Doctors tell us drinking water, eating a balanced diet and exercising at least 30 minutes a day is good for our health.
Processed and salty foods have been known to decrease a person’s energy and health. According to Medical News Today, “Processed foods are usually loaded with added sugar…and its evil twin, high fructose corn syrup.”
They also said these foods can lead to insulin resistance and increase harmful levels of cholesterol. This is why processed foods are not the best option toward one’s overall health and nutritional diet.
Veganism has become popular among Americans and it has been deemed as a healthier alternative. Vegans exclude any type of animal product consumption in their lifestyle, whether that is food or clothes.
Pierce College should offer more vegan options to its students. It’s healthy, better for the environment and doesn’t require any animals to suffer in the process.
According to the Vegan Society’s website, “The World Health Organisation report in November 2015 ranked processed meat ranked as a group 1 carcinogen (the same category as cigarettes, alcohol and asbestos). Eating just 50 grams per day (two rashers of bacon) increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent. It also classified red meat as a group 2A carcinogen.”
Pierce offers on-the-go snack bars, instant soups and meat options. But these choices do not provide the healthiest nutrients for students, instead of including more fresh produce and fruit beverages, which can increase a person’s energy.
According to an article by healthy eating, “Vegan diets are naturally low in saturated and trans fats, reducing your risk of developing heart disease and related complications.”
There are students who find it difficult to find vegan options on campus. Some may even go all day without eating. With enough effort, there can be an even amount of vegan options as there are meat related foods.
This will be inclusive. All students, even those who are non-vegan, can enjoy a food variety to pick off the menu.
Full-time vegan students mostly spend their day at school and or work. Sure it is up to them to bring their own food at times, but what if they need to stay longer than expected and get hungry later? What will their options be?
According to an article by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “Vegan diets are usually higher in dietary fiber, magnesium, folic acid, vitamins C and E, iron, and phytochemicals, and they tend to be lower in calories, saturated fat and cholesterol, long-chain n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B-12. In general, vegetarians typically enjoy a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.”
Schools should be like grocery markets: sell what attracts people, or grow with the community. Pierce needs to start looking around more or perhaps start a poll on what percentage of the school is vegan. Asking them questions like, “Do students have several food options on campus?” is a good start.
All people need to eat. If meat lovers have options, why not vegans?
This will highly benefit students in the long run and maybe even convince meat lovers that there are great vegan food options out there for them to eat as well. This will help promote good health and make sure that vegan students have the options they can be delighted to choose from.
