Eating Vegan
The vegan diet avoids all animal products and by-products, such as meat, dairy, and eggs. Unlike other diets, the vegan diet is typically chosen not only for health reasons but rather environmentalism and animal welfare concerns. That being said, some people choose the vegan diet for the reported health benefits attributed to this diet.
About the Vegan Diet
The vegan diet avoids all animal products and by-products, such as meat, dairy, and eggs. Unlike other diets, the vegan diet is typically chosen not only for health reasons but rather environmentalism and animal welfare concerns. That being said, some people choose the vegan diet for the reported health benefits attributed to this diet.
For some individuals, any product - not just food products - that contain animal products or rely on animal testing are strictly avoided, such as certain cosmetics, and leather goods.
Eating a Vegan Diet
Weight loss, appetite management, lower cholesterol, and improved blood sugar levels have all been attributed to the vegan diet. It has also been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and kidney problems. Adhering to this diet means eliminating some of the more obvious animal products, as well as some lesser thought ones as well. These include:
- Meat and poultry
- Seafood
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Bee products
- Other animal-derived ingredients such as lactose, gelatin, and omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish
This diet, in general, is heavily focused on what not to eat, and what individuals consume on a day-to-day basis is highly variable among those who follow it. It is extremely important to consult a doctor or dietary professional before beginning any diet, and those considering a vegan diet must take care to ensure that the necessary nutrients are being replaced, such as calcium from dairy and protein and B12 from meat. Foods that are acceptable to and commonly consumed on a vegan diet include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Legumes such as beans and lentils
- Tofu, tempeh, and seitan
- Nuts, nut butters, and seeds
- Plant-based dairy alternatives
- Whole grains
- Vegetable oils
Vegan Certifications
While whole foods such as fruits and vegetables are clearly free of animal products, other items may not be as clear cut. For those adhering to a strict vegan diet, looking for the certified vegan logo can give the peace of mind that certain products are wholly plant-derived. The organization Vegan Action currently offers vegan certification and ensures that products and brands using their logo do not contain meat, fish, animal by-products, eggs, milk or other dairy, bee products such as honey, or anything else directly or indirectly derived from animals.