Vegan for Her is a guide for women who may be (or who may not be) considering veganism. It contains medical research, international health studies, vegan philosophy, resources, and recipes that will help vegan women.

The first three parts contain chapters on such topics as going vegan, veganism and hormones, plant-based foods and fertility, nutrition for pregnancy and breastfeeding, healthy aging, breast cancer, managing stress and depression, and veganism beyond the plate.

Although it promotes veganism, this is a very balanced book and doesn’t hide or dismiss the difficulties of the vegan lifestyle. Indeed, a chapter called “Veganism beyond the plate” discusses clothing alternatives. That chapter alone might make the reader re-consider the whole vegan journey.

Everyone, even those who don’t plan on being vegan, will benefit from the information this book. Reading the research on diabetes, cancer, brain and heart-health, depression, aging and other ills, the reader cannot help but come to the conclusion that eating more plant-based foods would benefit most people. Part four consists of recipes, which are easy to prepare and healthy. It must be emphasized that even vegans have nut and gluten allergies, so some of the recipes might not be appropriate for all readers (the writers are aware of it). Part four also contains the acknowledgments, vegan resources for women, a section of copious references/footnotes, and an index.

This is not a pushy work and is generally humble (for a book written by someone who sees vegans as being “part of a momentum toward a fair and just world”). There are flashes of arrogance, which is perhaps to be expected in a work of one intent on changing the world (one example is the inclusion of a small, iffy, uncorroborated Italian study which purports to show that vegans are more wired for compassion than meat-eaters).

On the whole, this is a well-researched and honest work. The information is dense, but the book is highly readable and accessible. Although seemingly for women, all people will benefit from having Vegan for Her and keeping it near as a handy reference. Highly recommended for all.