“Veganism is not as isolated as it was before,” Ebony Childs, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, who has been a vegan for over a decade.

Brooklyn as a whole is constantly changing and growing and as a lifelong Brooklynite, I am witnessing this change firsthand. The neighborhoods of Crown Heights, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Flatbush have seen a recent increase in new businesses including vegan-friendly restaurants in response to the growing trend in local veganism.

LiveKindly conducted a recent study that revealed that veganism soared to an astounding 600% in just three years and claimed 2017 to be the best year for veganism thus far. The website also stated that the demand for vegan food went up to 140%.

With the rapid growth of veganism in Brooklyn, it begs the question, “why are more people, in Brooklyn, switching to veganism?”

“Becoming a vegan has improved my health. I used to suffer from gastrointestinal problems before becoming a full-fledged vegan,” says Childs. “Once I changed my diet, I realized that my symptoms from GI were no longer occurring.”

To be a vegan means not just a simple change in diet but to transition to an entirely different lifestyle. For those of you who may not understand what this lifestyle consists of, vegans do not eat any products that are made from or produced by an animal. This includes: eggs, dairy, gelatin, and honey. There are some who will go as far as to not wear clothing or makeup made from animals, any animal products or have been tested on animals.

As easy as it may seem, transitioning to veganism can lead to serious health issues if it is not properly researched. It can also be harder to adapt to especially if one is used to eating meat and dairy products.

If you long for a healthier lifestyle, veganism is reportedly the best way to go and has become easier to transition to thanks to local restaurants like by Chloe. in Williamsburg, Vegan’s Choice in Crown Heights, 24 Scoops and Plates in Flatbush, and dozens more throughout the borough.

It’s important to know pros and cons of being vegan first.

The pros of being vegan are that this plant-based diet can help or reverse serious illnesses like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, some cancers, obesity and the like. It is also safer for the environment because this diet includes a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, and nuts rich in different vitamins and nutrients.

The cons could be not getting enough protein in your diet, a risk of iron-deficiency and lack of vitamin D, vitamin B-12, and Calcium. If you’re not taking a vitamin or researching plant-based food hight in said vitamins, this could become a health risk.

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes during the summer of 2016.

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“My diabetes was so bad I had nerve damage and the sugar level was leading to amputation,” Adams said in an abc7NY interview. “Doctor told me, ‘Eric your levels are so high you are at a coma level.'”

Instead of going on Insulin and other medications recommended by his doctor, he immediately went on a low-sugar, plant-based diet. Just a year later, he has reversed his diabetes and lost over 30 pounds. He has gone on record recommending everyone become a vegan.

Just like Childs, and BP Adams, Seu Juon, of Crown Heights, decided to transition to veganism after he was diagnosed with Multiple-Sclerosis at the age of 16.

“While I was laying in the hospital bed, I started to think about a lot of things and one being was my health and it was there when I decided to change my diet and my lifestyle,” he said.

Since the change in his diet, Juon hasn’t had any pain from his MS, nor has he taken any medication for it either. Juon’s diet consists of following that of the late Dr. Sebi’s alkaline diet, where he eats certain types of vegetables that are balances the body’s pH levels. He is also a chef and is on the verge of starting his own vegan business where he will sell juices and homemade meals.

“I believe everyone should be eating healthier and know what they are eating,” he said.

For Melvin Faulkner, of East New York, his reasoning for becoming healthier was because he didn’t like the person he saw in the mirror. The father of two, always contemplated switching since 2014 but became more immersed in the idea when he realized that he was battling depression.

“I took veganism and transitioning seriously last year and I began to fall in love with myself. I didn’t realize that I didn’t like who I was on the inside and out until I changed my diet,” he said.

With all of the good that veganism can bring to your life sometimes it isn’t enough. Kadia Tubman, of Crown Heights, was a vegan for a little while before going back to eating meat.

“I didn’t stop [being a vegan] because it no longer worked but because I was curious about changing my diet. I was vegetarian longer than I was vegan and still prefer vegan meals over everything. But I love having more options especially when I travel.” she said.

While a vegan, plant-based diet may not be for everyone, there’s proof that it works for the health conscious Brooklynite. With multiple green markets, vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants opening in the borough, it sure is becoming easier and more accessible.