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Spencer WestleyWe are pleased to welcome guest blogger Spencer Westley, Humanergy’s former intern and wellness writer.

Once upon a time (seven years ago), in a land far, far away (California), there was a young boy (me, Spencer Westley) attending a family friend’s wedding. Reena and Chris were MARRIED … and VEGAN! For those of you who don’t know, being vegan means you don’t eat or use animal products. I clearly remember being 13 years of age, forced to eat what I thought was the most disgusting green goop I’ve ever seen at the newlyweds’ all-vegan wedding.

For years my interpretation of veganism was associated with the fact that I suffered because I was “too old” to be served chicken tenders that the younger kids got to eat. It wasn’t until recently I found that vegan meals can be tasty, and have not only a positive health impact on you, but the world as a whole.

Now, let’s get something straight; I’m not vegan – I like cheese fries way too much. However, never feel hindered by the fact you aren’t vegan to try out vegan cooking. Studies have shown that eating animal fats and proteins have been known to raise the risk of developing cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, heart disease and other illnesses as well. Along with that, the fat and protein content of cow’s milk is substantially different than human milk, making some experts believe that we are not designed to consume it.

A study published in Food Technology magazine explained that plant-based diets can either minimize or eliminate people’s tendencies to develop chronic illnesses such as the ones listed earlier. On top of that, a vegan diet doesn’t use nearly as much of the Earth’s natural resources as a carnivorous diet. The meat industry uses tons and tons of resources in order to produce their products. As one of my favorite professors told me, “Eating just one vegetarian meal a day can help decrease fossil fuel emissions substantially.” (Note that some researchers would beg to differ on the environmental benefits of a vegetarian or vegan diet.)

Check out one of my favorite blogs, theedgyveg.com, dedicated to fun, vegan recipes! Give some of them a try!

Photo from Pixabay.