New Delhi: World Vegan Day is celebrated every year on November 1. Veganism began as a fad diet, but it has steadily evolved into a lifestyle choice. This day follows Halloween and is dedicated to the practice of not using animal products or abuse of animals. On this special day, the joys and benefits of veganism are promoted, emphasising on how simple it is to adopt this lifestyle and raising awareness about the rights of our four-legged companions.
Despite the fact that veganism requires the rejection of all animal-based goods, a plant-based diet is the ideal approach to support this transformation, with thousands of tasty vegan recipes or adapted versions of meat and dairy dishes available.
World Vegan Day 2022: History
Donald Watson and Elise Shrigley, members of ‘The Vegetarian Society UK,’ were at a crossroads with the club in 1944. They avoided products made from or tested on animals, in addition to eliminating meat from their daily diet. However, society did not acknowledge their way of living as distinct, thereby motivating the duo to form ‘The Vegan Society.’
In 1994, in commemoration of The Vegan Society’s 50th anniversary, UK celebrity and then-Chairman of the Vegan Society, Louise Wallis, declared November 1 as World Vegan Day. She was the one, who had also coined the terms vegan and veganism. When deciding on a date, there was some uncertainty as to the exact day in 1944, when The Vegan Society was created. Wallis chose November 1, since she was aware of Halloween and the Day of the Dead.
World Vegan Day 2022: What is veganism?
Veganism is the practice of avoiding to use of animal products, typically in food. A vegan is anybody who adheres to the vegan diet or concept of veganism. Veganism is classified into three types: dietary veganism, ethical veganism, and environmental veganism. Vegans avoid eating meat, eggs, dairy products, and other animal-derived items.
Ethical vegans are people who not only eat a plant-based diet but also apply the philosophy to other aspects of their lives, while Environmental vegans shun animal products on the grounds that industrial livestock raising is environmentally destructive and unsustainable.
World Vegan Day 2022: Benefits of opting for a Vegan Diet
- A vegan diet helps to keep diseases at bay. It is supposed to have beneficial effects on lowering the risk of heart disease.
- A vegan diet can help with arthritic pain.
- A vegan diet lowers blood sugar levels, lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and lung disease, and protects against kidney diseases.
- Because it is primarily plant-based, a vegan diet is high in fiber and low in cholesterol.
- A vegan diet can also help you lose weight.
World Vegan Day 2022: Significance
People are made aware of the benefits of veganism, as well as how it is a sustainable approach to the environment, on this day. A well-planned vegan diet is thought to be beneficial at all stages of life, from infancy through pregnancy.