With more and more people embracing the ‘vegan’ lifestyle, we see a vegan revolution today, especially on social media. And with this trend now, we are experiencing an excellent opportunity to adopt a healthy diet plan along with a cruelty-free lifestyle.

In the last decade itself, we have seen a rapid increase in the number of people choosing to become vegan. Today, 8 out of 10 citizens of the UAE are following a vegan lifestyle.

So, what is this veganism? Why people are choosing a vegan lifestyle? Let’s get deep into it. 

What is Veganism?

As per The Vegan Society, the definition of veganism is:

"Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms, it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals."

This means that as a vegan, a person who practicing veganism you should:

• Avoid food items derived from animals, including meat (this includes consumption of insects), fish, dairy products, eggs, and honey. Instead, opt for a plant-based diet
• Do not buy clothing, accessories, bathroom products, and make-up items made from animal skin, bones, or any other parts.
• Say no to products tested on animals.
• Use medication that does not contain animal products. Note that this doesn’t mean you should avoid all the non-vegan medicines prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not be a part of animal exploitation by visiting animal zoos, taking part in dog shows, or horse racing. You can go to animal sanctuaries or adopt pet animals from rescued shelters.

Top 7 Reasons to Go Vegan

Here we are listing out seven reasons why there is an increase in the number of vegans in the UAE and what makes them explore an alternative lifestyle.

1. Moral Reasons- No More Animal Cruelty

The primary reason why people are favoring veganism is that this lifestyle can reduce animal cruelty by humans. This includes factory farms where animals are made to live a miserable life until they are exploited or slaughtered. Like humans, sentient creatures also have the right to life, which we often forget.

2. Health Benefits

Vegan diets are recognized to be healthy and nutritious. It includes foods like grains, cereals, vegetables, fruits, and leafy vegetables rich in fiber,  potassium, vitamins, and low in fat and cholesterol. This will help in reducing the chances of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc. 

3. Weight Loss

Losing weight can be difficult, right? Especially those unhealthy diets which will keep you feeling tired all the time. Don’t worry. As per a recent study, vegans are found to have healthier BMIs as compared to non-vegetarians or lacto-ovo vegetarians. In another study conducted at Harvard University in 2016, vegans were observed to have weight loss of around five pounds more than non-vegetarians within a duration of 18 weeks. 

4. Environment Friendly

The production of animal products increases greenhouse gas emissions, non-degradable waste materials, fuel consumption, and the usage of water and land to a greater extent. Recent research shows that if all the people on our planet become vegans, we can drop greenhouse gas emissions by 2.6 %. Also, you will be able to eliminate malnutrition in third-world populations too using the available land and water. 

5. Economic Reasons

As we all know, when it comes to food items, animal-derived ones cost more than plant-based ones. This goes the same for other clothing or make-up items too.  Yes, there is an expensive vegan product out there. But when it comes to a commoner’s monthly budget, choosing veganism can save you a lot of money.

Plus, by adopting a vegan lifestyle, there will be health benefits, as we discussed. This will help you avoid hospital visits, medications, etc., which is also a benefit from an economic point of view.

6. Vegan-Food is Delicious

Adopting a vegan lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your favorite food items. Vegans, too, can enjoy ice creams, burgers, crispy snacks. The only difference is that it will contain vegan ingredients instead of its animal-derived counterparts. Today, more and more restaurants and fast-food chains are coming up with vegan food items on their menu. Recently  AI Islami Foods, a UAE-based halal food chain, launched their first plant-based burger. 

7. Take Control of What You Eat 

There are people who have a dislike or sensitivity to animal-derived products. Since we have limited availability of affordable plant-based products, they always end up consuming what’s available. A vegan lifestyle can support people in these categories into eating what they prefer.

The "Vegangelical" Trend

Today veganism, unlike before, is now being considered a healthy and sustainable lifestyle more than a just healthy diet plan. All thanks to the efforts of ‘Vegangelical’ personalities and vegan communities make the world a kinder place.