Large prospective trials have demonstrated that populations following plant-based diets, particularly vegetarian and vegan diets, are at lower risk for ischemic heart disease mortality.

In an analysis controlling for medication changes, a low-fat vegan diet appeared to improve glycemia and plasma lipids more than did conventional diabetes diet recommendations.

Meat-heavy diets are strongly linked with obesity and heart disease. Eating meat increases the risk of dying prematurely from heart disease, according to a 2012 study from the Harvard School of Public Health. Dairy products are the No. 1 source of saturated fat in the U.S. diet, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

In contrast to federal nutrition guidelines that emphasize healthful vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, federal subsidies go in the opposite direction, supporting meat, dairy products, and sugar.

Barnard discusses his book, <em>Breaking the Food Seduction</em>.

Heart disease and cancer are the nation's top killers, and the risks of both can be reduced by eating plants instead of animal products. Removing meat, milk and eggs from the menu also prevents animal suffering and goes a long way toward lightening our environmental footprint.

<em>Time</em> magazine talks to Baur about his proudest accomplishments during his 25-year tenure at Farm Sanctuary, the next animal rights initiative it plans to back and what it’ll take to get the vegan movement to stick.

As a vegan, I feel good about my food choices and am glad that they are aligned with my values and interests.

The way we eat has profound consequences, not just for our own health, but for the environment and for animals.