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5 Things to Know About: Veganism

5+Things+to+Know+About%3A+Being+Vegan

Veganism has been receiving increasingly more attention lately. Within the past few years, celebrities, health gurus, and many others have gone vegan, and a growing number of vegan products have been appearing in stores.

What is vegan?

Veganism is a way of eating and living that excludes the exploitation and cruelty to animals as much as possible. Vegans chose to abstain from dairy, egg, or other products from animals, in addition to not eating meat. Veganism was originally defined as “the principle of emancipation of animals from exploitation from man” in the 1940s.

Why do people become vegan?

There are many reasons that one may choose to become a vegan.

Ethical Reasons: Ethical vegans believe that all creatures have the right to life and freedom. They oppose ending a “conscious being’s life simply to consume its flesh, drink its milk or wear its skin, especially because alternatives are available.” Ethical vegans avoid meat and animal products because they believe in an animal’s freedom and right to life.

Health Reasons: Some vegans choose this diet because of the potential health benefits. Vegans are interested in how plant-based diets may reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer or premature death. Others are encouraged by reports that lowering the amount of animal products you eat may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dying from cancer or heart disease. Some also choose veganism to avoid the side effects linked to the antibiotics and hormones used in modern animal farming.

Environmental Reasons: Some vegans choose to avoid animal products in an attempt to reduce their environmental footprint. A 2010 UN reports argues that, “these products generally require more resources and cause higher greenhouse emissions than plant-based options.” For example, animal agriculture tends to be a water-intensive process. Between 550 and 5,200 gallons of water are needed to produce one pound of beef. This is up to 43 times more water needed to produce the same amount of cereal grain. This can also lead to animal habitat destruction as the forested areas are used for animal grazing or growing crops for animal feed.

What are the different types of veganism?

There are several different types of vegans.

  • Dietary vegans are those who choose to avoid animal products in their diet but continue to use them in other products, such as clothing and cosmetics.
  • Whole-food vegans favor a diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.
  • Junk-food vegans rely heavily on processed vegan food. Vegan meats, fries, vegan frozen dinners and vegan desserts, Oreo cookies, and non-dairy ice cream are all considered vegan.
  • Raw-food vegans consume raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, as well as foods cooked at temperatures below 118°F.
  • Low-fat, raw-food vegans, also known as fruitarians, limit high-fat foods like nuts, avocados and coconuts and rely mainly on fruit.  

What do vegans eat?

Vegans avoid many foods that are integrated in many other people’s diets like dairy, chicken, meat, fish, eggs, shellfish, and honey. Avoiding animal products does not mean that vegans survive on veggies and tofu alone. Meat based meals are often replaced with beans, nuts, seeds, lentils, or tofu. Most dairy products are swapped with plant milks and vegans choose chia seeds or flaxseeds in place of eggs. Honey can be replaced for plant-based sweeteners. In addition, vegans consume a variety of grains, as well as a wide range of vegetables and fruits.

Why should / shouldn’t I become vegan?

Whether you are considering making veganism a part of your diet or lifestyle, you need to decide why you want to make the switch. Many people are drawn to changing their diet for the potential health benefits or possibly bettering the environment but if you decide to join the vegan community, you can make it totally your own. With a rising number of vegan options in stores and a variety of types of veganism, it is becoming easier and easier to be a vegan.

 

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About the Contributor
Maeve Lewis, Author
Maeve Lewis is a senior at Lake Forest High School. She is on the Varsity Cheer team and enjoys reality TV, early mornings, and grilled cheese. You can find her writing in the In LFHS section.
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