Veganism and vegetarianism are becoming a growing trend; both are advertised in grocery stores through organic products, in juicer advertisements, as well as by doctors promoting more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. More and more people are opting for a healthier lifestyle. Most choose a vegan lifestyle to avoid hormone-injected, antibiotic-induced, and genetically modified foods. A 2008 U.S. study showed that 0.5 percent and 3.2 percent of the population follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, with 10 percent following a vegetarian diet ("Vegetarianism in America," n.d.). Research indicates many positive factors linked to a plant-based diet, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (Barnard, Katcher, Jenkins, Cohen, & Turner-McGrievy, 2009). There are, however, some possible negative side effects of these diets, including insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals, which could lead to deficiencies or even disease. Cardiovascular Disease Cardiovascular disease predominates in America, with 1 in 4 deaths due to heart disease; This represents eighty million people living with at least one form of heart disease (“Heart Disease”, nd). Research has shown that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. A vegan lifestyle reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease with a reduction in weight, BMI, blood pressure and total lipid levels. Weight and BMI Lower body weight is common among vegans and vegetarians. Vegetarians weigh between 2.9 and 18 kg less than omnivores (Berkow & Barnard, 2006). An unhealthy diet of fatty, sugary and highly processed foods (all of which vegans avoid) and a lack of physical activity are usually the starting point for developing risk factors for cardiovascular disease. These tend to lead middle of paper......t because the largest source comes from animal proteins. However, it can be found in hemp oil and flaxseed oil (Hood, 2008). These studies show that while a plant-based diet can lead to deficiencies, these can also be avoided with proper nutrition, supplements, and fortified foods. Conclusion These diseases cost billions of dollars each year, and although many of them can be uncontrollable due to genetics or misfortune, many still exist. we can do something. A plant-based diet reduces the risk of certain serious diseases. By reducing risk factors and deficiencies, one can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, fractures, osteoporosis and perhaps more (O'Neill, 2010). Changing your diet won't prevent disease, but it has made great strides. A healthy diet combined with exercise is the key to prevention or changing your future..