(NewsNation) — The number of people choosing to try veganism has exploded in 2025, with nearly 26 million trying out the diet.
A vegan diet consists of a person eating plant-based foods (such as vegetables, grains, nuts, fruits) and not consuming products that come from animals.
“Some vegans do it to improve their health, as research shows that a plant-based diet could lower the risk of certain diseases,” says WebMD.com’s Stephanie Watson. “Others stay away from meat because they don’t want to harm animals or because they want to protect the environment.”
As the diet has gained in popularity, what are the pros and cons of trying it out?
Benefits of a vegan diet
Ultimately, a person choosing a vegan diet depends on their personal beliefs, health considerations, and willingness to commit to a plant-based lifestyle.
However, if they do, they could have plenty of benefits, including improved health and reduced risk for several diseases.
According to AltaMed, those pros are:
-Better heart health
-Weight management
-Lower cancer risk
-Improved digestive health
-Environmental impact
Disadvantages of a vegan diet
While the advantages of a vegan diet are significant, people who try the process may not get the proper nutrients they need.
“A vegan diet may lack certain essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein,” AltaMed says.
Beyond a lack of nutrients, vegan dieters may find challenges when trying to eat out and potentially higher expenses when buying food.
A plant-based diet can be affordable, while specialty vegan products and substitutes can cost more than their non-vegan options.