Kevin Chan,
There are many resources on the benefits of a vegan diet. I would recommend reading The China Study as a general (yet detailed) introduction to the negative effects of animal products on our health. From there, you may want to google some more resources. I'm sure Tynan can also chyme in with some good references.
I'm currently discussing a research proposal with the director of my graduate school about the affects of diet on the heart. This will allow me to research this topic further, on a micro level, while completing my master's degree.