Green Diets: Their Differences and Benefits

november 18, 2019

Source: Ella Olsson via Unsplash At Royal Vegas Casino, we often have to explain the subtle differences between the array of online slots. There is a game for everyone, but we want to make sure you pick the one you’ll enjoy the most. Such is the case with food. If you are interested in making the switch to a healthier, eco-conscious diet, would you rather have Tofurky or pumpkin couscous this holiday season?

The difference between Veganism and Plant-Based Diets

While vegans and plant-based dieters might eat a lot more fruits and vegetables than meat-eaters, there is a main difference between these two diets, and it is at the center of their identity.

• Vegans focus on avoiding animal products and by-products.
• Plant-based dieters focus on eating whole, non-processed foods.

The main purpose of vegans is to avoid harming animals. According to the Animal Equality website, “Being vegan is about living a lifestyle that does not cause suffering, harm or death to animals, and allowing animals to be free to choose the way they want to live.” It further states that veganism is more than not eating animals, vegans avoid consuming anything that harms natural creatures, including food (such as meats, eggs, honey, and gelatin), clothes (such as leather and wool), entertainment (such as zoos, aquariums, and horseraces), and cosmetics made using animal experimentation. Some vegans don’t believe in having pets. They consider it wrong for cats, dogs, and birds to be “forced to live in our world, not theirs.”  Others, not wanting to buy the animal products in puppy biscuits and cat food, forgo owning pets while being generally in favor of people having them for company and assistance. On the other hand, while a plant-based dieter’s plate may look almost the same as their vegan friend’s, the main purpose of a plant-based dieter is to eat whole, non-processed foods. The focus is on health and the sustainability of the human species and the whole ecosystem. While most vegans strive for health (like the rest of us), they can technically sustain a diet of potato chips and soft drinks and be considered vegans. In contrast, plant-based diets reject refined foods such as white flour, added sugars, and processed oils. As the name states, plants are the main food in a plant-based diet; however, limited consumption of meat and animal products is allowed as well.

Why go vegan or plant-based?

Most people choose a vegan or plant-based diet for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. In fact, science tells us that cutting meat from your diet is the single, most effective way for a person to reduce their environmental impact on the planet. According to the Independent, researchers at the University of Oxford found that cutting meat and dairy products could reduce an individual's carbon footprint from food by up to 73 per cent. If everyone were to switch to a vegan or plant-based diet, the amount of land that would be freed up from agriculture would be significant, and with it, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Joseph Poore, author of the study, states: “A vegan diet is probably the biggest way to reduce your impact on planet Earth, not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use and water use… It is far bigger than cutting down on your flights or buying an electric car.” A well-balanced vegan or plant-based diet can also have numerous health benefits. The high-fiber content in these diets paired with the exclusion of meats and dairy will trim your waistline and provide long-term health benefits. Vegan and plant-based diets reduce the risk and lower the symptoms of heart disease, certain types of cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline (as found in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease). Consuming the right kind of foods within these diets is crucial for reaping the rewards. Stay away from sugary drinks, fruit juices, and refined, processed, junk, or packaged foods. And to avoid vitamin deficiencies, compliment your nutrition with iron, vitamin D, iodine, and B12 supplements. Source: Anna Pelzer via Unsplash

Bottom line

Following a plant-based or vegan diet can be beneficial to your health and the environment. Choosing which diet is right for you depends on your goals. Interested in animal rights as well as wellness? Perhaps you should go vegan. Do you prefer to eat whole foods, practice mindful eating, and abstain from the convenience of pre-packaged meatless options? Then, you would prefer a plant-based diet. Either way, not eating meat will improve your health and reduce your carbon footprint on the planet. Food is an important part of who you are, and making the right choice based on your preferences, culture, and health goals will make you feel happier and more balanced. No matter your diet, Royal Vegas Casino wishes you a deliciously satisfying and healthy holiday season. Interested in Food? You may also like: https://www.royalvegascasino.com/blog/food-tourism-discovery-and-top-destinations/