Vegan Diet Explained
Vegans do not eat any animal products, for example:
• no meat, fish nor other pro-ducts that come directly from killing an animal, such as animal fats and gelatine;
• no dairy products such as cows’ milk, butter, cheese and yoghurt, nor goats’ milk;
• no eggs nor foods containing eggs such as Quorn;
• no honey.
Around 150,000 people in the UK are vegan. Millions more have chosen to cut down on animal products and would welcome a vegan choice.
Why do people choose vegan food?
HEALTH
A well-balanced wholefood vegan diet is up there with the healthiest of diets. It is low in saturated fats which can be detrimental to health, and high in fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Some people, especially children, are intolerant or allergic to cows’ milk or egg products.
Diseases in animals such as Bird Flu, BSE and Salmonella, which can affect humans, have caused some people to cut out meat and other animal products.
ANIMALS
Many people choose vegan food because of the cruelty involved in the production of food of animal origin.
ENVIRONMENT
A vegan diet helps to ensure that an individual’s impact on the planet is minimized.
RELIGION
Some religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Rastafarianism, strongly advocate a diet that cuts out meat and sometimes eggs. Others state that certain animals should not be eaten.
ECONOMICS
Vegan meals prepared with basic ingredients can be very cheap.
source: http://www.vegansociety.com/healthcare/Catering-Guide/Vegan-Diet-Explained.aspx
