By:Afifa Hasan
Have you ever wondered why elites and mainstream media now are advocating a plant-based diet which was once appraised as a fringe dietary choice?
In some recent years, the worldwide vegan market has straightened up dramatically from $14.44 Billion in 2020 to $ 15.77 billion in 2021 and it is prognosticated that it will continue to grow for the next several years with millions of people ditching meat over plant-based diet. What led them to espouse a vegan lifestyle?
The first and most important reason is the moral considerations. The way animals are mistreated in slaughterhouses pushes them to avoid animal products. Technological advancement of social media and documentary films accelerated the arousal of moral values among individuals and inspired them to seek alternatives.
Furthermore, environmental degradation due to animal industries cannot be glossed over as they are the major contributors to soil erosion, deforestation, pollution and biodiversity loss. So by switching to plant-based lifestyles, one can contribute to the preservation of the natural environment for future generations.
Additionally, recent studies have shown that an individual following a plant-based diet has a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. People are becoming more health conscious nowadays; many are adopting plant-based diets and overall vegan lifestyles to improve their well- being and stamina.
Now, there are many vegan options available with large diversity and are easily accessible. Gone are the days when becoming vegan was considered difficult as they had to sacrifice their taste and variety.
Read more: Over 27 % world population face food shortage.
Athletes, influencers and famous personalities have played a crucial role in creating veganism as a fashion and have normalized it.
But there is always another side of the coin as there are corns of a vegan diet as well. A plant-based diet is generally low in protein and fats, which are essential parts of a healthy balanced diet, so it causes nutrient deficiency. Despite having many options, vegans have more trouble in achieving their protein needs without taking protein supplements which are generally expensive. Above all, veganism is not just a passing trend that traces its roots in ancient time’s philosophy and teachings; in fact, it is a movement that shows our evolving priorities and our growing awareness to ensure a compassionate future for all.
Concluding it with a thought-provoking question of whether our future generation will embrace veganism or will they continue to follow the meat-based diet. Or perhaps, they will find a balance between the two. It is still a question, and the time will answer it.
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