Health Minister Challenged to go Plant-Based

The Vegan Society of Aotearoa has challenged the Health Minister, Simeon Brown, to go plant-based for 21 days in March, a month where the Society traditionally challenges a VIP to try plant-based. A study by Otago University showed that $42 million could be saved if most of the population was plant-based. There are many chronic conditions which a plant-based diet can help, reverse or reduce the risk of getting and the cost of supporting people with such conditions could be better used to help create healthy habits instead.

Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Lifestyle
The health benefits of a 100% whole food plant-based diet have been repeatedly shown in large scale tests and studies for many years. Results are particularly noticeable for those suffering from type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gout, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, all of which are far too common.

Dr Mark Craig explained that “from experience, many patients who remove dairy from their diet get very significant improvement and even resolution of various symptoms. Common improvements are in acne, rhinitis (blocked/ runny noses) and sinusitis, reduced migraine, heavy and painful periods, improved gut health, bloating and energy. People who remove high saturated fat foods like animal meats, frequently experience dramatic improvements in blood fat levels (cholesterol, triglycerides) and blood pressure, usually meaning they can reduce or come off their medications. We have no need for dairy ingestion in our diet and whilst some people can apparently ‘get away with’ small amounts of it and not suffer adverse consequences, many people do run into significant health problems eating dairy as a regular part of their diet.”

It would show great leadership
“It would show great leadership on the Health Minister’s part if he were to consider trying a plant-based diet for 21 days. He might be surprised at the health benefits he gains from doing so and be surprised at the number of great tasting plant-based foods in our restaurants and supermarkets.” Said Claire Insley, media spokesperson for the Society.

The Society awaits to hear from the Health Minister as to whether he will take up the challenge.