It's the Best Way to Help Animals Did you know that every vegan saves nearly 200 animals per year? There is simply no easier way to help animals and prevent suffering than by choosing plant-based foods over meat, eggs, and dairy “products.”

Vegans do not use any products of animal origin. This means: no leather shoes, nor anything made of wool, silk, fur or down.

To be on PETA's action team, for example, the firm says individuals don't have to be vegan, “but since the best thing anyone can do to help animals is not to eat them, we encourage everyone to go vegan,” the action team's FAQ reads.

Plant foods contain no cholesterol, whereas meat, eggs, and dairy products contain large amounts of cholesterol and saturated fat. Also, the high fiber content of a vegan diet (meat, dairy products, and eggs are devoid of fiber) helps “wash away” excess cholesterol in your digestive tract.