World
Vegan Day is celebrated every year on November 1. It was first celebrated in
the year 1994 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the UK Vegan Society and
the ‘Vegan’. The Vegan Society was established in November 1994. World Vegan
Day was initiated by Louise Wallis, a British animal rights activist and the
chairman of The Vegan Society. This day is celebrated to raise awareness of the
benefits of veganism for humans, animals, and the environment.

Earlier, vegans were known as vegetarians who did not
consume dairy products but later it got extended to different foods and
by-products derived from animals. Today, vegans are known as people who do not
consume foods like meat, fish, poultry and do not use animal products or even
by-products such as eggs, dairy products, honey, leather, fur, silk, cosmetics.

Also Read | Do I really sound like that? Know why you hate your own voice recording

Veganism is now a social movement to keep a check on the
balance in the ecological system. Since many Indian and international
celebrities have turned vegan, now it’s your turn to do so. 

While many people support the idea of veganism, some a
still under confusion about whether or not to turn vegan. So, here are a few
benefits and myths on Veganism:

Also Read | Starting 2024, Rome airport set for flying taxi services

Benefits of veganism

Lesser chances of diseases

Veganism makes a contribution to stop the exploitation of
animals but also to reduce carbon footprint and prevent diseases. Whole food
and plant-based diets help to prevent or even reverse 15 of the major killer
diseases including heart disease and diabetes. 

Environment friendly

Being vegan is the best way to reduce your
environmental impact on the earth. Animal agriculture causes deforestation,
water shortage, Global warming, and climate change. Globally, 50% of food
grains that are produced in this world are used to feed the animals that we
breed and overpopulate. A global shift towards veganism significantly helps us
in preventing food shortages.

Also Read | Want to make your skin glow naturally? Here’s how tomatoes can help

Weight loss

Healthy greens and plant-based foods do not add extra fat
to you and help to maintain your weight. 

Boost your mood

Vegan foods boost your mood naturally and keep you calm.
Studies suggest that vegans are found to be in a better state of mind than
meat-eaters. 

Also Read | Oil cleansing: New beauty trend for radiant face is here to stay

Myths related to Veganism

Unaffordability

Vegan foods are believed to be very expensive, which is
not true. It is very economical if you follow a balanced diet with pulses and
cereals, grains, vegetables, and fruit.

Protein Deficient

Another big misconception is that vegans are protein
deficient because it is believed that only meat has protein. A proper
plant-based diet will give you all the essential nutrition needed for your
body. 

Also Read | How to feed yourself well for better mental health

Lack of nutrients

Other nutrients like vitamin B12, which is neither plant
nor animal origin but are found in microbes. Sunlight is an excellent source of
vitamin D as well as supplementation. 40% of the world’s population is
deficient in vitamin D irrespective of what they eat. So, it is just a misconception
that a vegan diet lacks nutrients.