World Vegan Day

World Vegan Day is celebrated yearly on 1st November. It was first celebrated in the year 1994 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the UK Vegan Society along with the term ‘Vegan’. World Vegan Day was made by Louise Wallis, a British animal rights activist and the chair of The Vegan Society, to increase awareness about animal rights.

History and significance of World Vegan Day:

The term Vegan was chased by Donald Watson, an English animal rights advocate who founded the Vegan Society, derived from the term . In the early 1940s, vegans have been proven to be vegetarians who didn’t eat dairy products. This later expanded to various foods and by-products derived from animals. Today, vegans are known as those who don’t consume foods such as meat, fish, poultry and don’t use animal products or even by-products such as eggs, dairy products, honey, leather, fur, silk, makeup.

World Vegan Day coincides with Halloween. In accordance with Louise Wallis, there wasn’t any information concerning the day the World Vegan Society was founded. “We knew the Society was founded in November 1944 but didn’t know the specific date, so I decided to go for 1 November, partially because I enjoyed the idea of this date coinciding with Samhain/Halloween and also the Day of the Dead — conventional days for feasting and celebration, both respectful and auspicious,” he said.

See Also World Vegetarian Day: History, importance and health benefits 

Advantages of a Vegan diet:

It is said that a vegan diet is valuable in maintaining diseases like heart diseases, certain cancers, type two diabetes, arthritis as well as kidney and lung diseases at bay. Considering that a vegan diet is principally plant-based, it is high in fiber and low in cholesterol. On World Vegan Day, vegan groups and practitioners organise workshops to underline the value of animal rights.

Who are Vegans?

Nowadays, Veganism has become popular. The Vegan expression is coined in 1944. Vegan people decide not to consume dairy products including eggs and other products of animal origin. Additionally like vegetarians they don’t eat meat. It’s stated that the vegan term is chosen by combining the first and last letters of ‘vegetarian’. To put it differently, we could declare that veganism is a way of living life where they exclude all forms of animal products, avoid exploitation of animals and cruelty whether it be for food, clothing or for another purpose.

Important days in November 2020: National and International days

Today a question arises that how are vegans distinct from vegetarians?

We can say that vegans are environmentalists than vegetarians.

Vegetarians do not eat eggs, meats, etc. while vegans avoid eating all dairy products and other animal products such as eggs, gelatin and honey. You will be amazed to know that vegans, in actuality, do not use soaps, clothing, beauty products that consist of animal products.

So, we can say that living like a vegetarian is easy since they may consume some animal products that are an important source of protein, nutrients, vitamins, etc.. But vegans usually don’t eat them and need to find out an alternative for it.

We can not ignore the fact that being a vegan, chances of developing diseases will decrease like heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancers, diabetes, etc..

World Vegan Day Facts

Fact 1: Veganism and Vegetarianism are “basically” the same.

Perhaps one of the most common misunderstandings surrounding veganism is due to it being conflated with vegetarianism. The only commonality between the two would be that a common avoidance of meat products. Both vegans and vegetarians categorically do not consume. However, the similarity ends here – to be vegan is to avoid all animal based products (meat is just one animal based product) – including dairy (milk, milk, ghee, butter) and products like honey. This doesn’t apply to vegetarians as several drinkers in India possess a hefty dairy diet. Hence, these people are often called Lacto-vegetarians, just for this reason.

Fact 2: Vegans only eat organic produce

While veganism is a lifestyle/diet, organic is a method of farming/producing. These are in no way linked. Eating only organic isn’t a requirement to become vegan. To eat organic fruits and vegetables is a taste. Most vegans consume traditionally grown fruits and veggies too. Along with the science on which is ‘better’ is still evolving and mixed, in terms of consensus.

Fact 3: The Indian diet Isn’t suited to veganism

Interestingly , Indian diet is perhaps even more suited to veganism than most throughout the world. Not only does India have a considerably large number of vegetarians, but as this culture for many is already primed to include vegetables, fruits, vegetables, dals, legumes, grains and cereals in their diets – all of that are fermented by default. To accommodate to veganism, the major challenge for Indians would be to cut dairy products – we love our ghee coated rotis, curds and raitas (as part of larger dishes ) as well as our ice creams and lassis. But alternatives are now available, with similar taste to boot.

Fact 4: Veganism may lead to poorer nutrition

A frequent misconception around the diet is that pursuing it contributes to overall poorer nutrition. This is only accurate if one does not do research before committing to a diet change – be it vegan or not. Diet change is frequently a significant choice that warrants at least some study regarding the diet in question.

In the instance of a vegan diet, once all animal products are left outside, there’s the possibility of a diminished consumption of protein, iodine, calcium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and omega 3 fatty acids. Each of those nutrients has a workable alternative (especially protein) which is based on meals substitutes or easy supplements.

Fact 5: Vegan food alternatives are Tough to find, and expensive

Actually, plant based alternatives are absolutely easy to find/obtain, and are getting more and more affordable due to the rising vegan community in India. Plethora of alternatives exist for protein, soya products are often widely consumed; with lentils and beans being another good source. There is actually a host of plant-based dairy products to choose from – even a simple staple like milk can be substituted with soya milk, almond milk, cashew milk, etc. Hemp milk can function as a great source of omega 3, also. A wholesome part of leafy vegetables takes cares of vitamins, also for Vitamin D – D it may be treated by (socially distant for today ) exposure to sunlight.

Fact 6: Veganism is a mere fad which will fade eventually

But maybe the myth with the most longevity of all is that the assertion that people pursuing a vegan diet are doing this within a societal trend, so as to acquire social clout. As abstract a claim as this can be, it’s also difficult to ‘disprove’ – how can you establish the real intentions of every single vegan on earth? There’ll be a couple who view it as fashionable! However, for the huge majority of vegans, the diet is one that aligns with their values of stopping the share of unabridged animal cruelty done in the name of creating food items for consumption. Additionally, it takes a lesser toll on the environment, a result that is collectively favorable (or at least should be) to all of us.

And so, ironically the greatest running misconception about veganism is one which critiques its very longevity, something that has only been growing as the decades roll by, and the affordable alternatives roll in. Perhaps, then, on World Vegan Day, it’s better to contemplate not long veganism will ‘continue’; however long we can make it last, to the day it is similar to the new standard.

Eat this healthy food to Boost Your Immune System

What do you need to consider prior to turning vegan?

1. It lowers the chances of some diseases

By turning vegan, the chances of developing heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of cancers that have been linked to animal fats may go down. By cutting animal fats in their diets, vegans rescue themselves from industrial toxins and chemicals which animals transfer from their environment.

2. You’ll need to find an option for milk

Milk, cheese, yoghurt and eggs are important sources of calcium which is crucial to keep good bone health. As a vegan, you have many options like figs, kale, spinach, turnip greens and black peas to get your dose of salt. You can also select milk alternatives including soy milk, almond milk and vegan cheese. Soyfruits and some of the veggies can offer some other important minerals and nutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin K, potassium and magnesium which are also important for bones.

3. It may lower the risk of diabetes and keep your heart healthy.

Vegans often cook with healthy plant-based fats and oils (like olive oil). They supply crucial fatty acids but also regulate the low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol) levels. Reduced LDL lowers the risk of passing by ischemic heart disease – obstructed arteries can lead to a stroke or a heart attack.

Vegans tend to eat fewer calories compared to meat-eaters and drinkers (most vegan diets are high in fibre, so that they make you feel full on less food). Fewer calories may lead to reduce body mass index (BMI) and reduced obesity danger. That is why vegan diets may help some people lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.

4. You will need to take some nutritional supplements

B-12 is chiefly found in meat, eggs and dairy products. On a vegan diet, you can either buy B-12 from food things fortified with B-12 or from supplements. Similarly, you might have to take iron supplements too since the sort of iron contained in plant-based diets (non-heme) isn’t as easy to consume as the one found in a non-vegetarian diet (heme and non-heme).

5. You might shed some weight

A vegan diet may reduce your intake of high-calorie foods and increase your intake of high-fibre foods. This can result in some weight reduction. Be careful about getting all your necessary nutrients, however – it is best to consult a physician or a dietician for best practices.

6. You’ll be supporting the environment

The vegan diet isn’t just about good health – it’s also about doing what is best for the environment. From helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions to standing up against cruelty towards animals, there are lots of ethical arguments for a vegan diet.

7. Be careful about putting Your Children on a vegan diet

It’s okay if you and your partner, your parents want to try a vegan diet. Nevertheless, when it comes to young kids, it may not be the healthiest alternative. Please consult with a physician before making any changes and ask about the nutritional supplements your kid might want to choose if you opt to go ahead with all the newest diet for the entire family.