Veganism is on the rise, and it can only get more mainstream. Whether due to the planet, due to love of animals, or just because it feels good, individuals go vegan for all sorts of reasons.
Veganism may be a fad, but it is certainly not new. There is the tradition that stretches right back to Bronze Age India, where strict vegetarianism was rife. Needless to say, it didn't have the same name back then—the term did not emerge until the 1940s.
In the US alone, the number of self-identified vegans grew to 19.6 million in 2017 from 4 million in 2014—a staggering 600% rise! With restaurants, specialty food stores, and cruises, Western vegans have it all.
Have you been considering becoming vegan yourself, or are you wondering about the fuss? Let's dive in and find out.
What is vegan?
So what, then, is veganism? Veganism is a more stringent
form of vegetarianism that contains no animal products, whether in meat, dairy,
eggs, or other animal foods such as lard or gelatin.
Food is just half of the equation. Vegans also refrain from buying clothes that incorporate animal derivatives like fur, leather, or wool. Some prefer to have clothes made of these materials as a condition that they are used previously.
Is honey vegan?
This is a question that still stirs up a storm among vegans. Although some vegans consume honey because of the reason that honey production is a natural process by the bees and, therefore, does not cause any harm to them, there are others who do not agree and maintain an extreme view against all animal products—yes, including insects.
The good news is that there are quite a few vegan
substitutes for honey. Maple syrup and agave nectar both work well as
replacements. They may not taste like true honey, but they're perhaps just as
sweet and delicious.
What do vegans eat?
Despite stereotypes, vegans do get to actually eat a
lot more than just tofu and greens (though, yes, maybe they do indeed eat
those). In the last decade or so, there's been an explosive amount of food
that's labeled as vegan-friendly, such as oat milk, realistic "beef"
burgers, and even non-dairy cheese on your grocery store shelves.
Today's children are likely not even cognizant of how much things were different a decade ago when vegan items were restricted to health food stores and hip college co-ops. But every good thing has its negative side—perhaps there are many more choices now, but that definitely entails many more packaged foods such as vegan meats and cheeses.
So, what do they eat then? Well, that depends on the individual. Many vegans derive their protein from foods like beans, quinoa, legumes, tofu, tempeh, and nuts, but some prefer to consume ready-made foods like veggie dogs, protein shakes, and seitan (a meat substitute product derived from wheat).
Excluding dairy products, eggs, cheese, and honey (if the person so prefers), vegans can eat just about anything. No restrictions are there to gorge on delectable fruits and vegetables to devour along with cereals, seeds, nut milks, and much more.
Advantages of a Vegan Diet
Is vegan food healthy? Well, it really depends on what kind of vegan food you're eating. Being cruelty-free does not necessarily equate to being healthier, but if you're doing it correctly, you can definitely have a healthy vegan diet.
Health Benefits
1.
Lower risk of chronic diseases—Vegans tend to have a reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure,
type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
2.
Better weight management—Plant-based diets are often lower in calories and fats, which can help with
maintaining a healthy weight.
3. Improved digestion—A vegan diet is rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains,
promoting gut health and regularity.
4.
Clearer skin—Many vegans report better skin due to reduced intake of dairy and processed
foods.
5.
Higher energy levels—Nutrient-rich vegan foods can boost energy and reduce sluggishness.
Environmental Benefits
1.
Lower carbon footprint—Producing plant-based foods generally emits fewer greenhouse gases.
2.
Conservation of water—Animal farming uses much more water than growing crops.
3.
Less deforestation—Reducing demand for animal products helps prevent habitat destruction.
Ethical and Animal Welfare
1.
No harm to animals—Veganism supports cruelty-free living by avoiding products that involve
animal suffering.
2. Supports sustainable food systems—more
