Some people couldn't live without eating animal products in their diet, such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy and honey. But for vegans, this is a normal lifestyle. Vegans are often misunderstood as people with eating disorders or an unnatural passion for animal rights. It's time for people to realize that veganism, a lifestyle that is both empowering and rewarding, is about so much more than being skinny or caring for animals. In fact, veganism can be extremely beneficial to anyone who adapts it as a lifestyle and has many different benefits. At one point, veganism appeared problematic due to the lack of necessary vitamins, minerals and proteins. in the diet. However, over time it has been proven to be a safe and healthy lifestyle for all ages. The vegan diet includes foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans and soy products. These foods provide nutrition and high levels of vitamins and minerals necessary for survival, such as magnesium, fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, antioxidants, protein, carbohydrates and phytochemicals. . Recent research has shown that vegan people are very healthy and may even be healthier than people who eat meat. (57 Health) In fact, people who consume animal products are forty percent more susceptible to cancer and are at increased risk of many other diseases, including stroke, obesity, appendicitis and diabetes. It is also a common misconception that meat eaters are stronger than vegetarians, but an experiment conducted by Professor Irving Fisher of Yale University on 32 vegetarians and 15 meat eaters showed that vegetarians had more strength. endurance than meat eaters. paper......the world's resources would be used more efficiently if land used for livestock production was transformed into crops to feed people. (Fallon) Although it may be difficult at first, making the decision to become vegan would benefit you immensely. Following a vegan diet allows you to be healthier, care for animals, and be more environmentally friendly. It's a lifestyle of taking only what you need and cutting back on excess. Works Cited Fallon, Sally; Friedrich, Bruce. “Debate: Is Veganism a Better Way of Life?.” Ecologist. October 1, 2001: 20. Electronic library. Internet. November 9, 2011.Hood, Sandra. “The vegan diet.” Practical nurse. February 8, 2008: 13. Science Electronic Library. Internet. November 09, 2011. "57 Health Benefits of Going Vegan | Nursing Schools: LPN RN BSN MSN: Online Nursing Degree." Nursing Schools: LPN RN BSN MSN: Online Nursing Degree. November 9. 2011