Vegan cuisine

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Vegan Cuisine

Vegan cuisine is a type of diet that excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy products, and eggs. It is a subset of vegetarian cuisine, which also excludes meat but may include other animal products. Vegan cuisine is based on the consumption of plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

History[edit | edit source]

The concept of veganism and vegan cuisine has roots in ancient Indian and Mediterranean cultures. However, the term "vegan" was first coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, co-founder of the Vegan Society, to describe a diet that excludes all animal products.

Types of Vegan Cuisine[edit | edit source]

Vegan cuisine can be categorized into several types, including raw veganism, whole foods veganism, and junk food veganism. Raw veganism involves consuming only uncooked and unprocessed plant foods. Whole foods veganism emphasizes the consumption of whole plant foods, while junk food veganism includes processed and convenience foods that are free of animal products.

Nutrition[edit | edit source]

Vegan cuisine can provide all the necessary nutrients for a healthy diet, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, vegans may need to supplement their diet with vitamin B12, which is naturally found only in animal products.

Vegan Cuisine Around the World[edit | edit source]

Vegan cuisine is diverse and varies by region. For example, Indian vegan cuisine often includes lentils, rice, and spices, while Mediterranean vegan cuisine features olives, hummus, and pita bread. In recent years, many Western restaurants and supermarkets have also started offering vegan options.

See Also[edit | edit source]


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD