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Why are vegetarianism and veganism becoming more popular?

According to GlobalData, the number of US citizens adopting veganism grew from 1% in 2014 to 6% of the total population in 2017 – a 600% increase in just three years. Likewise, vegetarianism is experiencing similar growth trends and it was estimated in 2018 vegetarians, vegans and other associated categories accounted for around 8% of the global populace.

Certainly if you walk into any supermarket, it’s clear to see there’s been a huge increase in the number of options now available for vegans and vegetarians – and the trend shows no sign of slowing. But just why are these groups growing so quickly and so suddenly?


An increase in flexitarianism

A flexitarian lifestyle means reducing the amount of meat you include in your diet (while not necessarily cutting it out altogether). Recent research has shown people across the globe are mixing up what they eat more and more, moving away from the traditional western idea of always including meat with every meal. 

Meat-free options are increasing in supermarkets and restaurants in all countries around the world, allowing consumers to mix and match their food more and allowing a greater variety in diet. While not fully vegan or vegetarian, an increase in flexitarian eating results in a greater range of options for both groups. 

Also, the fact more people are taking a flexitarian approach to food improves the viability of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. For example, jikonilondon.com serves 100% vegan and vegetarian meals in both its in-house and delivery menus – even though it would be unlikely they cater to purely non-meat-eaters. 


Turning vegan for the environment

As awareness of the environment grows globally, people have started to understand more about the causes of global warming and are finally starting to act. Animal agriculture is estimated to account for around 14.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions while mass-farming has been blamed for vast swathes of the Amazon rainforest being destroyed. 

Moreover, around 70 billion animals are reared and killed each year purely for human consumption – a fact that doesn’t sit easy with many. Research shows millennials are more likely to turn vegan than their older counterparts (26%) while females make up the majority of vegans (77% female in the US). Similar studies have also shown 34% of millennials eat at least four vegetarian meals every week.  


Turning vegan for health

Eating meat (particularly red meat) has been linked with various serious health conditions including types of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Indeed, it’s been estimated that including red meat in your diet could increase your risk of developing heart disease by a staggering 1000%. Also, experts cite eating just three rashers of bacon per week could increase the risk of bowel cancer by 20%. Conversely, plant-based foods have been found to counter and protect against many serious diseases, including cancers.  

While meat still brings some benefits to diet, most experts recommend consumption should be held in moderation. Regardless of whether you turn fully vegan or vegetarian, a diet rich in plant-based foods is good for your immune system and helps protect against disease. 

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