The Everyday Trials
and Triumphs
of a Young Vegan"Unlike those
I'm fighting for,
I have a voice,
a God-given gift,
and I am going
to use it."Brooke Gore
"I know I'm fighting an uphill battle, against something which has become so ingrained in everyday life, but it's a battle I'm going to fight without ceasing, with every ounce of strength in my existence."
Brooke & Daisy
Research Report - By Punawai Stewart
“Veganism may be defined as a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practical, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, the animal kingdom, for food, clothing or any other purpose. In dietary terms it refers to the practice of dispensing with all animal products - including flesh, fowl, eggs, (non-human) animal milks, and their derivatives.” The Vegan Winter 1985
Many people, people who are obviously uneducated in the subject, would argue that veganism is an unsafe, unhealthy and detrimental practice, basically a way of life only a tree-hugging hippie would want to live. I beg to differ. In my research I have explored issues which influence an individual to become a vegan. I looked at how a vegan diet compares with an average New Zealand diet, is it healthier, and the benefits of eating a vegan diet and living the vegan lifestyle.
There are countless issues which influence an individual to become a vegan which can range from health reasons to religion, from personal beliefs to upbringing and family values. But the main reason is one of compassion; a person choosing to become a vegan does so because they have a powerful respect for all life. Joanne Stepaniak, author of Being Vegan and The Vegan Source Book states, “Veganism is more than what a person does or does not eat – it comprises who a person is.” In a survey I carried out, 88% of vegans said they became a vegan because they didn’t want to be part of the cruelty to, and exploitation of animals and the guilt it brings. If humankind is to evolve in a good way, without destroying each other and our planet, all violence must stop.
There is no doubt about it, a vegan diet compared with an average New Zealand diet is in many ways better. An average New Zealander’s diet today consists largely of meat and dairy products even though scientific research suggests that consuming animal products may cause heart disease, obesity, colon and lung cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, violent or aggressive behavior and many more serious conditions. As stated on a vegan website; www.veganism.com “Cows’ milk contains ideal amounts of fat and protein for young calves but too much for humans. And eggs are higher in cholesterol than any other food making them the leading contributor to cardiovascular disease.”
Does it not make you wonder that even though this information is available to the public, why people still eat and drink animal products and why it is advertised as healthy to consume these products? Vegans eat healthy, wholesome foods; their diet is composed of foods such as whole grains, fruit, vegetables and legumes. The American Dietetic Association reports that, “Vegetarian/Vegan diets are associated with reduced risks for all of the previously stated conditions.” Vegan foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans are low in fat, contain no cholesterol and are full of fiber and nutrients. Vegans can get all the protein they need from legumes (e.g. beans, tofu, peanuts) and grains (e.g. rice, corn, whole wheat breads and pastas); Calcium from broccoli, kale and collard greens, tofu, fortified juices and soy milks, iron from chickpeas, spinach, beans and soy products. Any nutrients you can get from animal products can be obtained from grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes without the exploitation and slaughter of animals.
The benefits of eating a vegan diet, and living the vegan way of life, are endless. Vegans are generally happier, healthier and more caring individuals. The way they eat and live makes them less susceptible to some diseases and serious debilitating conditions. In one aspect of their life, vegans can live with a clear conscience, as they are not contributing to the slaughter of fellow creatures.
If everyone on our planet ate a vegan diet there would be enough food for everyone. Dr. Walden Bellow, Executive Director of Food First, Institute for Food and Development Policy states, “The fact is that there is enough food in the world for everyone. But, tragically, most of the world’s food and land resources are tied up in producing beef and other livestock-food for the well-off, while millions of children and adults suffer from malnutrition and starvation.” Think of all the empty paddocks growing only grass for livestock, if all those paddocks were planted in fruit trees and vegetable gardens there would be more food than anyone could ever want.
Here are some excerpts from The Food Revolution by John Robbins:
· Blood cholesterol levels of vegans compared to non-vegans: 35% lower
· Risk of death from heart disease for vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians: half
· High blood pressure in non meat eaters compared with meat eaters: Virtually none
· Risk of colon cancer for people who eat red meat once a week compared
· to those who abstain: 38% greater
· Countries with the highest consumption of dairy products: Finland, Sweden, United States and England.
· Countries with the highest rate of Osteoporosis: Finland, Sweden, United States and England.
My research has displayed veganism as a safe, healthy and compassionate way to exist. Compared with an average diet in New Zealand today, a vegan diet and lifestyle has many more benefits and is a more sustainable way to live on this planet. Veganism in my opinion is clearly the only way forward for mankind. If we carry on in the same direction we are going now, it can only lead to death and the destruction of this planet. I would like to share with you a quote which I think sums up my essay and the true meaning of veganism.
“Veganism isn’t just a strict, vegetarian diet; it is a complete philosophical viewpoint. It is practical in outlook, simple to understand and aspires to the highest environmental and spiritual values. I am sure it holds the key to a future lifestyle for a humane planetary guardianship…” Howard Lyman – former cattle rancher, international lecturer and author of Mad Cowboy.
. - born 07/03/91
Punawai can be contacted through Gentle World – www.gentleworld.org
