Vegan Diets Can Be Healthy and Protective Against Chronic Diseases Briefing Flashcards
About this Deck: “Vegan Diets Can Be Healthy and Protective Against Chronic Diseases”
This deck parallels the briefing at: vbriefings.org/vegan-diets/
- There are no formal citations here, although sources may be mentioned. Full citations with links are provided int he briefing.
- It would be best to read the briefing before studying these cards. Reading the briefing first provides understanding and context.
What is the briefing titled “Vegan Diets Can Be Healthy and Protective Against Chronic Diseases” about?
There is agreement among the credentialed dietetic and medical communities that we do not need animal products to be healthy, and that vegan diets are health-promoting and protective against chronic diseases.
Provide a summary of the briefing on vegan diets being healthy and protecting against chronic diseases.
Dietetic associations and prominent health organizations like Harvard Health, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, and NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare endorse a plant-based diet as healthy.
What does the Cleveland Clinic say about a herbivorous diet?
The Cleveland Clinic acknowledges that “[t]here really are no disadvantages to a herbivorous diet!”
What is the US Department of Agriculture’s stance on plant-based diets?
Despite supporting animal agriculture, the US Department of Agriculture recognizes a vegan diet as healthy in its dietary guidelines.
Do any required nutrients have to come from animal sources?
No, required nutrients do not need to come from animals, as evidenced by the endorsements from various health organizations.
What is one of the core principles of veganism?
One of the core principles of veganism is that it is wrong to cause unnecessary harm to animals.
Under what condition might some level of animal suffering be considered necessary in veganism?
If a vital nutrient could only be obtained from animals, some level of suffering might be considered necessary, depending on the nutrient’s importance.
What does it take for veganism to be considered valid?
Veganism is not required to prove that a vegan diet is superior, only that it is sufficient for good health.
Why is demonstrating the benefits of a vegan diet important?
Demonstrating the benefits of a vegan diet supports its viability as a healthy eating option.
What if future discoveries show that an essential animal product is needed for health?
Veganism would still be relevant, and we would be ethically obliged to consume only the necessary animal product, in the smallest amount required, and obtain it in the least harmful way possible.
What are the key points presented in the briefing on vegan diets being health and protective against chronic diseases?
- Prominent health organizations embrace a vegan diet.
- Dietetic associations endorse a vegan diet.
- The US government says a vegan diet is healthy.
- There are no required nutrients that must come from animals.
Which reputable health organizations support the idea that a plant-based diet is healthy?
Harvard Health, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, and New York-Presbyterian Healthcare all say that a plant-based diet is healthy.
What health issues do organizations like Harvard Health, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, and NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare acknowledge a plant-based diet can help fight?
These organizations also acknowledge the ability of a plant-based diet to fight health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol.
What does Kaiser Permanente advise their doctors to recommend to patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity?
They advise their doctors to recommend a plant-based diet to their patients, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity.
Why do dietetic associations have maximum credibility in endorsing totally vegan diets?
Because human nutrition is their primary concern and the focus of their research.
Which organizations have made pronouncements on the viability of a vegan diet?
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (United States), the British Dietetic Association, the Dietitians of Canada, and the Dietitians Association of Australia.
What did the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics state about a well-planned vegan diet?
They stated that a well-planned vegan diet is fine “for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes.”
What did the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) acknowledge about a vegan diet in its dietary guidelines for 2015–2020?
The USDA acknowledged that a vegan diet is a healthy eating pattern. It acknowledged this in its discussion of Vegetarian Eating.
Why is the USDA’s acknowledgment of a vegan diet in its 2015–2020 dietary guidelines particularly significant?
Because the USDA is a strong supporter of animal agriculture, providing billions annually in subsidies
What is the evidence regarding the necessity of obtaining certain nutrients from the animal kingdom?
There is no convincing evidence to support this.
Is there any required nutrient that must come from animals?
It is impossible to name even one required nutrient that must come from animals.
What did Walter Willett, chair of Harvard School of Public Health, say about shifting toward a vegan diet?
“I think if we really care about the world our children and grandchildren will inherit, we do need to shift toward [a vegan diet],” said Willett. “And the good news is that it’s not just our planet that will be more healthy, but we will be more healthy as well.”
What did Dr. Kim Williams, past president of the American College of Cardiology, say about cardiologists and veganism?
“There are two kinds of cardiologists: vegans and those who haven’t read the data.”
