Veganism seems like a new fad that's emerged from both social media and Western, mainstream culture that passive-aggressively shames meat eaters for hating animals and the environment. But once you step back, you realize how the popularization of veganism in this way has erased the important cultural and scientific implications associated with a plant-based diet. I was unaware of these impacts until I attended the Plant Futures Symposium hosted by the Plant Futures Team at the Spieker Forum. This symposium hosted speakers from various backgrounds, such as business, activism, science, and politics. Despite differences in ideals, their love and support for a plant-centric future brought them together to this conference. Here is what I learned.
Animal Cruelty
The most obvious push for plant-focused changes comes from its impact on animals. Speakers AJ Albrecht and Monica Chen brought up the need for new laws to stop inhumane slaughtering and prevent the pushback from the meat industry, which benefits the most from current practices. With billions of animals being killed every year for meat, dairy, and eggs, the existing approaches are arguably cruel and only focus on high production rates. Growth hormones that allow chickens to grow up to 6 pounds in 70 days, artificially inseminating cows to increase milk production, and the lack of info concerning aquaculture are all widely known problems.
Cultural Impact
While animal cruelty issues are the most widely discussed in the argument for a plant-based diet, cultural and historical influences rarely seem to come up in the conversation, despite being equally as eye-opening and impactful. Speakers Nivi Jaswal and Solaire Denaud educated us on the history of colonization that altered the once plant-focused diets of Indian and African cuisine into one that wasn't as balanced or made for the people eating it.
For example, dairy was not part of traditional Indian culture meaning that milk digestion was not genetically selected for. Even today, four out of five Indians are lactose-intolerant—or "lactose-normal," as Nivi worded it. It was British colonization that brought a demand for tea filled with cow's milk and bone-char-refined white sugar. The British violated laws that banned killing cows so they could feed their war garrisons. This is how recipes for milky tea, beef curry (in some parts of India), and paneer (which came from the court kitchens of the Mogul Empire) became normalized.
The same occurred with the Rastafari movement in Africa which seeks to reverse the effects of historical colonialism and slavery that also forced changes in ancestral diets. Rastas consume a plant diet focused on natural foods free from additives, chemicals, and animal products. This ideology moves away from colonized eating practices; beyond that, it asserts that eating meats or dairy is the equivalent of killing something with god in it, making your stomach a cemetery.
Scientific Takeaways
Another topic discussed was the scientific and medicinal effects of eating plants on the body and mind. I listened to neurologists Ayesha and Dean Sherzai explain the many benefits of eating fruits, vegetables, and nuts for brain health. The vitamins and nutrients that come straight from these sources can't be imitated by supplements and pills. As they emphasized, prevention is better than a cure, and with brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia on the rise, nutrition is a simple but powerful tool.
This article barely covered one day from this two-day Symposium. Not mentioned are the plant-based charcuterie boards, fried oyster mushroom "chicken," and vegan cheeseburger sliders, as well as the entrepreneurial, marketing, and chef perspectives presented. It was an information-packed event with knowledgeable speakers that looked at the plant-based space from every angle. Even if you aren't ready to give up all animal-based products, check out some resources to learn more and be better informed about veganism!