The word vegan was originally derived from “vegetarian” in 1944 when Elsie Shrigley and Donald Watson, frustrated that the term “vegetarianism” had come to include the eating of dairy products, founded the Vegan Society. The Vegan Society defines veganism in this way: “veganism” denotes 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; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.
The amount of evidence of the disgusting and inhumane treatment of animals on farms is appalling and a strong reason behind veganism. Many animals never see sunlight, chickens can not spread their wings, mothers and children are separated, and they live in filth. They are fed a horrible, unnatural diet and given hormones that were never meant to be introduced into a body. This, of course, gets concentrated into their bodies and byproducts, and those who ingest it are receiving a plethora of hormones and diseased cells.
The key to a nutritionally sound vegan diet is variety. A healthy and varied vegan diet includes fruits, vegetables, plenty of leafy greens, whole grain products, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Vegan diets are free of cholesterol and are generally low in saturated fat. Thus eating a vegan diet makes it easy to conform to recommendations given to reduce the risk of major chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Vitamin D is not found in the vegan diet but can be made by humans following exposure to sunlight. Calcium, needed for strong bones, is found in dark green vegetables, tofu made with calcium sulfate, calcium-fortified soy milk and orange juice, and many other foods commonly eaten by vegans.
The Vegan Way of Life shows a profound effect on the individual, promoting improved health, increased mental vigor and physical activity, less need of sleep, and a happy awareness of living, while, in the community, Veganism balances the various factors in their true perspective and completes the Cycle of All Life.
