VEGAN - DEFINITION

By this point, the term "vegan" is one familiar to most in the United States and around the world. Much more than a mere diet, the term vegan applies to the broader philosophy and lifestyle of those who choose to avoid the use of animal products for food, clothing, and other uses. Initially, the notion of the vegan was derived from the term "vegetarian." When, in 1944, Elsie Shrigley and Donald Watson became frustrated that vegetarians were relaxing their standards and making allowances for dairy products in their diets, the two founded the UK Vegan Society, the first official organization with veganism at its core. By combining the first two letters and last three letters of "vegetarian," Shrigley and Watson believed they were, quite literally, representing the "beginning and end of vegetarian."

The benefits of a vegan lifestyle are widely varied, from basic peace of mind to significant physical improvements. That said, there are also certain risks to a strict vegan diet. Poor management can lead to reduced levels of calcium, iodine, and vitamins B12 and D. Thus, vegans are often encouraged to take supplements made from non-animal sources. In addition, The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has devised what they call the "Four New Food Groups." Here, the group breaks down recommended balances between dark green, leafy vegetables (such as broccoli), and dark yellow and orange vegetables. They also recommend five servings of whole grains, three of fruit, and two of legumes.

Other sources of protein, such as tofu, also supplement the vegetable elements of a vegan diet. Many recipes that traditionally call for animal products can be easily adapted by substituting vegan ingredients such as nut, grain, and soy milk. In today's increasingly vegan-friendly world, life for vegans appears to be getting easier every year.