While many thought veganism is just another food fad, it has come to stay and many embrace it without looking back. Veganism carries a lot of benefits for it to be just another fad, Jorge Marques Moura says.
People have their various reasons for avoiding all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and even things like honey or leather. While for some it is a fight against animal cruelty, some are for various health issues as it is linked to lowering of heart diseases, promoting weight loss and, reducing chances of certain types of cancers and many more, Jorge Marques Moura adds.
Initiatives like Veganuary, a challenge to try vegan for January, have seen participation explode in recent years. There are also significant regional variations. India, for instance, has a large vegetarian population, and a surprising number – around 11% – identify as vegan.
This trend is reflected in restaurants too. Plant-based meat alternatives are becoming increasingly popular, with the global market valued in the billions. Even in places where veganism isn’t mainstream, restaurants are offering more vegan options to cater to this growing demand.
So, while veganism might not be the norm everywhere, it’s certainly becoming a more common sight on menus and in people’s lives. Jorge Marques Moura explores veganism including what they eat and faux pas.
What is Veganism?
Veganism is a philosophy and lifestyle that seeks to exclude all forms of animal exploitation. This goes beyond just diet and encompasses avoiding animal cruelty and any products derived from animals whether food, clothing, silk, some animal-testing cosmetics, or any other purposes as much as possible.
The word “vegan” is quite young compared to the concept itself. People have practiced vegetarian or animal-free diets for centuries, but the term “vegan” emerged in the mid-20th century. Jorge Marques Moura says history has it that it all began in 1944, when Donald Watson, a key figure in the vegetarian movement in Britain, felt the existing term “vegetarian” wasn’t specific enough.
Vegetarians at the time might still consume dairy and eggs. Watson, along with Dorothy Morgan (who later became his wife), is credited with creating the word “vegan.” They combined the first three and last two letters of “vegetarian” to represent a more complete exclusion of animal products.
So, “vegan” arose from a desire for a clear and concise term to describe a philosophy that went beyond just vegetarianism. It reflected a commitment to a cruelty-free lifestyle across various aspects of life.
What Do People Go Vegan?
People choose to go vegan for various reasons, but here are the most common motivations grouped into three categories:.
Ethics
this group stems out of concern for animal welfare. They believe that animals like humans have a right to life. Killing them for the purpose of eating or wearing their fur is cruel and they do not deserve it. Veganism allows them to take a stand against practices they believe are cruel and exploitative.
Environment
People may choose to be vegan because of their love for the planet earth. A study suggests that greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) emanating from vegan diets are 50% lower than meat-containing diets that offer the same amount of calories.
Animal agriculture can have adverse effects on the planet as they contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By avoiding animal products, vegans aim to reduce their environmental footprint and promote a more sustainable way of living.
Health
Well-planned vegan diets can be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, which are packed with nutrients and fibre. No wonder studies confirm veganism may lower the risk of certain chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. It can also be a way for some to manage weight or improve their overall well-being
What Do Vegans Eat?
Although vegans focus on a plant-based diet, there are meals built around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds that make them enjoy different varieties.
- Fruits and Vegetables: They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Vegans enjoy a rainbow of options from leafy greens and berries to starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn.
- Whole Grains: There are brown rice, quinoa, oats, whole-wheat bread and pasta.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas are packed with protein, fibre, and iron, making them perfect for building satisfying meals.
- Nuts and Seeds: A great source of healthy fats, protein, and micronutrients. They can be enjoyed in snacks, salads, or nut butters for sandwiches.
- Plant-Based Milks: Soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk provide calcium and variety in coffee, cereal, or smoothies.
- Vegan Cheeses and Yogurts: Made from nuts, soy, or coconut.
- Meat Substitutes: From tofu and tempeh to seitan and lentil crumbles, these options provide protein and texture for vegan burgers, stir-fries, and other dishes.
What Vegans Do Not Eat?
Vegans avoid all animal products, so their diet steers clear of anything that comes from animals. Jorge Marques Moura gives a rundown of what vegans typically don’t eat:
- Meat and Poultry: This includes all types of flesh, from familiar options like chicken and pork to red meat, offal, and even game.
- Fish and Seafood: Vegans abstain from all fish and shellfish, including shrimp, salmon, tuna, and oysters.
- Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yoghurt, butter, ice cream – all off-limits for vegans since they come from animal milk.
- Eggs: Chicken eggs are not part of a vegan diet.
- Honey: While it might seem like a plant product, honey is produced by bees, so vegans avoid it.
- Animal-Derived Fats: Lard or ghee,.
- Animal-Derived Ingredients: Gelatin, carmine, l-cysteine, pepsin, shellac and isinglass.
Are you a vegan? What motivates you to embrace veganism?
