The top two leading causes of death in the United States are heart disease and cancer. In addition, risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. The majority, if not all, of these are believed to be minimized through a change in personal diet.

Diet changes are not only beneficial to our overall health but also to preserving agriculture and our environment. Adding more fruits and vegetable to one’s diet has been known to promote ideal health emotionally, physically, and mentally. Simple changes in one’s diet can help prevent inevitable healthcare conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and obesity. One diet that is aiding the fight against chronic diseases and helping preserve our environment is the vegan diet.

Many who consider a vegan diet are concerned if they will be able to consume enough nutrients. Education and proper planning will aid in ensuring individuals achieve the recommended daily amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. What may come to a surprise to those who are not strictly vegan is that many of the foods they consume daily can be consumed on a vegan diet and still meet daily recommendations.

Here are a few examples of what vegans consume to show the similarities in other diets: 

• Essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants:  fresh fruits and vegetables

• Carbohydrates:  potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, and whole grains

• Protein:  beans, legumes, pulses, quinoa, and chia seeds

• Omega-3 fatty acids:  nuts, seeds, and avocados

• Vitamin D and B12:  fortified non-dairy, fortified cereals, mushrooms, and nutritional yeast

We believe the gut holds the key to sustainable health. Regardless of one’s preferred diet, we aspire to encourage our friends, family, and local community to achieve their greatest health potential through their diet.