It is unarguably better for non-human animals if we don’t eat them, but is a vegan diet healthy for humans? Many internationally recognised nutritional organisations maintain that it is, for all humans at all stages of life.
Nutritional Organisation’s Position Statements on a Vegan Diet
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Dietitians of Canada
- British Dietetic Association
- American Diabetes Association
- Heart and Stroke Foundation
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that appropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. These diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood and for athletes. Plant-based diets are more environmentally sustainable than diets rich in animal products because they use fewer natural resources and are associated with much less environmental damage.
https://www.eatrightpro.org/media/press-releases/positions-and-issues/vegetarian-diets-can-be-nutritious-healthful-environmentally-sustainable-choice-updated-position-paper-from-academy-of-nutrition-and-dietetics
Other Sources for Health Information on a Vegan Diet
Dietitians of Canada
Anyone can follow a vegan diet – from children to teens to older adults. It’s even healthy for pregnant or nursing mothers. A well-planned vegan diet is high in fibre, vitamins and antioxidants. Plus, it’s low in saturated fat and cholesterol. This healthy combination helps protect against chronic diseases.
Vegans have lower rates of heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer than non-vegans. Vegans also have lower blood pressure levels than both meat-eaters and vegetarians and are less likely to be overweight.
British Dietetic Association
British Dietetic Association confirms well-planned vegan diets can support healthy living in people of all ages
As a result of the memorandum the BDA and The Vegan Society will:
“Work together to show that it is possible to follow a well-planned, plant-based, vegan-friendly diet that supports healthy living in people of all ages, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding”.
https://www.bda.uk.com/news/view?id=179
American Diabetes Association
In its 2017 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes, the American Diabetes Association maintains that a plant-based eating pattern is an effective option for type 2 diabetes management and encourages clinicians to always include education on lifestyle management.
https://www.pcrm.org/news/health-nutrition/american-diabetes-association-promotes-plant-based-diets
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Vegetarian and vegan diets can provide all the nutrients you need at any age, as well as some additional health benefits. Vegetarian diets often have lower levels of total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol than many meat-based diets, and higher intakes of fibre, magnesium, potassium, folate and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.
https://www.heartandstroke.ca/get-healthy/healthy-eating/specific-diets/vegetarians
