Health
It's natural to ask how a change in our eating habits might affect our health, and it may seem daunting to deviate from the norm in terms of what we eat. But the short answer is: eating vegan food is not bad for your health!
It's widely recognised that the typical Northern European diet, rich in animal products, comes with many long-term health risks, whereas eating a typical vegan diet has been shown to have many positive outcomes for health. Of course, it's possible to live vegan and eat unhealthy foods too – so if you want to eat pizza, doughnuts and chocolate, it can all be animal-free!
But whatever type of food you enjoy, eating a normal vegan diet can provide all the nutrients you need, as the links below will explain.
Main links
The Game Changers
Presented by James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan, Lewis Hamilton, Novak Djokovic and Chris Paul – a revolutionary new film about meat, protein and strength.
Vegetarian and vegan diets good for kids and adults
“Vegan diets are appropriate for all stages of life, including during infancy, pregnancy, childhood, adolescence and old age” – the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Position of the American Dietetic Association
“…vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits…”
BBC News, January 2019
Is milk healthy? Canada's new food guide says not necessarily.
Vegan Health
Evidence-based nutrient recommendations
The Complete Guide to Plant Based Eating
Looking to build muscle, burn fat or simply cook healthier meals? Here's everything you need to know about plant based eating, backed up by the latest research and expert opinion.
Forks over Knives
A Netflix documentary that examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods.
Further reading
Vegans outperform omnivores in endurance tests: Montreal researchers
Despite routine questions about where they get their protein from, a new study by Montreal researchers suggests vegans have higher endurance levels than omnivores.
Why UFC’s Toughest Fighters Are Going Vegan
Nate Diaz: “I hear a lot of criticism from people saying you need meat to be strong and for recovery… I’m like, ‘Dude, have you done a tenth of what I’ve done?’”
Bite Size Vegan: Nutrition
Funny short films about vegan nutrition, addressing head-on the common nutritional concerns for those switching to a vegan diet.
Dr. Michael Greger: “How Not To Die”
A presentation on the role of diet in preventing, arresting, and reversing our top 15 killers.
Greenpeace “Veggie Atlas” (PDF)
A handy guide that highlights the nutritional value of a wide variety of vegetables and shows how to add more flavour, protein and other nutrients to your diet.
DutchNews, January 2017
Good news about the Dutch diet? Not a sausage.
Mac Danzig's Diet - The Truth About Vegan
“Once, the fight world virtually scoffed at Danzig’s fringe diet. More and more, however, he is looking like a pioneer who was ahead of the times.”
healthiq.com
Five reasons why vegans should get a lower rate on life insurance
Easy-to-read graphs explaining the results of five separate studies, with links to the original reports.
How Big Meat Made Bacon a Meme (from ‘Adam Ruins Everything’)
The slaughter industry promoted bacon and influenced the US government – despite the long-known health risks.
veganfitness.com
How Jeremy Reijnders Became The Fittest Man Of The Netherlands As A Vegan
The ‘Fittest Man in the Netherlands 2018’ Jeremy Reijnders shares how and why he decided to go vegan, plus he gives tips on how to start the vegan lifestyle.