veganism: I'm 15 and I have been a vegetarian for a while and I thought about becoming 100% vegan recently. I heard that it's a healthier alternative to meat-eating and lacto-ovo vegetarianism. What are the benefits than I can get from veganism?|||Being a vegetarian or Vegan is MUCH healthier! To prove veganism is much better, here are some facts: Increased risk of breast cancer for women who eat meat daily compared to less than once a week: 3.8 times For women who eat eggs daily compared to once a week: 2.8 times For women who eat butter and cheese 2-4 times a week: 3.25 times Increased risk of fatal ovarian cancer for women who eat eggs 3 or more times a week vs. less than once a week: 3 times Increased risk of fatal prostate cancer for men who consume meat, cheese, eggs and milk daily vs. sparingly or not at all: 3.6 times Average U.S. man's risk of death from heart attack: 50 percent Risk of average U.S. man who eats no meat: 15 percent Risk of average U.S. man who eats no meat, dairy or eggs: 4 percent Amount you reduce risk of heart attack if you reduce consumption of meat, dairy and eggs by 10 percent: 9 percent Amount you reduce risk of heart attack if you reduce consumption by 50 percent: 45 percent Amount you reduce risk if you eliminate meat, dairy and eggs from your diet: 90 percent Average cholesterol level of people eating meat-centered-diet: 210 mg/dl Chance of dying from heart disease if you are male and your blood cholesterol level is 210 mg/dl: greater than 50 percent Cow's milk is the number one allergic food in this country. It has been well documented as a cause in diarrhea, cramps, bloating, gas, gastrointestinal bleeding, iron-deficiency anemia, skin rashes, atherosclerosis, and acne. It is the primary cause of recurrent ear infections in children. It has also been linked to insulin dependent diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, infertility, and leukemia. The best reason of all to become vegan is knowing that you are saving animal and human lives. The video "Through Glass Walls" on meat.org will show you what you are eating/drinking when not vegan. Knowing you are not supporting this by being vegan is worth it in every way. You save human lives because with the amount of grains it takes to feed an animal for human consumption, you could feed 5 times as many people by feeding the people the grains directly which is also much healthier for them. As far as health benefits again though, more cancer has been proven to be caused by meat than cigarettes. A factory farm for pigs was also where the swine flu started...due to people eating the meat. Bird flu also came from eating poultry. Here is just some of the evidence to show that veganism is in fact healthier:)|||I have been vegan for 8 years and am perfectly healthy. I went vegan to save animals which is a good reason. It is also healthy when done properly because there is no cholesterol and it is a pretty low fat diet. You get a lot of vegetables, fiber, and whole grains which are important. Not only is it healthy for yourself it is also good for the animals and the environment. I find it pretty easy to go out to eat and to shop at the store. Many stores have a lot of vegan options and I love to cook so I do not mind preparing meals. I believe a vegan diet is very healthy just make sure you get all the nutrients you need just like with any diet. So the benefits are it is a low fat/good fat diet, good for you, the animals, and the environment, no cholesterol or all that bad stuff from animal products. Also, it is very easy to be vegan so that's a benefit! And the greatest benefit of all is you get to save animals' lives. That is what makes it worth it to me.|||A vegan diet is the healthiest type of vegetarian diet, because eggs and dairy are high in fat and cholesterol. With that being said, both diets are healthy, if planned properly. The downside to being a vegan is that it is not convenient. You will have to cook most of your meals, because most restaurants and grocery stores don't accomodate vegans. You can get all of your nutrients your body needs through a vegan diet. The key is to look up foods that are high in protein, iron, calcium, vitamin b12, zinc, etc. and you'll be fine. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, pasta, cereal, rice or soymilk, and imitation meats are great for a vegan diet. Ener-g egg replacer can be used for baking. Agave nectar is an alternative to honey. Scrambled tofu is an alternative to eggs. Amy's Kitchen makes a great vegan macaroni & cheese t.v. dinner. They sell it at some whole food stores/health food markets. For holidays, Tofurky dinner roast and Morningstar Farms vegan riblets are good.|||It's healthy (contrary to the opinions of the ignorant and unresearched). It's natural (we're all born vegan - we just become accustomed to eating animals and their nasty by-products). You won't be consuming pus, blood, flesh or urine (some of the above mentioned 'nasty' parts). Being vegan is better for the animals. Being vegan is better for the planet. :)|||Honestly, I was vegetarian for 8 yrs, vegan for 6months. There wasn't much I could eat so I pretty much wasn't eating. During sports practice I passed out, and threw up a lot. Talk to your doctor before you do it. Make sure you have a protein/iron source. I was so anemic that I was forced to start eating meat again, as soon as the doctor says its okay I'm going back to vegetarianism. I hate the taste of meat. Make sure you do it right or there won't be any benefits. You need your vitamins.|||Best reasons - Healthier life, to save animals and to help save the environment. Benefits - Healthier life, less chance of getting several diseases, healthier skin and more energy.|||If you're the type who puts animals' needs above those of human beings, then you'll just continue the cycle. Not much of a benefit there.|||their is no benefit you need meat to help your body