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New Delhi | June 13: Nowadays, social media is facing a trend of ‘veganism’, which is really influencing individuals and inspiring them to be vegan. But are you aware of the fact of what actually veganism is and how was the concept aroused? Delve into this story, to know more about the term and the industry.
Decoding Meaning
Veganism is the theory or practice of abstaining from the consumption and use of animal products, including eggs, honey, and dairy products. While some vegans avoid only animal-derived food, many others also exclude any items that use animals as ingredients or for testing. Veganism is motivated by a variety of reasons, including personal health, animal rights, environmentalism, and ethics. It is generally practised less as a dietary preference and more as a lifestyle choice and form of activism.
Historical Traces
The history of veganism can be traced back to ancient Indian and eastern Mediterranean societies, where vegetarianism was already mentioned by the Greek philosopher Pythagoras of Samos around 500 BCE. Followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism also advocated vegetarianism, believing that humans should not inflict pain on other animals. The meatless lifestyle never really caught on in the West, although it would sometimes pop up during health crazes and religious revivals.
Seed of Veganism
The term vegan was coined in 1944 by British animal rights advocate Donald Watson. That year he and other vegetarians who abstained from dairy formed the Vegan Society and launched a nascent movement that sought to stop the exploitation of living creatures for human consumption and use (including hunting and medical experiments) and to find non-animal alternatives for food, clothing, and other human uses.
The Rise of a Movement
The 20th century witnessed a surge in the popularity of vegetarianism, and veganism emerged as a more radical offshoot. Concerns about animal rights, environmental sustainability, and personal health fuelled the growth of the vegan movement. The publication of “Animal Liberation” by Peter Singer in 1975 further ignited the debate on animal rights and provided a philosophical foundation for veganism.
Positive Consequences of Being a ‘Vegan’
- Environmental Impact: One of the primary reasons individuals embrace veganism is to reduce their ecological footprint. Plant-based diets generally require fewer natural resources, such as water and land, and generate lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional animal agriculture.
- Animal Welfare: Advocates argue that veganism is a compassionate choice that promotes the ethical treatment of animals. By abstaining from animal products, individuals aim to reduce demand for factory farming.
- Health Benefits: Adopting a well-balanced vegan diet can lead to various health benefits. A plant-based diet tends to be rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to lower cholesterol levels, improved heart health, and a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Negative Consequences of Being a ‘Vegan’
- Nutritional Deficiencies: While a vegan diet can be nutritionally adequate, individuals must be mindful of potential deficiencies in certain nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. Careful planning or supplementation may be necessary to address these concerns.
- Social Challenges: Embracing a vegan lifestyle can pose social challenges, especially in societies where meat consumption is deeply ingrained in cultural and social norms. Dining out, attending social events, and finding suitable options can be troublesome for vegans.
- Cost Considerations: Some argue that a vegan diet can be more expensive than a traditional omnivorous diet, particularly when it comes to speciality vegan products and organic produce. This cost factor may limit accessibility for some individuals.
Current Scenario
The veganism movement continues to experience steady growth globally, with increasing awareness about animal welfare, the environmental impacts of animal agriculture, and the potential health benefits of plant-based diets driving its popularity. 2023 research – Vegan and Plant-Based Diet Statistics for 2023 by PlantProteins.co report compiles data from various sources to present statistics on veganism and plant-based diets. The report estimated that there are roughly 79 million vegans globally and millennials are the age group with the highest percentage of vegans (nearly 40%). The report also emphasized 39% of non-vegans actively try to incorporate plant-based foods into their diets.
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