An abundance of diets exist in today’s society.
Some people go on diets to lose weight. Others go on diets to gain weight, and many go on diets just to be healthier in their daily lives. However, some go on diets to protest animal cruelty.
A vegetarian doesn’t eat meat, fish or poultry. A vegan doesn’t eat meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products or any animal products. Vegans don’t even use any animal by-products, including hygiene products.
According to Vegan Action, an organization whose mission is to enhance public awareness about the benefits of the vegan diet and life style, the term “vegan” came from London in 1944. The word is formed with the first three and last two letters of the word vegetarian.
The three most common reasons for becoming a vegan are the concern for animals, one’s health and the environment, according to Vegan Action.
Eugene resident Diana Hailey is a vegan who hasn’t eaten meat for eight years. Her decision to change her diet was primarily an ethical one.
“If I touch you, you can feel it and so can the animals,” Hailey said.
“Even chicken broth makes me so sad,” she said. “There is so much emotion involved with being a vegan. I wouldn’t eat my cat. Some people distance themselves by saying ‘It’s just a stupid cow,’ but it is not just a cow. It feels just like a cat, dog or a kid. They all have feeling, thoughts and emotions.”
Those on a vegan diet tend to consume less fat and have lower cholesterol, according to the World Health Organization. A plant-based diet is able to provide enough protein to meet the recommended amounts. Meeting all the nutritional needs is one favorable aspect of the vegan diet. But vegans are also able to avoid many health problems that occur with the consumption meat and dairy products, such as heart disease, kidney problems and certain types of cancer, according to the WHO.
A major nutritional concern for vegans is obtaining enough calcium and vitamin B-12, according to Vegan Action. Calcium may be easily consumed by eating dark green vegetables such as spinach, legumes such as baked beans and other fortified foods such as tofu.
Although animal products provide ample amounts of this vitamin, plant foods provide virtually none. In order to gain this vitamin, supplements and fortified foods such as some brands of soy milk are available, the WHO suggests.
Vegan diets are also better for the environment, according to Vegan Action.
The Union of Concerned Scientists performed a study that listed the most environmentally harmful activities and products. On this list, the meat industry was the second most harmful behind automobiles.
Vegan Action points out that a plant-based diet requires less water, energy, raw materials and land to produce than a meat-based diet.
Switching to a vegan diet may at first seem impossible. However, many substitutes do exist that provide the same tastes and preferences without the use of animals.
Signy Hartman, the vitamin manager of Sundance Natural Foods located at 24th and Hilyard, says one of the store’s big sellers is the fake burger.
Sundance also offers soy and rice ice cream. The price of this vegan treat is about the same cost as a premium dairy ice cream brand.