Veganism Is A Food System Or Lifestyle

Veganism (or veganism) is a strict form of vegetarianism , which excludes the consumption and use of products and products related to the killing, as well as the exploitation of animals.

Prohibited products:

• meat;
• fish;
• seafood;
• eggs;
• milk and dairy products.

Also, some vegans do not consume honey, because beekeepers, although they show concern for the survival and preservation of the hive, are nevertheless forced to take honey from bees, and sometimes to kill individual representatives (we are talking about redundant or unsuccessful queens, as well as drones ).

The founder of veganism is Donald Watson, who borrowed the idea from the Russian classic Leo Tolstoy.

Reasons for veganism:

1. Ethical - people do not want to have anything to do with the suffering and death of living creatures.
2. Physiological - allergy to products of animal origin.
3. Economic - the extreme limit of poverty, which does not allow to buy meat, fish and seafood.

However, most often veganism is not just a food system, but a specific lifestyle.

Veganism prohibits:

• to hunt for animal prey;
• breeding animals in poor conditions followed by killing for fur, skin or meat;
• wear products made of natural leather and fur.

Vegans refuse:

• products that include components derived from animal products - gelatin and glycerin;
• products, in the process of manufacture and purification of which products of animal origin were used - we are talking about specific types of refined sugar and alcoholic beverages;
• products tested on animals — cosmetics, tobacco.

Strict vegetarians ( vegans ) also condemn the entertainment industry with circuses, zoos, dolphinariums and oceanariums, in which animals and mammals are kept in captivity and often subjected to cruel treatment.

• Reducing the risk of developing cancer (in particular, colon cancer). The fact is that vegetables are an excellent source of fiber, which improves the functioning of the digestive tract.
• Maintaining blood sugar levels. For this reason , veganism is recommended for people who are prone to developing diabetes.
• Good indicators of blood pressure, which prevents the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
• Prevention of hypertension and atherosclerosis. These diseases are caused by an increased level of cholesterol, which is found in large quantities in food of animal origin.
• Skin and hair beauty. Fruits and vegetables are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants necessary for the normal functioning of all body systems. In addition, antioxidants contained in plant foods remove harmful toxins and free radicals from the body.
• Normalization of weight.

The solution to the issue of switching to veganism should be approached very seriously, since this food system has a sufficient number of negative sides, which is primarily due to the fact that plant-based food cannot fully provide the body with amino acids available in animal products . And, accordingly, with veganism , the consumption of rather expensive products that can replace meat and fish is indicated.

Today, disputes between doctors and nutritionists about the harm of strict vegetarianism do not subside . At the same time, most of them claim that veganism is genetically contraindicated. Thus, the consumption of a large amount of plant food leads to a deficiency of folic acid, as well as vitamin B12 directly in the blood plasma.

In addition, vegans often have an increased concentration of the amino acid homocysteine, which has a pronounced toxic effect, as a result of which it has a destructive effect on cells, provoking the development of thrombosis.

In turn, the absence or deficiency of vitamin B12 negatively affects the human nervous system, leading to blindness and deafness. It has been proven that vegetarianism can lead to a decrease in memory, an increase in the risk of early development of Alzheimer's disease.

Symptoms of acute vitamin B12 deficiency: chronic fatigue, indigestion, diarrhea, decreased appetite, nausea, early menopause, infertility, impotence, nervousness and depression, behavioral changes manifested by obsessive movements, mood swings, inadequate response to ordinary things ; paranoia, visual impairment.

If a person decides to become a vegan in adulthood, a certain amount of vitamin B12 is present in his body, which makes it possible to prevent its deficiency during the next 2-3 years. However, it is worth remembering that this reserve is still exhausted, which will significantly increase the level of homocysteine. Since vitamin B12 is found only in food of animal origin, for the normal functioning of the body, it must be compensated by consuming food supplements.

Elements included in the diet of a vegan:

• Vitamin B12 . As it was said, the reserves of this vitamin are compensated with the help of special food additives.
• Proteins . Plant-based foods can provide the body with proteins. However, for this, it is necessary to diversify the diet as much as possible with whole grains and seeds, nuts and legumes, which will replace proteins of animal origin.
• Calcium . Dark green leafy vegetables, including broccoli and Chinese cabbage, can satisfy the body's need for this element, although these products contain less calcium than milk or cheese. In addition, calcium is present in figs, soybeans and almonds. It is also recommended to take specially developed nutritional supplements, which will help to fully provide the body not only with calcium, but also with iron, copper and iodine.
• Vitamin D. _ This element not only strengthens bone tissue, but also prevents the development of various types of cancer and diseases of the cardiovascular system. The main source of this vitamin is milk, which is not included in the diet of vegans , and the sun. However, if sunbathing in the summer is sufficient to meet the need for vitamin D, then in the winter and autumn it is necessary to take food supplements.

In general, today there is a wide selection of products for vegans , including various semi-finished products. Vegan products sold in many supermarkets have a special sign - an image of a sunflower.

Allowed products:

• cereals - buckwheat, rice, millet, as well as oatmeal and pearl barley;
• macaroni;
• legumes - lentils, chickpeas, peas, beans;
• white, flax and corn flour;
• vegetables;
• fruits;
• dried fruits - prunes, dried apricots, raisins, dried fruits;
• nuts;
• syrups;
• spices - ginger, hot ground chili pepper, paprika, peppercorns, cloves, bay leaves, cumin, mustard seeds;
• sauce components — lemon, garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, dried herbs;
• mushrooms;
• vegetable and fruit preserves.

Prohibited products :

• meat;
• fish;
• seafood;
• dairy products;
• eggs and products and dishes in which eggs are used;
• honey;
• white sugar - in some companies, during production, sugar is bleached using pork or beef bones;
• beer - most of this drink is filtered using gelatin, egg whites, marine animals and fish bladders;
• bread — most bread products are made using dairy products, eggs and sugar;
• marshmallows and products similar to nougat - yes, candies, creams, and also jellies are prepared by adding gelatin to them;
• sauces that contain lecithin, which holds oil and vinegar together—lecithin is made from animal tissue or egg yolk.