By: John J. Foley

Vegans are frequently misunderstood as fringe eaters with an unnatural passion for animal rights. Veganism (also known as strict vegetarianism or pure vegetarianism), as defined by the Vegan Society, is "a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude - as far as is possible and practical - all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. Vegans generally oppose the violence and cruelty involved in the meat, dairy, cosmetics, clothing, and other industries.

Eating vegan eliminates most of the unhealthy foods that tend to cause weight issues. Eating vegan food will help you lose weight effortlessly. Eating vegan at home is simple to accomplish, since you will have complete control over food selection and preparation, and it doesn't mean good-bye taste, hello celery and carrot sticks, but eating vegan is only half of the equation.

Eating vegan foods tend to be low in fat and high in fiber and nutrients. Vegan selections are usually offered at Chinese, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Thai, and other ethnic restaurants, as well as at many chains, such as Chevys, Little Caesars, Papa John's, Subway, Johnny Rockets, and Taco Bell

. As stated earlier, eating vegan involves the avoidance of eating any type of animal product. To clarify it it even more, vegans do not eat any meat products, milk, cheese, eggs, honey, or gelatin. Vegans do however, eat vegetables, grains, and fruits, as well as a number of other food products that do not come from animals, including soybeans, mushrooms, and wild rice. Vegan foods have less cholesterol and saturated fats, and avoid the antibiotics and hormones that are pumped into the farm animals. Vegan diets go far in preventing heart attack and stroke. Vegan diets have also been used to help cancer patients.

Vegans need to pay special attention to getting enough iron, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Vegans can get vitamin B-12, needed to produce red blood cells and maintain normal nerve function, from enriched breakfast cereals, fortified soy products, nutritional yeast, or supplements. Vegans can also get vitamin D from fortified foods, including vitamin D-fortified soy milk or rice milk.

Eating vegan is not only a simple move on your part, it's also exciting. Eating vegan is better for the planet. It will help bring an end to world hunger. Vegans are by no means stuck eating boring foods with little variety. Vegan food is fun and fabulous, and that's what I want to share with people. Vegans are simply more health/food-conscious than majority of people and majority of people are meat-eaters. Vegans have decided to live a certain way and we need to respect that.

Article Written By J. Foley

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