Veganism

We can define veganism as a "philosophy of life", guided by a core of values and principles:

• A vegan sees life as a phenomenon to be treasured, revered and respected. We do not see animals as either 'the enemy' to be subdued, or the materials for food, fabric or fun that were put on Earth for human use.

• Vegans see themselves as a part of the natural world, rather than its owners or its masters.

• Veganism recognizes no expendable or superfluous species that humans are free to hurt or destroy. Species of life-forms need not justify their existence to vegans, nor plead for protection from extinction on the grounds of their potential usefulness as food or medicine for humans. We continue to be burdened and misguided by adages such as "a weed is a plant we have not yet found a use for".

• Veganism acknowledges the intrinsic legitimacy of all life. It rejects any hierarchy of acceptable suffering among sentient creatures. It is no more acceptable to torment or kill creatures with "primitive nervous systems" than those with "highly developed nervous systems". The value of life to its possessor is the same, whether it be the life of a clam, a crayfish, a carp, a cockroach, a cow, a chicken, or a child.

• Veganism understands that gentleness cannot be a product of violence, harmony cannot be a product of strife, and peace cannot be a product of contention and conflict.

• Vegan ideals encompass much more than advocacy of a diet free of animal products, or a fervent defence of animal rights. Veganism excludes no sentient being, animal or human, from its commitment to compassionate, gentle benevolence. To show tender regard for the suffering of animals, yet treat humans with callous contempt, is a disheartening contradiction of vegan principles.

• "Every time I bend down to pick something up, I find it is connected to something else". There is an equivalent ecology to our behaviour. Everything we do connects to something else; every action touches on the world around us, either close at hand and noticeable, or far away and unperceived, immediate in its effect or distant in time.

• If veganism has a primary value, it is simply that life-respecting compassion overrides individual issues of custom, convenience, comfort or cuisine.

• If there is a single article of faith, it is that commitment to vegan values will bring us closer to a world in which the fate and fortune of a planet and all its life forms do not hang on the judgment or the generosity of one species.

• If there is one single concept that both generates and sustains the meaning and the power of the vegan world-view, it is found in the word 'mindfulness'. As vegans, we strive to be thoughtful, aware and concerned about the impact of our choices, our actions and our decisions. The fruit of this awareness is inner peace, the quiet strength of ethical confidence, and an uplifting sense of fulfillment.

QUESTION: Will going vegan make me healthier? This is the first question that enters your mind when contemplating a vegan diet for health reasons. Yes, provided that you eat a diet primarily composed of natural, whole foods.

In the most recent studies, it has been found that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes and obesity and high blood pressure. The key is to eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds high in fibre. In theory, you could be a “junk food vegan,” but if you avoid processed foods like chips and packaged sweets, you can improve your health.

It is critical to show affection to the gut, which does the bulk of food processing. But, according to new research, your gut health may improve if you switch to a vegan diet. It’s because how a strict vegan or vegetarian diet alters the microbiome in the digestive tract. Collecting the microbes in your intestines is known as “colonisation.” These microorganisms are greatly aided by the immune system and digestion, not harmed due to their presence.

The body adapts to a new diet. Sadly, not all of these alterations are favourable or readily apparent. For example, if you go vegan, your bones may be affected. Bone-building nutrients can, however, be found in a variety of plant-based foods. For example, soy, almonds, and white and black beans are excellent sources of calcium . Because of this, it is critical to consider how you will obtain these essential nutrients if meat is eliminated from your diet.