Tuesday 19 November 2013

What does it mean to be a Vegan/ Vegetarian?



Veganism is a type of vegetarian diet that excludes meat, eggs, dairy products and all other animal-derived  ingredients. Many vegans also do not eat food produced using animal products, such as refined white sugar and some wine. Most vegans also abstain from using animal tested products and animal-derived non-food products, such as leather, fur and wool.

A vegan diet includes all grains, beans, legumes, vegetables and fruits and the nearly infinite number of foods made by combining them.

Some people do not know what is the difference between a vegetarian and a vegan so here are the differences.
1. Vegans abstain from any animal products and dairy products

Vegetarians do not eat meat, poultry or fish but may consume dairy products like yogurt, eggs and milk.

2. A vegan is self-committed to upholding a personal standard of living where animals are concerned.

Vegetarians are not as predictable in their beliefs, as there are many reasons to become vegetarian may not be altruistic. For example, many vegetarians have eliminated meat for the sake of their health.

Types of vegetarian
1. Lacto Vegetarians

Lacto vegetarians have the same dietary principles as vegans, except they do consume milk products. They may or may not avoid use of non-food animal products.

2. Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians
Ovo-Lacto vegetarians are the same as lacto vegetarians, but they also consume eggs and egg products. They may or may not avoid use of non-food animal products.

Those who turn vegetarians to combat animal cruelty usually opt for a vegan diet. People who simply want to avoid supporting factory farming techniques often become pesectarians. And those who want to avoid the health risks of consuming meat may become lacto or ovo-lacto vegetarians.

Is being a vegetarian beneficial for health?

The best type of vegetarian diet depends on a person’s individual motives for becoming a vegetarian.

Some argue that a raw vegan diet, in which food is cooked below 115 degrees Fahrenheit, is the healthiest diet for humans. There is some debate around the subject, but in any case it is possible to eat a raw vegan diet and still get the nutrients we need to survive.

Do vegetarians get proper nutrition?

The key to a healthy diet is to choose a wide variety of foods, and to consume enough calories to meet your energy needs. It is important for vegetarians to pay attention to these five categories in particular.

Protein

Protein is found in both plant foods and animal foods. Eating a wide variety of foods and enough calories during the day will fulfill your protein needs. Good sources of protein include whole grains, lentils, beans, tofu, low-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds, tempeh, eggs, and peas.

Calcium
It is recommended that adults 19 to 50-years-old consume at least 1000mg of calcium per day -- the equivalent of 3 cups of milk or yogurt.

Vegetarians can meet their calcium needs if they consume adequate amounts of low-fat and fat-free dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Calcium is also found in many plant foods including dark, leafy greens (e.g. spinach, kale, mustard, collard and turnip greens, and bok choy), broccoli, beans, dried figs, and sunflower seeds, as well as in calcium-fortified cereals, cereal bars and some fortified juices.

Vegans (people who don't eat any animal products) must strive to meet their daily calcium requirements by regularly including these plant sources of calcium in their diets. Many soy milk products are fortified with calcium, but be sure to check the label for this. You can also include a calcium supplement in your diet, which is available at the pharmacies.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body absorb and use calcium. There are few foods that are naturally high in vitamin D. alternatively, the body can make its own vitamin D when the skin is exposed to adequate sunlight (but that can have its own risks). People who do not consume dairy products and who do not receive direct exposure to sunlight regularly should consider taking supplemental vitamin D. The recommended intake of Vitamin D for an adult is 200 international units (IU) per day. 

Iron

Iron-fortified breads and cereals, dark green vegetables (e.g. spinach and broccoli), dried fruits, prune juice, blackstrap molasses, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and soybean nuts are good plant sources of iron. Consuming foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes, and green peppers helps your body absorb iron from these plant sources. Cooking food in iron pots and pans will also add to your iron intake.

Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is produced in animals and by bacteria in the soil. Vegetarians who consume dairy products and/or eggs usually get enough B-12 since it is found in these foods. Vegans, however, should add vitamin B-12 fortified soy milk to their diets. Regularly taking a broad-spectrum of multivitamin and mineral supplements will also supply the necessary amount of B-12.

Becoming a vegetarian/ vegan has its own benefits but be sure to consume a variety of food to maintain a healthy diet ;) For vegan cakes, do feel free to contact us and we can specially arrange a vegan cake for you! For other low sugar, no preservative desserts, check it out on our menu ;)

Check us out for other interesting reads and ways to cut down fats in desserts!




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