Western Diet Vs. Vegan Diet

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I. Western vs. Vegan Diet
A. With a toppling number of 500; in today’s society this is the exceeding number of diets in existence. As humans we crave an image of perfection in one’s self; and a diet is just a route we take to achieve this goal. The question that comes to mind of many is: Which diet actually works? The family oriented traditional western diet or the plant based vegan diet?

B. “The western diet is characterized by high intakes of red meat, sugary desserts, high-fat foods, and refined grains.”( Nazni 78)

1. This diet consists of foods that are virtually available to the average American.
2. Historically healthy and vital for the human body and is delicious in taste.

C. “A vegan diet consists of exclusion of meat, dairy, …show more content…

Elements of the western diet link to the cause, that cholesterol and diabetes are caused by poor and unhealthy dietary choices.
2. Can be reversible and or cured if a vegan diet is employed and withheld.

V. Carbohydrates
A. Carbohydrates are like human beings. They come is numerous sizes, colors, and forms. They each employ a purpose and are wonderful; but is a bad apple in the mix? Are all carbohydrates, malicious for you or do they all promote wellness?

B. “Consumption of typical amounts of added sugar over a lifetime is increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular death.” (Nutrition Action Health Letter 3)
1. Yes, the western diet does include carbohydrate intake, but it should be limited due to the amount of sugar in carbohydrates.
2. Sugar promotes the increases in diseases and early morality.

C. “Carbohydrates in refined or processed form provoke the biggest surges of insulin, and insulin promotes the formation and retention of body fat.” (Whitaker 81)
1. This results in more energy intake derived from process carbohydrate from, and culminates to excess weight gain.
2. Intake of carbs should be sourced from whole grains to promote wellness.
VI. …show more content…

“Appropriately planned vegan diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Such diets meet current recommendations for all nutrients, including protein, B-12 and various minerals that previously raised concerns about vegetable-based diets.” (Templeton 1)

1. If a vegan diet is rich in whole foods such as complex carbs, leafy greens, fruits, and plant based protein; health benefits are above and beyond the requirement. These foods contain the essential amount amino acids the body requires for optimal health.
2. Such foods prevent and reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

VII. Water Conservation
A. Does what we consume matter on a daily basis? Well the average American wastes 90 gallons of water a day; and 80% of that being predominantly from the foods we eat? We must take into account what which foods waste more water: the piece of toast you had for breakfast or a hot dog you had for lunch?

B. “10–15 percent of US water is used for cropland.” (Marlow, Hayes, Soret, carter, Schwab, Sabate 1699)

1. Those who practice a vegan diet essentially waste this amount of water due to the foods in their

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