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Vegan: The New Ethics of Eating
In this book, you will find the latest information about how what you eat affects your health, the environment, and the existence of the animals who share this planet, along with in-depth discussions of ground-breaking work by these internationally respected experts: Heart specialist, Dean Ornish, M.D.; Nutrition scientist, T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D.; Weight loss expert, Terry Shintani, M.D.; Farm Sanctuary founders, Gene and Lorri Bauston; Vegetarian nutritionist, Suzanne Havala, R.D.; Population analysis, David Pimentel, Ph.D.; Mad Cow disease expert, Stephen Dealler, M.D.; Rangeland activist, Lynn Jacobs.
212 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1955
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 9, 2007
Here we have the well poured ink on paper that begat my long journey along the rough and seldom climbed path of Veganism.
February 13, 2017
I got something from this book I didn't expect. I eat (ate, I should say) a high protein/medium fat vegan diet and was a junkfood vegan back in the day. I always thought the whole HCLF plantbased hype was just for obnoxious skinny girls like Freelee and that had nothing to it whatsoever. Since I live a vegan lifestyle only because of animal suffering I never really gave a second thought to the whole health aspects of veganism. I knew about the cholestorol thing, of course. The brief introduction in the first few chapters talking about dr. Ornish and others was a true eyeopener for me. I watched Forks over Knives as a result and have now adopted WSLF/HCLF diet myself (80/10/10) and feel great about it.
The information on animal abuse in the egg, dairy and meatindustries is concise but relatively complete for first time readers on animal rights. I wish there was a chapter on fish/seafood too, though. The book is called Vegan but actually only talks about a plantbased diet and not about leather, wool, silk, fur and animal testing. The chapters on the environment/world hunger are a little too short, in my opinion.
Overall, with its obvious imperfections I would highly recommend this to people who want to learn more about what veganism is and the reasons behind it (health, animals, environment, global food distribution). For books on animal rights it's better to turn to Gary L. Francione or Tom Regan.
The information on animal abuse in the egg, dairy and meatindustries is concise but relatively complete for first time readers on animal rights. I wish there was a chapter on fish/seafood too, though. The book is called Vegan but actually only talks about a plantbased diet and not about leather, wool, silk, fur and animal testing. The chapters on the environment/world hunger are a little too short, in my opinion.
Overall, with its obvious imperfections I would highly recommend this to people who want to learn more about what veganism is and the reasons behind it (health, animals, environment, global food distribution). For books on animal rights it's better to turn to Gary L. Francione or Tom Regan.
April 1, 2009
So, not many vegans out there, and I myself no longer qualify, but it was a good read on diet and health and the whole meat/dairy-producing industry. Note: You will probably look like a pretentious-mightier-than-thou-hippy whilst reading this book; I recommend you do it in private or invest in a book cover!
June 20, 2007
Excellent introduction to pursuing a vegan path.
May 16, 2010
This is an even-handed and agreeable book that explores the health and ethical motivations behind choosing a plant-based diet. I was pleased to see the author did not resort to hyperbole, as is sometimes the case with veg*n books. I was also relived to see Marcus explore certain issues that so many authors shy away from or ignore completely.
My only complaints are that the few photos were black-and-white and rather poorly reproduced, and that the author bolded certain phrases in the text seemingly randomly, which I was a bit thrown by.
This is a book I would suggest to omnivorous skeptics.
My only complaints are that the few photos were black-and-white and rather poorly reproduced, and that the author bolded certain phrases in the text seemingly randomly, which I was a bit thrown by.
This is a book I would suggest to omnivorous skeptics.
December 4, 2014
Interesting book...I thought some of the benefits attributed to a vegan diet were probably a little overblown, or at least were not put in perspective with other lifestyle choices (like exercise), but much of the info on post-industrial agro-business practices and the chapter on food borne pathogens seemed legit (and very scary).
It certainly makes you think twice about the sustainability of modern agricultural practices.
It certainly makes you think twice about the sustainability of modern agricultural practices.
March 6, 2008
A compelling book. Worth a read just to open your eyes.
July 30, 2008
I read this book with the intent to educate myself on how food gets to my plate as well as how the farming industry treats animals in general.
I found a lot of the material disturbing and it did lead me to question the ethics of the way my family eats.
I'm not sure if everything in this book can be taken as Gospel, but it is a good read for those who are interested in changing their diet for health as well as humane reasons.
I found a lot of the material disturbing and it did lead me to question the ethics of the way my family eats.
I'm not sure if everything in this book can be taken as Gospel, but it is a good read for those who are interested in changing their diet for health as well as humane reasons.
September 21, 2009
Another great book for those curious about the vegan lifestyle or beginning their journey as a vegan. Great information and statistics, easy to read and engaging. Don't expect anything more than the basics, though. But for what it tries to do it definitely does successfully, covering all the bases of the benefits of veganism: animal rights, human health, environment.
April 7, 2013
Covers all the issues, though might overstate some of the health benefits of veganism. Really great chapter on the environmental impact of cattle ranching, which is something none of the other books I've read have touched upon. Also some terrifying information about the earth's carrying capacity. This would be a good starting point for people exploring issues related to meat eating.
June 18, 2010
Discusses the ethical, economical, environmental and health reasons for why vegans choose their diets. I suggest you don't read if you don't plan on going vegan, because otherwise it is really tough to digest (no pun intended). Similar to visiting McDonalds right after watching Super Size Me.
January 9, 2008
it will change the way you think
August 27, 2008
It's been a while since I read this, but I think it was pretty good.
November 14, 2010
Wow, What a great book! It really made me think about how we vote with our dollars at the gorcery store and malls. I really enjoyed this book.
November 8, 2011
This is a great insight to the reality of the foods we eat, their affects on us, the environment and what we can do as individuals as well as a society change direction.
October 20, 2015
This is a must read for anyone considering switching to a plant-based diet. I have been vegan for 10 years and learned a lot from this book!
October 31, 2025
This is a great source of information regarding veganism and its impact on our environment and one’s health. Four food groups are discussed as staples in the vegan diet, along with vitamin B12. This resource investigates heart disease thoroughly, and offers the perspective that healing can happen through the necessary dietary changes. The role that ranchers play in killing off critically endangered wildlife like red wolves is significant. At one time, for less than $2/steer/month, ranchers were allotted public land by our government for grazing indefinitely. Intensive use of petroleum in our farming practices is also discussed as it relates to grain production for animal agriculture feed lots.
Overpopulation is a topic of concern now and in the future. The sobering reality is that there is not enough food for everyone and there are too many people on Earth. Farmland is grossly being used to fatten animals for slaughter rather than to make food grain for humans. Slaughterhouse workers are oftentimes the poorest of the poor and likely immigrants. Poor work conditions leave them crippled and unfit for rehire.
Improper animal handling occurs which generates more waste of carcasses and more total deaths of carcasses that do not sell or are legally not able to be sold. This handling is treated as more of a hassle or an inconvenience especially when there is better production made by the team. Ethical problems lead to mental disorders, and people believe that they can get away with more down the road. An excuse like, “for the sake of increased meat production” can get a person out of trouble who may have just committed an atrocious act. Serious forms of animal torture can ensue more often for this reason, and at an accelerated rate to amplify results and bring home better wages. Little to no supervision is typical when higher ups can’t stomach something. They feel the need to turn a blind eye to meet a quota and/or to keep filled the positions of the highest and most efficient producers.
This read is vital for those of us who choose sustainability on our Earth. Not knowing the solemn facts makes chances of survival of our species extremely low. Giving up or showing indifference to the need for societal change would lead to the inevitable extinction of mankind.
Overpopulation is a topic of concern now and in the future. The sobering reality is that there is not enough food for everyone and there are too many people on Earth. Farmland is grossly being used to fatten animals for slaughter rather than to make food grain for humans. Slaughterhouse workers are oftentimes the poorest of the poor and likely immigrants. Poor work conditions leave them crippled and unfit for rehire.
Improper animal handling occurs which generates more waste of carcasses and more total deaths of carcasses that do not sell or are legally not able to be sold. This handling is treated as more of a hassle or an inconvenience especially when there is better production made by the team. Ethical problems lead to mental disorders, and people believe that they can get away with more down the road. An excuse like, “for the sake of increased meat production” can get a person out of trouble who may have just committed an atrocious act. Serious forms of animal torture can ensue more often for this reason, and at an accelerated rate to amplify results and bring home better wages. Little to no supervision is typical when higher ups can’t stomach something. They feel the need to turn a blind eye to meet a quota and/or to keep filled the positions of the highest and most efficient producers.
This read is vital for those of us who choose sustainability on our Earth. Not knowing the solemn facts makes chances of survival of our species extremely low. Giving up or showing indifference to the need for societal change would lead to the inevitable extinction of mankind.
May 27, 2018
I'm not vegan, but I have been trying to eat a more a environmentally conscientious diet. This was on my wife's bookshelf. Since she is vegan, I have been eating a mostly vegan diet for a few years now.
Even though I have been eating a mostly vegan diet, this was still a pretty fascinating and education book. There are a few claims made that probably needed more investigation, and some that don't, but that I'm curious about the reasoning. For example, African-Americans and Asians have a high-incidence of lactose intolerance. There is a lot of literature to back this up, but I'm curious as to why that is. (Some basic research could probably show why.)
A lot of time was spent on the conditions in meat producing areas, including the shocking revelation that chicken and egg farms are the least sanitary and worst of all the meat producing areas.
More exploration on the environmental effects of meat production, including soil erosion, resource depletion, the waste of resources in producing a pound of beef as opposed to a pound of beans, would have been more interesting.
The personal anecdotes of those who had switched to an all-plant diet were enlightening, especially the first of the man who had given up all medical tests, and was convinced by Dr Ornish to test his diet, and the affects this had on him.
This is a great introduction into veganism, and the healthy long-term affects it can have.
I also share the author's discovery that switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet helped to expand his food and cooking possibilities, as opposed to limit them. As in the arts and writing, restriction can sometimes be a creative force.
Even though I have been eating a mostly vegan diet, this was still a pretty fascinating and education book. There are a few claims made that probably needed more investigation, and some that don't, but that I'm curious about the reasoning. For example, African-Americans and Asians have a high-incidence of lactose intolerance. There is a lot of literature to back this up, but I'm curious as to why that is. (Some basic research could probably show why.)
A lot of time was spent on the conditions in meat producing areas, including the shocking revelation that chicken and egg farms are the least sanitary and worst of all the meat producing areas.
More exploration on the environmental effects of meat production, including soil erosion, resource depletion, the waste of resources in producing a pound of beef as opposed to a pound of beans, would have been more interesting.
The personal anecdotes of those who had switched to an all-plant diet were enlightening, especially the first of the man who had given up all medical tests, and was convinced by Dr Ornish to test his diet, and the affects this had on him.
This is a great introduction into veganism, and the healthy long-term affects it can have.
I also share the author's discovery that switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet helped to expand his food and cooking possibilities, as opposed to limit them. As in the arts and writing, restriction can sometimes be a creative force.
September 24, 2019
Although this was originally published 19 years ago, there's still a lot of solid, relevant info for anyone who wants to learn more about the ethical and health benefits of a vegan diet. I am in the process of learning all I can since switching to a whole food plant based diet 6 months ago so I appreciated this book.
Something I was not aware of is the absolute destruction to land as a result of cattle grazing. It's astonishing and I really had no clue of the damage it does.
Something I was not aware of is the absolute destruction to land as a result of cattle grazing. It's astonishing and I really had no clue of the damage it does.
June 11, 2017
As a vegan, I greatly enjoyed this book but, at the same time this book also broke my heart because it goes in depth of what goes on in diary farms, hen houses, etc. It also provides good insight on what switching to an all plant-based diet and living can do for our bodies and for the ecosystem :)
March 4, 2018
There were minimal parts I liked, and main foods to be considered a vegan lifestyle. The other parts via stories, testimonies, and food chain elements was a bore for me. Therefore, it was just an okay read but was able to scan through the book within 2 hours.
February 1, 2018
Definitely recommended if you want to learn more about veganism. Great book.
March 4, 2018
This is the awakening book.
April 21, 2010
This book provided interesting insight on the health, environmental, and ethical benefits of going vegan. I've definitely learned that I don't need animal products as part of a healthy, well-balanced diet, which is contrary to everything most of us have ever been taught. I've been eating a mostly-meatless diet ever since I read Eating Animals, and this book is certainly enough to convince me to cut out eggs and dairy, but I don't think I'm ready for that yet. Maybe one day in the future. For now, I'm still learning to live without meat, which admittedly has not been all that hard -- it doesn't really sound appetizing to me anymore. Cheese, yogurt, and ice cream is an entirely different story, but it'd probably be good for my health and the environment if I at least started limiting my intake.
My biggest gripe with this book is that it's like 10 years old by now, so I don't know how accurate all the statistics are for the meat industry and the health studies. It doesn't detract from the truth of the author's argument though, which is that we don't need animal products to survive and thrive, and by continuing to eat them in the large quantities in which we currently do, we're only killing ourselves and the planet.
My biggest gripe with this book is that it's like 10 years old by now, so I don't know how accurate all the statistics are for the meat industry and the health studies. It doesn't detract from the truth of the author's argument though, which is that we don't need animal products to survive and thrive, and by continuing to eat them in the large quantities in which we currently do, we're only killing ourselves and the planet.
February 1, 2011
This book is divided into 3 sections:
1.) To Your Health- Includes health benefits of a vegan deit and health risks of a non-vegan diet, including a look at mad cow disease (v. interesting)
2.) The Truth About Food Animals- Most of this information is not new if you are familiar with practices of factory farms. That being said, MANY people (myself included until recently) did not know these facts. Told from the point of view of a great organization called Farm Sanctuary.
3.) Beyond the Dinner Table- Including a piece on world hunger, scarier than any horror flick I've seen.
Highly recommended if you are a vegan or considering a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle, or if you just want to know more about our food, where it comes from, and the impact on our earth.
1.) To Your Health- Includes health benefits of a vegan deit and health risks of a non-vegan diet, including a look at mad cow disease (v. interesting)
2.) The Truth About Food Animals- Most of this information is not new if you are familiar with practices of factory farms. That being said, MANY people (myself included until recently) did not know these facts. Told from the point of view of a great organization called Farm Sanctuary.
3.) Beyond the Dinner Table- Including a piece on world hunger, scarier than any horror flick I've seen.
Highly recommended if you are a vegan or considering a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle, or if you just want to know more about our food, where it comes from, and the impact on our earth.
August 25, 2015
The book starts with good intentions. It does a few case studies on people who have improved their health through a vegan diet. Then the book starts on the path of how animals are raised, slaughtered, etc. If you have read Fastfood Nation this is not a big shock to hear about. I really think if the book had stuck to vegan case studies and maybe other topics instead of going down the path of animals being slaughtered, chickens being debeaked, pigs living in awful conditions and the raising of veal it would have been a much better book.
April 5, 2007
I guess this is comparable to Fast Food Nation only the focus is on veganism instead of capitalism. (Maybe those are one in the same? I don't know.) Though I wholeheartedly agree with the message the book is still pretty dry and very fact-y. It's a good vegan resource and definitely worth reading if you're on the fence about whether or not to live animal-free. (duh, of course you should.) I'm still waiting for the final kick in the ass that will make me give up dairy.
July 21, 2007
Kind of a newer, shorter (and better layed out) Diet for a New America. Presents some amazing facts regarding the suffering, unhealthiness, and pollution caused by a animal-centered diet. Oops, I actually haven't read this, the "revised edition", but I imagine it doesn't differ too much from the original.
September 7, 2007
Although not a vegan, yet, reading this book has helped me to continue with my committment. It's a sad commentary on humans that so many think they are above the other species that share this planet. If just one person would read this book and make some small changes, you don't have to become Vegan, it would save many lives.
December 17, 2007
While I didn't go vegan until 2 years after I read it, I think this book was very important in my willingness to go vegan. He hits all the suspects: consuming animals' horrible destruction to the environment and human bodies; and, of course, animal rights. Because the animals ain't here for you to kill or use. For any reason.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews