The Vegan Lifestyle
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Plant-based food form the core of a Vegan Diet.

The Vegan lifestyle is not quite easy to understand. Veganism is more commonly defined as the practice of abstaining from consumption of animal products.  Upon deeper inquiry , we will find out that it is not merely a diet.  For some, it is a belief, a religion,or a lifestyle.  As the strictest form of vegetarianism, it requires avoiding animal derivatives as well in other things that we use such as clothes, shoes, medicine, cosmetics, toiletries, and household items.

History of Veganism

The British Vegan Society was established in November 1, 1944 as a break-away movement of the British Vegetarian Society.  The founders, Elsie Shrigley and Donald Watson encouraged like-minded non-dairy vegetarians to form a new group.  It eventually also removed eggs among its allowed food and further extended the meaning of veganism to include non-exploitation of animals.  Watson coined the word “vegan” by using the first three letters and last two letters of the word “vegetarian” in recognition of its roots.  The American Vegan Society adopted the “ahimsa” concept which promotes avoidance of violence against living things.

With its stand on the protection of animals quite clear, it is evident that veganism goes beyond a diet fad.  The reason for avoiding the use of animals and their derivatives is based on respect for the rights of other living things.  The Greek philosopher Pythagoras believed that eating animals was tantamount to eating human souls.

Vegetarian vs Vegan Lifestyle

Veganism traces its roots to vegetarianism which can come in many types.  Semi vegetarians eat plant-based food most of the time but eat meat every once in a while.  Lacto-ovo vegetarians abstain from meat but eat dairy products and eggs.  Lacto vegetarians stay away from meat and eggs but eat dairy products while ovo-vegetarians allow for eggs but not meat and dairy products.  Vegans do not eat meat and all foods containing animal derivatives such as gelatin or traditional cakes.  Butter is made using animal fat while sugar is processed  using certain animal substances.  The prohibition of vegan food choices not only means the actual ingredients used in a product but also extends to the use of animals in testing or producing it.

Types of Veganism

There are several types of veganism which include, Dietary Veganism, Ethical Veganism, and Environmental Veganism.  Dietary vegans are the most common as the principle only extends to consumption of plant-based food.  Ethical vegans adopt veganism as a philosophy and a lifestyle. These vegans will be concerned whether a food product has been produced using any animal product.

Environmental vegans are specifically against animal agriculture which they believe is directly linked to land degradation, water pollution , and climate change.  Factory farming where animals are exposed to cruel circumstances such as crowded cages and extreme stress before death is likewise not considered in line with vegan principles.  So are scientific tests done on animals.

Raw vegans prefer plant based food that did not undergo cooking or processing above 48 degrees Celsius.  These would include fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, grains, plant oils, and fruit juices.    Raw vegans believe that the balance of micro-nutrients in food are destroyed by cooking.

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Variety in ingredients and way of cooking can make vegan food interesting.

Benefits and Risks of a Vegan Lifestyle and Diet

A well-planned and sensible vegan diet can provide protection from the development of certain degenerative diseases such as heart disease.  Vegan foods are low in fat but high in fiber and various nutrients.  There are however certain risks associated with lack of specific nutrients that are usually obtained from animal-based food.

Vegans will have to take supplements to counter expected deficiency in Vitamin B12, iodine, calcium, Vitamin D, iron, and omega 3 fatty acids.  The adoption of the vegan diet especially by babies, young children, and pregnant mothers is best done with the guidance of a professional doctor.  A strict vegan diet may put undue stress on them when not done properly.

Animal Advocacy

The Vegan lifestyle cannot be fully realized without a strong stand against cruelty to animals.  Vegan practitioners will have to stay away from furs, feathers, silk, and leather for their personal belongings since these materials obviously come from animals.  People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the main organization involved in promoting the cause of animals.

My Say

The vegan lifestyle offers an option not only for healthy living but also in the way humans treat animals and other living things on earth. Strict adherence to all its presented principles may not be for everyone but there are still important issues that can be considered by all. This is with regards to the need to take better care of our bodies and the reality that humans share this world with other living things.