Veganism is the fastest growing lifestyle movement of the modern age. In the last three years alone, veganism has grown 600% in the USA. With Europe and many other parts of the world experiencing similar trends, companies everywhere are scrambling to meet the demand for vegan products.
But what exactly is veganism and why is it becoming so popular?
1. What is veganism/vegan?
Veganism is a lifestyle that seeks to avoid animal exploitation as far as is practical and possible.
Vegan is a term used to describe products, such as food, clothing and cosmetics that do not contain animal ingredients and have not been tested on animals
2. Why are so many people interested in veganism these days?
Modern animal agriculture not only treats animals as commodities, but is also destroying our planet and negatively affecting human health. As more people become aware of this, they are turning to veganism as a solution.
3. Is it difficult to live vegan?
No. It can take a little time to figure out in the beginning, but following a vegan lifestyle has never been easier. These days there is an abundance of of vegan-friendly products readily available in supermarkets and stores everywhere.
4. What do vegans eat?
Vegans eat the same basic things as everyone else: vegetables, fruit, rice, grains, tofu beans, along with plant-based versions of the foods many people enjoy such as burgers, hot dogs, ramen, “fish” and chips, gyoza, sushi, fried “chicken”, ice-cream, cake – even “milk” chocolate. You can make practically any food vegan, and as demand grows, more and more products are becoming available in every county, including Japan.
5. Can I meet all my nutritional requirements on a vegan diet?
Absolutely! According to both the British & American Dietetic Associations, “a well-planned vegan diet is suitable for people of all ages”. In fact, many people all over the world adopt vegan diets specifically for their health.
6. Is vegan a religion or a cult?
Absolutely not. While some vegans follow religions, others don’t.
7. I’m interested, but unsure whether I can go fully vegan right now. What should I do?
How about choosing to have at least one vegan day (or even just one meal) a week? Small choices add up, and the impact of a single vegan meal should not be underestimated.