After the recent passing of several well-known vegan or vegetarian public figures, some people have started to question: is it just a coincidence — or is there more to it?
At the same time, plant-based living is booming in Malaysia. Vegan and vegetarian restaurants are opening everywhere, from hidden gems to Insta-worthy cafés. Many eateries now offer vegan-friendly options to cater to the growing demand.
But here’s the big question:
Is being vegetarian or vegan truly healthier than eating meat — or are we just buying into a trend?
While there are research found that people with health disease did try vegan / vegetarian for example heart attack , high cholesterol, obesity ,high levels of bad cholesterol lead to fatty deposits building up in blood vessels, which can eventually cause heart attacks or strokes.
The results, published in the European Heart Journal, showed vegetarian and vegan diets:
- cut bad cholesterol by 10%
- cut total cholesterol by 7%
- cut apolipoprotein B (the main protein in bad cholesterol) by 14%
But Hold On — It’s Not Always Perfect
While many assume vegetarian diets are always healthy, they can pose health risks if not properly planned. Poorly balanced plant-based diets may be high in refined carbs, sodium, and additives — increasing the risk of heart disease. Vegans, especially, are prone to nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin D. Studies like the NuEva project highlight these gaps, urging vegetarians and vegans to seek proper guidance for a well-rounded diet.
As the plant-based trend continues to grow in Malaysia, it’s important to approach it with awareness and knowledge. If done correctly, a vegan or vegetarian diet can be incredibly beneficial for the health , but it’s always fine to seek guidance and ensure you're getting a balanced intake of nutrients. However , whether plant-based living is healthier than eating meat depends on how well the diet is planned and the individual's specific health needs.
For Malaysian while being vegan or vegetarian can be healthy, it’s not the only solution — it’s about finding what works best for your body and lifestyle.
Yue Leng Chong (yldkssyq@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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