What is "veganism"

n. 1 The practice of eating neither meat nor other animal products, such as fish, milk and milk products, eggs, and honey. 2 A way of life which strictly avoids use of any kind of animal products and services that are based on exploitation of animals.

Veganism is both the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. A follower of either the diet or the philosophy is known as a vegan (pronounced ).

Distinctions are sometimes made between several categories of veganism. Dietary vegans (sometimes referred to as strict vegetarians or followers of a plant-based diet) refrain from consuming animal products, not only meat but also eggs, dairy products, and other animal-derived substances. Dietary vegans are often more focused on the health aspects of whole foods, and, as such, may consume honey or wear clothing that include animal products (for example, leather or wool). The term ethical vegan is often applied to those who not only follow a vegan diet, but extend the philosophy into other areas of their lives, and oppose the use of animal products for any purpose. Another term is environmental veganism, which refers to the avoidance of animal products on the premise that the harvesting or industrial farming of animals is environmentally damaging and unsustainable.

The term vegan was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson when he co-founded the Vegan Society in England, at first to mean "non-dairy vegetarian" and later "the doctrine that man should live without exploiting animals". Interest in veganism increased in the 2010s; vegan stores opened, and vegan options became available in more supermarkets and restaurants in many countries.

Vegan diets tend to be higher in dietary fibre, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, and phytochemicals, and lower in dietary energy, saturated fat, cholesterol, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B. Well-planned vegan diets can reduce the risk of some types of chronic disease, including heart disease, and are regarded as appropriate for all stages of the life-cycle by the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, and Dietitians of Canada. Because uncontaminated plant foods do not provide vitamin B (which is produced by microorganisms such as bacteria), researchers agree that vegans should eat B- fortified foods or take a supplement.