Veganism in New Zealand is now twice as popular as it was just five years ago! Google trends has shown clearly the rise in interest in veganism globally over the years. This article from Chef’s Pencil shows how interest in veganism continues to grow worldwide and especially in countries with a traditional base in meat and dairy.
There have been so many plant-based start ups, printed meat, cell culture technology and just simple good vegan cooking have all made their mark. Last year New Zealand ranked 3rd in the world for global interest in veganism, a huge surprise in itself and you would be forgiven for thinking that the slip to 5th was people rushing back to eat meat. However it simply reflects that Israel and Austria have overtaken NZ in the popularity stakes. Within New Zealand itself, interest in veganism remains high as people find that meat and dairy alternatives are just as tasty.
It should come as no surprise that the aftermath of the Covid pandemic has increased the popularity of veganism. Studies show clear linkage between animal agriculture and pandemics, many slaughterhouses and butcheries have been affected and closed down all over the world due to the virus. Combine that with the ever foreboding climate change and the reasons for going vegan just keep increasing. As study after study shows that we must eat more plant-based in order to be sustainable.
Worldwide and in New Zealand vegan eateries have been able to thrive as people become more aware of how their food is produced. The future generations are seeing the destruction caused by animal agriculture, observing the Amazonian fires burning to grow soy to feed beef cattle, seeing how wildlife has been reduced by nearly 70% over the last 50 years, in the main to make way for land to feed animals to feed humans. It is becoming increasingly clear that our current lifestyle is not sustainable and choosing a different thing to eat is the easiest action an individual can take to mitigate climate change and use our precious resources wisely.
“It is heartening to see that so many people are becoming interested in veganism, whether for their own health, because they care about animals or they are concerned about the planet. It is clear that reducing our consumption of animal products is good for us, good for the environment and really good for the animals.” said Vegan Society spokesperson Claire Insley, “For too long we have over consumed animal proteins to the detriment of the planet and now our children’s future is in jeopardy. If we want to ensure a sustainable world for our children and grandchildren we must turn more to plant-based foods. They have really come a long way in the last five years and are set to continue and increase in popularity”
Cities in New Zealand where veganism is rising are Dunedin, Wellington, and Nelson, while it remains very strong in Christchurch and Auckland. More companies are offering vegan options than ever before, including the large fast food chains such as KFC, Burger King and Domino’s. Even McDonald’s have vegan burgers in other countries!
References
https://www.chefspencil.com/top-most-popular-countries-and-cities-for-vegans-in-2020/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200724104144.htm
https://phys.org/news/2019-08-global-appetite-beef-soy-fuels.html
Read all the contributions at carnivorycon 2019. The “con” is an abbreviation for “conference”.
Many vegetables contain toxins that the human body DOESN’T NEED. All the solanum group come immediately to mind: potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, & etc.
I ate a vegetarian diet for more than 20 years. I then began to feel unwell. I intuitively knew that I needed some meat & ate some animal liver. I then felt much more well. I still don’t eat much meat, but know that I need some. We all also need the saturated fat from animals: that’s what our ancestors ate; that’s what enabled human’s brains to grow & develop. When our ancestors began to eat wild grains 10 – 12 thousand years ago, the human brain became smaller & the average height of humans also reduced by 6 inches.
There is no such thing as vegetable oil – they are all seed oils. Canola oil is the worst. Learn how “vegetable” oils are made. The high heat used destroys all/any nutrients that are in e.g., organic olive oil.
You are aware there is a difference between vegetarian & vegan? Martyn allows all sorts to post their views on his website & you can believe what you want although there is historical information that suggests a vegan diet provided about 900 years lifespan & it was only after the introduction of animal food due to a shortage of plants that caused the lifespan to decrease.
While you might not like that example there is more than enough scientific evidence to support a vegan diet as the healthiest way to live.
Isobel if you are convinced then it may be a waste of time commenting on your statements.
Humans can tolerate small amounts if animal products in their diet but the many myths about past human diet must be researched carefully as the animal product industries have powerful influence on what we hear and read,
“I then began to feel unwell. I intuitively knew that I needed some meat & ate some animal liver. I then felt much more well.”
A personal observation but certainly open to a range of interpretations. Were you just B12 deficient, was it psychological or was your diet just lacking in some essential nutrients.
All essential nutrients are available from a Whole Foods Plant Based diet, but variety is needed.
A small amount of protein is needed and available from plants. A high protein diet damages liver and kidneys.
There is a wealth of reliable research available but there is also a plethora of false information.
Processed food is highly suspect and oils should be avoided. They damage the circulatory system. Eat the whole food and avoid extracts.
There is obviously so much for you to venture into by the sound of what you have written. Nurse training in nutrition is not cutting edge to say the least and in certainly based on average Kiwi fare.
Over decades old assumptions that human brains increased in size with eating animal protein. That is well debunked. The cooking of food is a current consideration as the brain is a very energy consuming organ.
Reversing heart disease was though to not be possible but now it has been shown that it is not only possible but a growing trend.
Hunt around certainly but beware money making schemes.
A few video clips.
The credentials of the first speaker are impeccable. The specialist called upon when President Clinton had a major heart event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC3wRx4vV7g
http://www.dresselstyn.com/site/video-2/
https://reverseheartdiseasenaturally.com/sample-page
“interest in veganism remains high as people find that meat and dairy alternatives are just as tasty.”
You don’t say!
Many vegan recipes here: One Green Planet, Recipes
Enviro section here: One Green Planet, Environment
Other topic sections are on the One Green Planet site, including Health, and there’s a Newsletter.
Vegetarian. Vegan. Whatever. I’d be interested if someone could assure me that the vast amount of vege protein needed to feed the planet could be produced without vast quantities of herbicides, pesticides, chemical fertilisers and genetic engineering.
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