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involve avoiding animal products and byproducts. Proponents emphasize the ethical
and environmental benefits of forgoing animal products, but veganism also has
health benefits such as lowering body mass index, preventing and managing chronic
diseases, and reducing exposure to chemicals and other toxins.
The principles of veganism extend beyond the avoidance of animal products and
byproducts, but involve a conscious effort to protect and prevent animal suffering
wherever possible. This includes abstaining from purchasing items that involve
animal testing, boycotting circus and rodeos, advocating for more humane treatment
of animals in the agricultural industry, boycotting animal-based attractions and
entertainment, and encouraging a vegan lifestyle. Ethical vegans take a
compassionate stance towards animal rights, advocating for the humane treatment and
respect of all creatures, regardless of their species.
In addition to the ethical benefits, veganism has environmental and health benefits
as well. Animal-derived foods require an immense amount of energy and resources to
produce, resulting in land degradation, water pollution, and deforestation.
Furthermore, consuming animal products has been linked to a range of health issues,
including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. By abstaining from
animal products, vegans significantly reduce their exposure to contamination,
hormones, and antibiotics that are used in the factory farming industry.
Scientific research has revealed that a vegetarian and vegan diet can be
nutritionally adequate, featuring plenty of whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds,
fruits, and vegetables. Plant-based diets are linked to a lower risk of type 2
diabetes, and reducing or eliminating animal products reduces the risk of
cardiovascular diseases, strokes and diseases associated with metabolic syndrome.