People who follow plant-based diets might choose to consume foods that derive solely from plant sources, also known as a vegan diet. If a person chooses to consume mostly plant-based foods but also to eat dairy products or eggs, this is a vegetarian diet. People choose to follow these types of eating plans for a variety of reasons, and understanding the rationale might help you determine if a plant-based diet is right for you.
Animal Concerns
A person who feels strongly about animal rights might choose to follow a plant-based diet. This might stem from not wanting to harm an animal for food, but some vegans choose a plant-based diet so they will not support inhumane practices they feel occur in slaughterhouses and processing plants.
Health
Some people choose a plant-based diet for health reasons. For example, a macrobiotic diet consists mostly of whole grains and vegetables, and some people choose to follow this diet to help treat medical conditions such as cancer.
Some people choose a plant-based diet for heart health. Dr. Caldwell Esselstyne says that following a completely plant-based diet and eliminating oils will not only help reduce the risk for coronary artery disease, but also could reverse heart disease.
Personal Preference
Vegans might choose a plant-based diet because they simply do not like the taste of meat and animal products. Other people might not eat meat due to feeling sick over the idea of eating animal flesh. The cost of animal-products might deter some people from consuming these foods, and in some instances, a person's religion might prevent him from eating meat.
Considerations
Choosing to follow a plant-based diet is a personal decision and can involve a number of factors. If you think you might want to follow a plant-based diet, talk to your doctor about whether this type of eating is appropriate for you. Once you make the decision to follow this type of diet, your doctor can help you determine the best way to make these diet changes.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Vegetarian Diet: How to Get the Best Nutrition; June 2010
- TeensHealth from Nemours; Why Do People Become Vegetarians; Mary L. Gavin, MD; September 2009
- "Preventative Cardiology"; Resolving the Coronary Artery Disease Epidemic Through Plant-Based Nutrition; Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., MD; 2001
- Vegan Outreach: Why Vegan?
- American Cancer Society; Macrobiotic Diet; November 2008
