlines-for-Vegans.aspx
One of the UK’s longest-standing organisations that represents dietetics and nutrition, the British Dietetic Association, has affirmed that a well-planned vegan diet can “support healthy living in people of all ages” in an official document signed by its CEO.
It is possible to follow a well-planned, plant-based, vegan-friendly diet that supports healthy living in people of all ages, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
With good planning and an understanding of what makes up a healthy, balanced vegan diet, you can get all the nutrients your body needs.
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/the-vegan-diet/
A varied and well-balanced vegetarian diet [see context] can supply all the nutrients needed for good health.
- https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/health-advice/vegetarian-diet
Vegetarian diets [see context] can meet all the recommendations for nutrients. The key is to consume a variety of foods and the right amount of foods to meet your calorie needs.
Appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthy and nutritionally adequate. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the lifecycle. Those following a strict vegetarian or vegan diet can meet nutrient requirements as long as energy needs are met and an appropriate variety of plant foods are eaten throughout the day.
- https://nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/australian-dietary-guidelines
Mayo Clinic has ranked number one in the United States for seven consecutive years in U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals Honor Roll, maintaining a position at or near the top for more than 35 years.
A well-planned vegetarian diet [see context] can meet the needs of people of all ages, including children, teenagers, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. The key is to be aware of your nutritional needs so that you plan a diet that meets them.
Vegetarian diets [see context] can provide all the nutrients you need at any age, as well as some additional health benefits.
- https://www.heartandstroke.ca/get-healthy/healthy-eating/specific-diets/for-vegetarians
Harvard Medical School is one of the oldest medical schools in the United States and is consistently ranked first for research among medical schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Traditionally, research into vegetarianism [see context] focused mainly on potential nutritional deficiencies, but in recent years, the pendulum has swung the other way, and studies are confirming the health benefits of meat-free eating. Nowadays, plant-based eating is recognized as not only nutritionally sufficient but also as a way to reduce the risk for many chronic illnesses.
- http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/becoming-a-vegetarian
So, now that you know you can be just as healthy, if not healthier, without paying people to kill animals so you can filter nutrients through their bodies... what's your reason for not being vegan?
Click here to see 44 more excuses not to be vegan debunked.
PS. The above list was inspired by this Reddit post.
