People sometimes express concern about whether or not a vegan diet is healthy. It has now been studied over many decades and the consensus is overwhelming: a vegan diet can not only be healthful for most people, but can also reduce the risk of some of the most dreaded diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
In 2009, the American Dietetic Association , now the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, issued a position paper on vegetarian diets stating that
It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes.