Some could not live without eating animal products in their diet, such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products and honey. For vegans, however, this is a normal lifestyle. Vegans are often misunderstood as people who suffer from eating disorders or have an unnatural passion for animal rights. It's time for people to realize that veganism, a challenging but rewarding lifestyle, goes far beyond being thin or caring for animals. In reality, veganism can be extremely beneficial to anyone who adapts it as a lifestyle and there are many different benefits that come with it. At one point, veganism seemed problematic due to the lack of necessary vitamins, minerals and proteins. in the diet. However, gradually over time it has proven to be a healthy and safe 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 needed to survive, such as magnesium, fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, antioxidants, proteins, carbohydrates and phytochemicals. Recent research has shown that vegan people are extremely healthy and may even be healthier than people who eat meat. (57 Health) In fact, people who consume animal products are 40% more susceptible to cancer and are at greater risk of many other diseases, including stroke, obesity, appendicitis and diabetes. It is often mistakenly believed 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 endurance than those who ate meat. paper… the world's resources would be used more efficiently if land used for livestock production was turned into crops to feed people. (Fallon) Although it may be difficult at first, making the decision to go vegan will benefit you enormously. Following a vegan diet allows you to be healthier, care for animals and be more environmentally friendly. It's a lifestyle where you only take what you need and cut back on excess. Works Cited Fallon, Sally; Frederick, Bruce. “Debate: Is veganism a better lifestyle?” Ecologist. 01 October 2001: 20. eLibrary. Network. 09 November 2011.Hood, Sandra. "The vegan diet." Practical nurse. February 8, 2008: 13. eLibrary Science. Network. 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. 09 November. 2011