“Vegan nutrition”, “vegan diet”, “veganism”.
Although these terms entered our daily lives recently, still their existence dates several years ago.
Nowadays, in many countries around the world, people have started to familiarize themselves with this new way of life; however, there are many who find it difficult to fully understand or realize what “going vegan” is all about. For that reason, we are going to present to you the most important aspects of “Veganism” and what they resemble.
To begin with, Veganism can be traced to the Indus Valley in modern-day Pakistan northern India all the way back to 3300–1300 BC. Early vegetarians included Indian philosophers such as Mahavira and Acharya Kundakunda, the Tamil poet Valluvar, the Indian emperors Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka; Greek philosophers such as Empedocles, Theophrastus, Plutarch, Plotinus, and Porphyry; and the Roman poet Ovid and the playwright Seneca the Younger. In addition, it was Pythagoras who is believed to have made veganism famous by sticking to a strictly plant-based diet. But although a “Pythagorean diet” was another name for veganism, due to how little we know about Pythagoras, it is disputed whether he ever advocated any form of vegetarianism at all.
However, it was not until 1979 when the very first “sprouts” of Veganism were planted by the “Vegan Society” an established organization that aimed in promoting this new philosophy and ideology. According to the aforementioned body, Veganism is a way of life that excludes – where possible – all forms of animal harassment and manipulation for the production of food, clothing, or any other relevant reason. Veganism promotes the development of alternative animal-free products that benefit both humans, animals, and the environment.
From a nutritional point of view, Veganism excludes all meat and dairy products as well as products that derive from animals such as eggs or even honey. Nonetheless, there’s far more to Veganism, than simply controlling what one puts in his or her mouth. Ignoring those facets of the vegan lifestyle denies its power.
Veganism is a “culture”, a way of life that leads its people to live their values and ensure that their behaviours follow their hearts. Those who choose to adopt Veganism for ethical reasons tend to be passionate about animal’s good well-being; in terms, they abstain from buying or wearing suede or leather clothes simply because these products are made from animal’s skin. Moreover, a vegan who embraces the specific way of life will never search for textiles such as wool or silk, for obvious reasons. Additionally, Veganism is against product animal testing, which means that a vegan will not use cosmetics or personal hygiene products that include honey, lanolin, carmine, or any other animal-derived ingredient. Zoos, hunting, horse races, or even the circus are not included in Veganism due to animal suppression. Last but not least, Veganism promotes the protection of the environment due to the fact that animal raising such as industrial farming and industrial fishery have a serious ecological impact. The large quantities of water, energy, food, and land needed for animal raising pollute the air as well as the waterways of our planet.
There are many reasons someone will choose to adopt veganism as a way of life. When thinking about transitioning to veganism it is important to ponder your morals and the reasons why this lifestyle speaks to you. A big lifestyle change is easier to sustain if you wholeheartedly believe in your decision. Think about the standards you hold yourself accountable to, and what guides you as you decide what is right and what is wrong.
