Today, on November 1, people around the world are celebrating World Vegan Day, an occasion aimed at raising awareness about the benefits of a vegan diet on health and well-being. This day is all about spreading the word on how going vegan can have a positive impact on our environment and overall health.
A vegan diet is all about saying goodbye to animal products, including meat, eggs, and dairy. It’s a dietary choice that has gained popularity for a multitude of reasons. On World Vegan Day, various events, such as seminars, workshops showcasing delicious vegan cuisine, and educational sessions discussing the advantages of adopting a vegan lifestyle, are organized to inform and inspire.
Let’s dive into the history, significance, theme, and some of the benefits of a vegan diet:
History:
World Vegan Day traces its origins back to November 1, 1994, when ‘The Vegan Society’ was founded. This organization was established to promote veganism and a plant-based diet by Louise Wallis, a passionate animal rights activist. The idea sparked when she was searching for a fitting venue to commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Vegan Society. As the President of the Vegan Society, she aimed not only to celebrate the organization’s survival but also to introduce the term “vegan” into the English language.
Significance:
World Vegan Day serves several vital purposes. It’s a day to advocate for and protect the rights of vegans, encourage more people to embrace a vegan lifestyle, collaborate with policymakers on issues like climate change and sustainable agriculture, expand the availability of vegan food options in public spaces, and much more.
Theme: This year, the theme for World Vegan Day is ‘Celebrating for a Good Cause.’
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of a vegan diet:
1. Weight Loss: A well-balanced vegan diet is associated with lower total energy intake, a healthier fat profile, and increased dietary fibre. More fibre in your diet can help you feel fuller, reduce the urge to snack, and improve your understanding of hunger cues.
2. Balanced Blood Sugar: Individuals with blood sugar fluctuations may find relief in a wholefood vegan diet. It typically leads to lower blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
4. Healthy Skin: Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, staples of a vegan diet, has been associated with better skin health. These foods are rich in essential nutrients like vitamins C and E, as well as plant compounds called polyphenols.
5. Improve health: Fortified foods, when part of a wholefood vegan diet, contribute to improved health. They are packed with dietary fibre, abundant sources of folate, vitamins C and E, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium.
Indian celebrities who are the face of Veganism in India
Virat Kohli: The captain of the Indian cricket team made a significant lifestyle change when he adopted veganism in October last year. This switch away from animal-based products not only transformed his fitness but also enhanced his performance on the cricket field. Kohli openly acknowledged that this dietary shift had a positive impact on his game.
Kangana Ranaut: Kangana Ranaut, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actresses, transitioned to a vegan diet back in 2013. Before this, she was a non-vegetarian. The decision came about when she experienced acidity due to dairy-based products. Ranaut is a vocal advocate for veganism and has been outspoken about her stance on animal cruelty, particularly cow slaughtering.
Amitabh Bachchan: The legendary 80-year-old Bollywood actor, known for his vegetarian lifestyle, took a step further and announced on his show “Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) 14” that he had given up non-vegetarian food, sweets, and other dishes, aligning himself with vegan principles.
Aamir Khan: Often referred to as Bollywood’s “Mr. Perfectionist,” Aamir Khan chose to go vegan in 2015. This decision was influenced by a video shared by his wife, highlighting the common diseases associated with consuming animal products and how a vegan diet can serve as a preventive measure.
Sonakshi Sinha: The famous actress known for her role in “Dabangg” embraced veganism out of her love for animals. She shared that her switch to a vegan diet led to significant weight loss and boosted her metabolism.