November is a season of change—trees let go of their leaves, geese fly south and we settle into early nights and cozy blankets. It’s only fitting that it’s also World Vegan Month, reminding us that changing the world starts with our plates. So let the “no” in November stand for “no” to meat, eggs and dairy—and instead, say a wholehearted “yes!” to vegan foods that nourish, heal and honor all beings.

Every choice has the power to make a positive change—each vegan spares nearly 200 animals a year from being born into suffering and killed for food. Going vegan also helps curb the climate catastrophe, conserve water, save land, reduce pollution and prevent habitat destruction. And eating plant foods reduces the risk of life-threatening diseases.

November is also National Diabetes Month—the perfect time to change the menu to wholesome vegan foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, to prevent type 2 diabetes and prediabetes—conditions that can lead to blindness, heart and kidney problems, nerve damage and more. That’s because vegan foods like these are not only animal- and environment-friendly but also cholesterol-free, low in fat, rich in antioxidants and high in fiber and other nutrients.

Many studies have indicated that animal-derived foods can raise a person’s risk of contracting diabetes. Last winter, for example, a meta-analysis involving data from 31 studies across 20 countries found that red and processed meat consumption increases the chance of developing diabetes.

Research also shows that eating even one serving of poultry per day is linked to an 8% greater risk for the disease. When scientists from the University of South Australia monitored more than 8,500 Chinese individuals, they found that consuming just one egg a day can raise the risk of developing diabetes by a whopping 60%.

By contrast, a 2023 analysis of 37 studies showed that the largest health benefits come from swapping animal-derived foods for vegan foods. Researchers saw “marked reductions” in various conditions, including a 20% reduction in type 2 diabetes.

In general, vegans are less prone to obesity, heart disease, cancer and strokes. And unlike animal-based foods, vegan foods have never caused an animal-borne illness such as bird flu or swine flu.

Here’s another compelling reason for all of us to go vegan during World Vegan Month and National Diabetes Month: Health problems can lead to significant healthcare costs. If you factor in all the money you can save on medications and medical procedures by enjoying tasty plant foods and skipping meat, eggs and dairy, you’ll realize that going vegan is downright economical.

So i f you want to reduce your risk of diabetes and other diseases—not to mention help animals and protect the planet—go vegan this November and all year long.

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Heather Moore is a senior writer for the PETA Foundation, 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510; www.PETA.org.

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