Think you know everything about being a vegan? Let this article be the true test.

There are countless reasons why people choose to follow a vegan lifestyle. A survey revealed that the number one motive behind their diet change was because of animal ethics. The incredible health benefits that follow the vegan diet came in second.

Vegan diets are often linked with a healthier lifestyle, but how much vegan health trivia do you know? In this article, we’ll cover a few vegan health facts that may surprise you. This is definitely something you’ll want to bookmark and reference next time you’re defending yourself at the family dinner table or trying to convince a friend to make the switch.

Become a Vegan Expert with these Six Interesting Vegan Facts

Being vegan is more than saving the planet or the animals--it’s also about saving ourselves. The health benefits of vegans are endless. A vegan diet proves to be one of the healthiest lifestyles you can live. It can lead to a lower risk of diseases, a decrease in cholesterol, and sugar levels.

Try your knowledge with these surprising vegan trivia facts and challenge your friends to see who knows more.

1. Each year, 198 animals are saved per vegan diet.

Did you know that in the US more than 150 billion animals are killed for meat each year? We know that such a big number is hard to get your head around, so we suggest you check out our friends at The Vegan Calculator. They made a sad, but eye-opening, Animal Slaughter Calculator that shows you exactly what kind and how many animals are being killed for food each second you have the webpage open.

Fortunately, you guys in America are getting the message. Over the last decade, meat consumption has shrunk by 19%. You go, Glenn Coco.

Thanks to you and your vegan diet, each year you save 198 animals, according to PETA. Our furry, hoofed, and feathered friends appreciate you.

2. A Vegan Diet Reduces the Risk of Several Major Diseases

The World Health Organization states that approximately one-third of cancer cases are preventable. What if we told you that not only your genetics but also your diet was largely responsible for your health problems (or lack thereof)?

Doctors all over the world are recommending their patients to limit their consumption of red meat and processed meat in order to reduce their risk of diseases. Animal products have been linked to various health issues such as heart disease and hypertension, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, kidney disease, and various cancers.

It’s been shown that the correlation between animal products and cancer is as strong as the link between tobacco and cancer. It’s indisputable that cigarettes are bad for you, but why is it so hard to agree that eating meat can be just as bad?

There is no shortage of studies proving the link between meat, especially processed meat, dairy products, and certain health problems. By avoiding animal products, the risk of developing these diseases and cancers drops dramatically, by about 40%. It’s stats like this that have us relieved that we made the switch.

3. Being Vegan Reduces Your Carbon Footprint by up to 73%

Researchers at the University of Oxford found that cutting meat and dairy products from your diet could reduce an individual's carbon footprint by up to 73%. As bad as meat is for your body, it’s equally as bad for the world. The animal agriculture industry is responsible for a whopping 91% of rainforest deforestation, one-fifth of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, and other major water and air pollution issues.

In the last year, due to the significant reduction in meat consumption, Americans have reduced their carbon footprint by 10%. That’s equivalent to the tailpipe pollution of about 39 million cars.

4. 1 lb. of Meat Equals 6 Months of Showers.

We often hear that being vegan helps preserve the world we live in, but what exactly does that mean? Going vegan not only reduces your carbon footprint, as mentioned above, but reduces land waste, and conserves water. Giving up just four, 8oz steaks a year saves a year’s worth of showers.

A vegan diet is the single most progressive thing you can do to save the environment--more than taking shorter showers---more than buying a hybrid car.

Did you know It takes 2,400 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef, but only 25 gallons to produce a pound of wheat?  

5. 80% of Antibiotics Sold in the US Are for Livestock.

The pharmaceutical industry makes a killing off of selling antibiotics, but patients sick with the flu aren’t the reason behind the bulk of sales. Surprisingly enough, 80% of antibiotic sales in the US are for livestock, not humans.

Every day countless cows, chickens, pigs, and goats are pumped with antibiotics to promote growth and prevent infections they don’t even have. Not only is this unhealthy for the animals, but whoever eats them (and their products) is consuming a load of antibiotics as well.

This major health issue leads to antibiotic resistance. Each year in America, over two million people contract serious infections because of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Another perk of being vegan is avoiding unnecessary antibiotics and decrease the risk of forming a superbug.

6. Vegans tend to have lower body mass indexes (BMIs)

When it comes down to serious wins, the vegan diet has some pretty big ones. What’s better than saving hundreds of animals? Looking good doing it.  

Several scientific studies have shown that vegan diets prove to have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) than omnivores. In addition to weight loss, vegetarians and vegans tend to experience lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and glucose levels when compared to non-vegans.

Stay Educated

There’s nothing more powerful than arming yourself with scientifically-backed claims. Whether you find yourself in a debate with skeptics or are looking to expand on your vegan health facts, we are always here to support you in your research.