Vegan

Veganism is a lifestyle and dietary choice that abstains from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. A follower of the diet or the philosophy is known as a vegan.

Origins

Donald Watson coined the term "vegan" in 1944 when he co-founded the Vegan Society in England. At first, he used it to mean "non-dairy vegetarian", but from 1951 the Society defined it as "the doctrine that man should live without exploiting animals".

Diet

Vegan diets are based on grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fruits. They exclude foods derived from animals, including meat, dairy products, eggs, and honey, as well as products refined or manufactured through any such product, such as animal-tested baking soda or white sugar refined with bone char.

Health

The American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada regard a vegan diet as appropriate for all stages of the life-cycle as long as it is well-planned.

Ethics

Many vegans choose this lifestyle to promote a more humane and caring world. They reject the commodification of animals and animal products, considering them unnecessary in modern society.

Environmental impact

Vegan diets can reduce the demand for farming practices that are environmentally destructive, such as deforestation, water pollution, and monoculture.

See also

• Vegetarianism
• Animal rights
• Environmental vegetarianism

Vegan Resources
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