When Oprah decides to go vegan, it’s a big deal. When her staff joins, and even her long-time lover Steadman, the news is even bigger.

In all, 378 Harpo staff members volunteered to take Oprah’s challenge: no meat, no dairy, no eggs, no animal-anything for one week.

Lead by author and renowned vegan Kathy Freston, Oprah’s staff struggled with long lunch lines for the new vegan entrees, intense cravings and their lack of knowledge about what foods were vegan anyways. Michael Pollan, known for books like The Omnivore’s Dilemma and an expert on the meat industry, was also featured on Oprah’s hour-long show that aired Feb. 1. 

While this isn’t the first time Oprah’s gone vegan for a dieting experiment (what diet hasn’t Oprah tried?), it is perhaps a sign of the times—more and more people are going vegetarian or vegan for health reasons. While Kathy Freston would have you thinking the sun shines out your you-know-what the second “veganization” kicks in, is cutting out meat and all other animal products truly healthier in the long run? 

With Freston’s books flying off the shelves since the episode aired (her book veganist is the best seller on Amazon, at Barnes and Noble, and likely at other large bookstore chains), and assumably more people going vegan, one has to wonder: is the diet everything Freston and Oprah claim? The evidence points both ways. 

The Good

Lower Cholesterol and Saturated Fat: 

Logically, cutting out major food groups from your normal diet will cause a decrease in fats. Cheeses and other dairy products are often full of saturated fat; eggs are also notoriously cholesterol ridden. By eating fruits and vegetables all day, not only will the diet automatically lower your fat intake (unless, of course, you’re a ‘junk food vegan’ eating only carbohydrates and deserts) but eventually, your cholesterol will almost certainly be reduced.

Can lower blood pressure eliminate diabetes risk:

Not only can a vegan diet lower cholesterol, but high blood pressure as well. Eating healthier, no matter the diet, will almost always have such health benefits. The vegan diet is one of the most effective ways to cut blood pressure quickly because of the overall lack of fat naturally built in to the diet. In the long term, a vegetable-based diet can eliminate Type 2 diabetes and has even been said to cure cancer and arthritis, though those claims are not proven. 

Weight loss and weight management:

Removing all those grilled cheeses, ice cream cones, and fat burgers from your diet—and replacing them with rice and veggies—will make you loose weight almost without a doubt. Assuming a healthful vegan diet and not one filled with junk, the plant and grain-based diet (like many other diets) will help one maintain or shed weight. 

The Bad

No B Vitamins: 

While neither animals nor plants have naturally occurring B-12 vitamins, the bacteria in animal intestines (consumed through meat in the average diet) actually produce the limited amount of B vitamins the human body needs. Most vegans and vegetarians will need to be prudent about their intake of B-12 with an additional supplement.

Cravings: 

Often, when we’re thirsty, our body will tell us, indicating that we need water. Similarly, when switching to a vegan diet, our body will tell us to eat the things we’re used to: eggs, cheese and meat. While this is only natural, the cravings can make anyone irritable. Food is an addiction, much like smoking or alcohol, and the body must adjust to a new intake of different types of foods. The switch can be mentally challenging to many. 

The Hmmmm

All that fiber:

Speaking of adjusting to new types of food, Oprah made quite clear on her show that the Harpo employee’s had never used so much toilet paper in their lives—a gross over share, but likely true. The influx of fiber from veggies and a much-increased intake of legumes will certainly lead to some initial bowel changes and problems. The body will adjust over time, but it may not be pleasant for those converting to veganism at first.

Lack of energy, vitality: 

While many vegans claim they have more energy than they ever did on a animal-product filled diet, the long-term effects of a vegan diet can also lead to a decrease in energy and vigor. Much like cravings suggest that a body is missing something, a craving can also be an important indication that the body is missing certain nutrients and vitamins over time. Each person has a different experience with the diet.

Overeating soy:

Replacing dairy milk and cheese with soy products is a logical step for vegans who still want a creamy-good snack every now and then. Fake meat products are also often made with soy or some form of soy protein. Debates continue, however, over the healthy amount of soy for the human body. Some studies have linked the over-indulgence of soy with problems of infertility, underproduction of hormones and even digestive problems. There is no conclusive evidence either way about the effects of soy on human bodies.  

Contact Molly-Marie Canales here.