Vegan Diet: Exploring Alternative Names And Their Nuances

The term vegan was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, who wanted to differentiate the lifestyle from vegetarianism, which accepts the consumption of animal products such as milk, dairy, and eggs. Vegans, on the other hand, abstain from all animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, as well as products derived from animals, such as leather and wool. This lifestyle choice is often motivated by ethical, health, or environmental reasons. As a result, vegan is not just a dietary term, but also describes a way of living that seeks to exclude animal exploitation and cruelty. Some synonyms for vegan include plant-based, ethical vegan, environmental vegan, and dietary vegan.

Ethical veganism

The ethical vegan philosophy is based on the belief that all creatures have a right to life and freedom, and that animals, like humans, wish to avoid pain and suffering. Ethical vegans oppose the killing of animals for food, as well as the psychological and physical stress that modern farming practices can cause. They also oppose the consumption of products that rely on the killing of animals, such as milk, eggs, honey, silk, and wool.

In addition to dietary choices, ethical veganism extends to other aspects of life, such as clothing, cosmetics, and leisure activities. Ethical vegans may avoid purchasing wool coats, leather furniture, or down pillows and comforters. They may also choose to visit animal sanctuaries instead of zoos, circuses, or animal petting farms.

The term "ethical vegan" is used to distinguish this philosophy from other forms of veganism, such as dietary veganism, which focuses on health benefits, or environmental veganism, which aims to minimise the negative impact of human activities on the environment. Ethical veganism is a protected characteristic under the UK's Equality Act 2010.

Dietary veganism

Dietary vegans may choose this lifestyle for a variety of reasons. Some people adopt a vegan diet to improve their health, as research shows that a plant-based diet could lower the risk of certain diseases. Others stay away from meat because they want to protect the environment. According to a 2006 United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization report, livestock farming affects the air, land, soil, water, biodiversity, and climate change.

A balanced vegan diet can provide all the nutrients needed to maintain a healthy life. However, it is important to be mindful of potential nutritional deficiencies when following a vegan diet. For example, vitamin B12 is only available in B12-fortified vegan foods or supplements. Iodine may also require supplementation.

There are several types of dietary vegan diets, including:

• Raw vegan diet: This diet consists mainly of uncooked fruits and vegetables, raw nuts and seeds, sprouted and soaked grains, cold-pressed oils, and fermented foods.
• Vegan keto diet: This is a very low-carb, high-fat, and moderate-protein diet. On this diet, you aim for 75%-80% of your calories to come from fat, focusing on eating high-fat vegan foods.
• Vegan diabetic diet: A diabetic diet is moderately low in carbohydrates, especially high-glycemic, refined carbs. Protein from beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds can help keep blood sugar stable.
• High-protein vegan diet: Protein is often lacking in a vegan diet, so a high-protein vegan diet focuses on higher-protein plant foods.

In conclusion, dietary veganism is a strict vegetarian diet that excludes all animal products and is often chosen for health or environmental reasons. Dietary vegans can enjoy a variety of nutritious foods and may experience improved health outcomes, but it is important to be mindful of potential nutritional deficiencies.

Environmental veganism

Environmental vegans typically avoid food products that require a lot of resources to produce, such as meat and dairy. According to studies, the meat industry is highly unsustainable due to the excessive land usage for animal livestock. Only 17% of calorie consumption comes from animal products, yet they occupy 77% of agricultural territory.

In addition to dietary choices, ecological vegans may adopt a low-impact lifestyle. This can include choosing to walk or cycle instead of driving and supporting local businesses. They may also prioritise buying locally grown food and aim to reduce food waste.

By embracing environmental veganism, individuals can contribute to protecting the planet and promoting a more sustainable future. It's important to note that while veganism is a step towards sustainability, it is not the sole solution. Other factors, such as corporate practices and policy changes, also play a significant role in mitigating environmental issues.

Religious veganism

Jainism, for example, mandates vegetarianism and many Jains also adopt a vegan lifestyle to avoid any harm to animals. The religion is based on the principle of non-violence or "ahimsa", which seeks to minimise violence and harm to all living beings. Jains go to great lengths to avoid injuring plants and try to minimise harm to even minuscule organisms and subtle life forms. They also refrain from consuming animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, as well as products obtained from dead animals.

Buddhism, another Indian religion, does not mandate vegetarianism, but many Buddhists, especially those following the Mahayana tradition, adopt a vegan or vegetarian diet. The First Precept of Buddhism prohibits killing people or animals, and some Mahayana sutras strongly denounce the consumption of meat. Additionally, the Buddha himself is recorded as listing a litany of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional reasons why meat-eating should be avoided.

Hinduism, while not mandating vegetarianism for all adherents, promotes it through scriptures and religious authorities. The principle of non-violence or "ahimsa" is central to Hinduism, and many Hindus interpret this as advocating for a vegetarian or vegan diet. Some Hindu scriptures, such as the Mahabharata and the Manu Smriti, contain lengthy discussions and debates around meat-eating, with both vegetarians and meat-eaters presenting their viewpoints.

Sikhism, another Indian religion, does not explicitly require its followers to be vegetarian or vegan. However, the Sikh gurus have indicated a preference for a simple diet, and some passages in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs, suggest that a plant-based diet is closer to God's original plan for mankind.

Outside of the Indian subcontinent, religious veganism can also be found in other faiths. For example, some Jews, Christians, and Muslims practice and advocate for vegetarianism or veganism within their respective traditions. In the Christian tradition, groups such as Seventh-day Adventists and Christian Vegetarians take a literal interpretation of Biblical prophecies that foretell universal vegetarianism or veganism. In Islam, while meat is consumed, certain orders like the Sufis largely maintain a vegetarian diet, and some Muslims point to teachings in the Quran and Hadith that instruct kindness and compassion towards animals.

In summary, religious veganism is a spiritual expression of one's faith, often rooted in the principle of non-violence and respect for all life. Adherents of religious veganism strive to minimise harm to animals and the environment, seeing it as a way to live in alignment with their spiritual beliefs and a means to positive personal transformation.

Raw veganism

Raw vegans believe that eating raw foods is the best way to get all the nutrients their bodies need. They also believe that cooking food destroys nutrient value and makes it more difficult to digest.

The raw vegan diet consists of mostly unprocessed, plant-based foods that are either completely raw or heated at very low temperatures, typically below 104–118°F (40–48°C). The diet includes fresh and dried fruits and vegetables, juices, edible seaweed, whole grains (if sprouted or germinated), fermented foods, sweeteners such as maple syrup, and condiments.

While some people may choose to follow a raw vegan diet for ethical or environmental reasons, most do it for its purported health benefits. These include weight loss, improved heart health, and a lower risk of diabetes. The diet is high in fibre, which can aid digestion and help lower blood sugar levels. In addition, the focus on fruits and vegetables may improve heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

However, a fully raw vegan diet may also pose some health risks, especially when it is not well-planned. It can be low in calories and deficient in certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and protein. This can lead to health issues such as vitamin deficiencies, tooth decay, irregular menstrual cycles, and weaker muscles and bones.

The British Dietetic Association has described raw foodism as a fad diet and raised concerns that it could compromise long-term health. Scientists do not consider the raw vegan diet a safe long-term diet.

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