The fifth edition of the VegMed, in Berlin, welcomed more than 1,300 international guests. The diversity of the program got the attention of many specialists in medicine, research, nutrition and health. The conclusion of the congress: a 100% plant-based diet can help in the prevention and improvement of many diseases.

Last April, the VegMed congress opened its doors to professionals from the health sector. The objective: to learn about the health benefits of a plant-based diet .

More than 50 speakers from 7 countries and 4 continents informed the public about the latest research. For example: treating diabetes with a whole-food plant-based diet; the risks of fractures due to dairy consumption; plant-based meals in hospitals; the vegan lifestyle during pregnancy and lactation; and many other fascinating topics.

The sold-out audience was treated to the latest research regarding the consumption of dairy cheese, the relationship between competitive sports and plant-based diets, as well as the treatment of chronic diseases and ideas about the future of our nutrition.

An in-depth scientific discourse

A panel of experts discussed the role that technological applications such as self-tracking (using smart watches), online games (gamification) and coaching could play in the health sector. These ideas could initiate a transition in the way we eat.

A round-table with specialists such as Prof. Dr. Claus Leitzmann and Prof. Dr. Andreas Michalsen discussed which communication strategy could be most successful in promoting a plant-based diet. It was concluded that health was a fundamental motivation, followed by other motivations (such as environment, affordability and ethics).

Throughout the event, it was evident that the notion of plant-based food is no longer a niche topic, but a recognised way of living and eating, that has emerged within an innovative movement. More and more people want to know how they can improve the health of their patients with a plant-based diet, and the VegMed congress provided them with the necessary knowledge.

VegMed grows internationally and online

For the first time, VegMed was live-streamed and more than 150 people around the world followed the conference online. Visit the website to view videos and images from the congress.

 

VegMed is a project of the Department of Naturopathy of the Immanuel Hospital, of the Stiftung Reformhaus-Fachakademie, and of ProVeg International. The next congress will take place between April 24 and 26, 2020 in Berlin. For more information, visit www.vegmed.de .

 

Photo: Dr. Neal Barnard of Washington DC (Chairman of the Committee of Physicians for Responsible Medicine, among others) during VegMed 2018