Alongside the leopard print midi skirt and *that* zara dress, one of the most inescapable trends of 2019 has undoubtedly been the rise of veganism across the world. Although slightly less glamorous, veganism is more likely to stay relevant in many more years to come (sorry, fashionistas!). Now having entered the mainstream, veganism is finally shaking-off the stereotype of being limited to an alternative and inaccessible way of life. Now winning over the hearts of millions across the world, discussions around veganism are becoming more regular and less stigmatised. This year alone, we have seen the United Nations recommending a plant-based diet to help combat the climate crisis and Netflix offering more vegan-related documentaries than ever before. 

The number of Google searches around the topic of veganism have spiked in recent years, demonstrating a sense of urgency on the issue. But why the sudden need to change? The majority of vegans cite health benefits as a top priority in their shift in diet, alongside concerns around the climate crisis and animal welfare. 

As a lifestyle, veganism may not be suitable for all (especially those living with eating disorders), however simply aiming to reduce meat and dairy consumption can help to make a change. Here’s a quick guide on the top reasons why you should start eating less meat and more plant-based meals: 

Is veganism really that good for you?

Like any diet, balance and variety is key. Ensuring that you consume good amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, good fats, vitamins and minerals is necessary! By substituting meat with natural plant-based alternatives, vegans can benefit from a wide range of health improvements. 

Eating a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of developing type two diabetes by 23% in comparison to meat-eaters, and vegans are also 32% less likely to die from heart disease. With heart disease being the biggest killer in Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia, transitioning to a plant-based diet could help to tackle the growing epidemic. 

How does your diet affect the climate crisis? 

As with all mass-production activities, agriculture inherently affects environmental sustainability across the world. Around 83% of the world’s farmland is currently used for the production of animal-based foods (eggs, dairy, meat and poultry), yet only provides us with 37% of protein in the average diet. This inefficiency in producing animal products shows that land could be put to better use. 

Researchers from Oxford University have also stated that a vegan diet, if adopted globally, could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70%. Although this figure depends on collective action, individual choices can still help to make a change. Small-scale responses can sometimes feel frivolous, however they can open up conversations on larger issues. Veganism is just one part of the discussion on ways in which overconsumption should, and can be reduced for a more sustainable way of life.

What about animal welfare standards?

With the growing global demand for meat, eggs and dairy in the average diet, mass-production has led to the decrease in animal welfare standards. Today, the majority of meat and animal derived products come from factory farms, where living conditions for animals are sacrificed for efficiency and profit. Intensive animal farming is now a global norm, and includes the inhumane and unnatural practices of overcrowding and overfeeding. This has caused a moral dilemma for some Muslims in the West, who are now turning to veganism in hope for a more halal way of life.