Over winter break I happened to watch a documentary about the benefits of a plant-based diet. A devout omnivore with a love for bacon and steak, I had never been vegetarian, let alone vegan. In all honesty, I thought vegans were insane. Who would willingly give up cheese, meat, and all the foods that I held dear? However, my perspective was changed, and here are nine reasons why.

1. Processed meat is a Group One carcinogen.

The World Health Organization classifies processed meat, such as bacon and sausage, as Group One carcinogen, directly linked to causing cancer. This category also includes cigarettes and asbestos.

2. Most humans are lactose intolerant.

Chances are, you know someone who is lactose intolerant. Or a few people. This is because most people are lactose intolerant. You may be, too, and not even know it yet. So why risk hurting your body?

3. Cow milk is not meant for humans and may weaken the bones.

Cow milk is perfectly designed to give baby cows the vital nutrients they need. It is not made for humans. The makeup of cow milk is different than human milk and provides nutrient levels not intended for humans.

4. Many chickens, cows, and pigs are kept in deplorable conditions.

A large reason many people become vegan is the humane aspect. Why support companies that subject animals to inhumane conditions and break up small, lower class towns with oversized farms?

5. There is evidence that humans are herbivores, not omnivores.

6. Meat is high in cholesterol, which causes diabetes, heart disease, and other medical issues.

7. Farms use mass amounts of general antibiotics in feed to keep the animals “healthy,” which is contributing to antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance is the concept of bacteria becoming immune to the antibiotics we throw at it. This is largely caused by over-using these medications. There have already been deaths due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and if farms continue to use widespread antibiotics, there will be more.

8. For many, a plant-based diet can help reduce medical ailments and be a large factor in weight loss.

A Harvard study states that “processed meat and fish have been shown to be associated with the risk of advanced prostate cancer…”

9. Fish contain pesticides, herbicides, and mercury.

Have you ever heard of pregnant women being told to not eat fish? If there are things in fish that have negative effects on babies, would they not have negative effects on adults, too?