BY MELISSA McKIMMY
MIND
Thinking of going vegan? Americans view veganism as a healthy, sustainable diet
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ajor news outlets across the globe have declared 2019 the “year of the vegan.” Food giants like Unilever, Tyson, McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC and Subway are clamoring for a seat at the vegan food table, and vegan options like the Impossible Burger and Beyond Burger have gone mainstream. Veganism excludes all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty. To eat a vegan diet means to follow a diet free of all animal products. A record number of Americans, especially young people, view it as a healthy, ethical and sustainable way of eating. Many health benefits are attributed to following a plant-based diet. “Research consistently shows that plantbased diets are linked with a lower risk of obesity, hypertension, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and cancer,” according to Sharon Palmer, a registered dietician and author of Plant-Powered for Life.” Many pro athletes rely on a plant-
about the climate crisis, to support their values through food choices. A study by the University of Oxford found that eliminating animal-derived foods is the single most effective way to reduce environmental impact. In fact, going vegan can reduce your carbon footprint by over 70 percent. CADL’s South Lansing branch will host VegMichigan for a free presentation and vegan food tasting on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Visit cadl.org/events for more information.
CHECK THIS OUT!
To read more about veganism, check out How Not to Die by Michael Greger, available at Capital Area District Libraries.
based diet to improve performance, recovery and longevity, including 2019 Wimbledon champion Novack Djokovic, a producer of the new documentary, The Game Changers. Veganism also allows people who prioritize the humane treatment of animals, and those with concerns
Melissa McKimmy is the Event Coordinator for VegMichigan, a nonprofit group that works to promote the health, ethical and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet.
th 5 1 R!
YEA
JACKSON YMCA
TURKEY TROT DOWNLOAD FREE MUSIC AT
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5K Run/Walk/10K Run
9 a.m. NOVEMBER 28 REGISTER ONLINE:
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Jeff Beagle (517) 795-4970 TRY THE STUDENT BODY CHALLENGE! YOUR SCHOOL CAN REGISTER ONLINE. Military Discount • First Responders Discount Title sponsor:
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