Veganism
Veganism
Veganism (/ˈviːɡənɪzəm/ VEE-gə-niz-əm) is a lifestyle and dietary choice that abstains from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals.
Etymology
The term "vegan" was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson when he co-founded the Vegan Society in England, at first to mean "non-dairy vegetarian" and later to refer to "the doctrine that man should live without exploiting animals."
Related Terms
- Vegetarianism: A diet excluding the consumption of meat and fish, but may include dairy and eggs.
- Plant-based diet: A diet consisting mostly or entirely of foods derived from plants, including vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and fruits, and with few or no animal products.
- Cruelty-free: Products manufactured or developed by methods that do not involve experimentation on animals.
- Animal rights: The belief that animals have a right to live free from human use and exploitation.
Health Aspects
Vegan diets can be healthy and nutritionally adequate and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. These diets are appropriate for all stages of life, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes.
Environmental Impact
Veganism is also considered beneficial for the environment. Animal agriculture contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By choosing a vegan lifestyle, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Criticism
Critics of veganism question the evolutionary legitimacy and health effects of a vegan diet, and point to longstanding philosophical traditions which hold that humans are superior to other animals.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Veganism
- Wikipedia's article - Veganism
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