Vegan - what is the attraction?

[Bun-bun]

We recently took my niece to dinner to celebrate her 18th birthday. She's a strict vegan and had a very limited dinner, even though we went to her choice of restaurant.
At dinner, I noticed some things about her that worry me. She's very underweight, pale, and has ridges on her tongue, which she says is caused by a vitamin deficiency. She's been vegan for about 3 years now.
I've asked her in the past why she feels the need to eat this way, and what benefits she gets from being vegan, and I've never been able to get a straight answer, so maybe someone here can help.
What are the physical, emotional, and psychological benefits of a vegan diet?

[cduarte]

there are no benefits unless you're able to get enough protein by eating rice and beans, which are incomplete proteins by themselves but complete when eaten together. When I was  a peace corps vol in africa, there were several granola types that thought they could get away with eating a vegetarian diet. They ended up with scurvy and other disorders.

[Slide Panda]

It can be done... But it takes extra work to be healthy and vegan. I've met s couple who managed but most are like your niece and exhibit some diet based issues.

Generally as to why one does it it's emotional/psychological. Common reasons cited are the harsh conditions for food animals and not wanting to be part of taking a life. Though plants are alive... But that's the most common answer I've gotten when i've asked. Some cite health - avoiding processed foods, hormones in meat etc.

I'm of the opinion that in most cases it's a bit silly and not good for a human. But for the folks I've met who can pull it off and be healthy, they do impress me. It takes a lot of knowledge effort and commitment to pull it off

[somegirl]

I have been vegan for many years now.  I consider myself quite healthy, I believe those on the board who have met me can attest to that, I am very active and routinely do lots of strenuous exercise including 60-100 mile bicycle rides with 7000+ feet of climbing, lots of hiking, jogging in the hills with my dogs, weight-lifting, etc.

There is nothing inherently unhealthy about a well-balanced vegan diet, and in fact there have been studies showing them to be healthier in many ways than a typical American diet.  Vegan diets are sometimes prescribed for heart patients and have been demonstrated to reverse heart disease.

It is not that difficult to eat a balanced vegan diet, despite what non-vegans say, except if:
- you eat out a lot at places without good vegan options (so end up just eating salads and/or french fries)
- you eat the same diet as before but just take out the animal products (for example just eating plain pasta with tomato sauce and plain breakfast cereal)

The most common reasons for becoming vegan are:
- Animal welfare concerns
- Environmental concerns
- Health concerns

I'm not interested in getting into a debate about veganism, so I'll just refer you to some excellent books.

The Food Revolution by John Robbins does a nice job explaining the concerns above.  It is very well written, no hysterics or crazy claims, it was very well researched and is full of references for every statement that he makes.

Becoming Vegan by Brenda Davis and Vesanto Melina was written by nutritionists and does a great job explaining how to get a well-balanced vegan diet.  It does not discuss any ethical aspects of veganism, it is just focused on health and nutrition.

Honestly, Bun-bun, I think your niece's problem is not her veganism per se.  It sounds to me that she may have an eating disorder and probably needs to be treated for it.   Unfortunately it is fairly common in young women, and sometimes people will use a vegan diet as an excuse for the disorder.  Obviously I haven't met her so this is just a guess based on your brief description.

If you're interested, the HappyCow website has a list of veggie and veggie-friendly restaurants and health food stores in Virginia (and elsewhere around the world).

Feel free to PM me if you have more questions about a vegan diet.  You guys know I am married to the biggest bacon lover on this board and I am very open-minded and non-judgmental and certainly no PETA freak.  Like I said, I don't want to start a debate about this here.

Here is a picture of a healthy vegan (me, at the front):



Here is a partial list of vegan/vegetarian athletes.  Also note that Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis was vegan at the height of his career (excerpt written by him).

there are no benefits unless you're able to get enough protein by eating rice and beans, which are incomplete proteins by themselves but complete when eaten together. When I was  a peace corps vol in africa, there were several granola types that thought they could get away with eating a vegetarian diet. They ended up with scurvy and other disorders.

Scurvy results from a lack of vitamin C, which vegetarians and vegans typically have a much higher intake of than most omnivores.  Scurvy is common in those who just eat meat without fresh fruit and vegetables.  Something is very odd about your example.

[Holden]

John McDougall is a vegan "nutrition expert." Here are a few of his newsletter articles (which should at least partially answer your question, if nothing else).

http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/apr/dairy.htm
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/feb/whenfriendsask.htm
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/nov/b12.htm
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/jul/kidney.htm

Judging by the diverse opinions I've seen, vegetarianism/veganism seems to be a touchy subject among scientists and doctorsâ€"no doubt because it's a lifestyle that goes against some deeply rooted cultural and personal norms.

[somegirl]

John McDougall is a vegan "nutrition expert." Here are a few of his newsletter articles (which should at least partially answer your question, if nothing else).

http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/apr/dairy.htm
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/feb/whenfriendsask.htm
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/nov/b12.htm
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/jul/kidney.htm

Judging by the diverse opinions I've seen, vegetarianism/veganism seems to be a touchy subject among scientists and doctorsâ€"no doubt because it's a lifestyle that goes against some deeply rooted cultural and personal norms.

Thank you for posting those links, Dr. McDougall is another great reference for nutritional and health information.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I'm only attracted to one vegan 

[herm]

i applaud all of those (nod to msincredible) who are capable of maintaining their health on a vegan diet.
it seems to me that most of the vegans that i have ever met (honestly not a huge number) are unable to balance their diets properly, which can result in a variety of health issues.

to me, it appears that they are just trading one version of unhealthy for another.

[Popeye the Sailor]

to me, it appears that they are just trading one version of unhealthy for another.

Their food is cheaper.

[Bun-bun]

Thanks a bunch for the references, I'll definitely read up, and maybe hand them off to her as a present. Might do her some good, and get her eating a balanced vegan diet instead of what she's doing now.
For the record, I have no problem with her choice, just her health. I know it takes courage to be different than the societal norm. I know I could never commit to give up meat.

[cduarte]

Scurvy results from a lack of vitamin C, which vegetarians and vegans typically have a much higher intake of than most omnivores.  Scurvy is common in those who just eat meat without fresh fruit and vegetables.  Something is very odd about your example.

try finding citrus fruits in a remote african village... it ain't happening.

[Monstar_100]

G'day,

Here in Oz i work as a chef, I find it really hard to cater for Vegans that have not given some warning prior to coming to the restaurant...

I really like to put alot effort into making good food weather its a Vegan/Vegetarian or just a normal person...

I find it really quiet challenging making a good quality meal for a vegan, i have now become friends with the few that come into the Restaurant and we now swap recipes... They tell there friends (also Vegans) its becoming a popular thing...

The only part i cant understand is where they are able to find the time to get all the vitamins and minerals from what they eat...

As "somegirl" said alot of people have the same diet just take out the animal products... that cant be good?

~Marty

[Popeye the Sailor]

try finding citrus fruits in a remote african village... it ain't happening.

Citrus is not the only source of Vitamin C. The fruit of the Baobab tree is high in Vitamin C. The Baobab tree is apparently also abundant throughtout Africa. More info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baobab

[cduarte]

baobab trees were not very common in Chad. Look, I lived over there for 27 months, and I'm very familiar with the food available in the villages. Fortunately for me, I lived in cities which had a far greater variety of food.

[ducpainter]

Seems like a properly educated person with access to the correct foods can be vegan and healthy.

It's probably difficult for a villager in Chad to be properly nourished....period.