The pros and cons of adopting a vegan diet

Veganism and vegetarianism originated long before westernised veganism became popular, writes Hazel Flight, programme lead nutrition and health at Edge Hill University.

- Hazel Flight, programme lead nutrition and health at Edge Hill University.

Vegetarianism was practised as early as the 5th century BC in India, and it is strongly linked with a number of religious traditions worldwide, such as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. And tofu, a well-recognised alternative to meat, originated in China over 2,000 years ago.

When it comes to vegetarianism and veganism, the basic principles are similar, both involve eating plant-based food for environmental, ethical, health or religious reasons. But while vegetarians mainly just exclude meat, vegans follow a much more restrictive diet excluding all animal products as well as any animal-derived foods such as milk, eggs and honey.

There are several benefits attributed to a vegan diet as long as it is carried out properly. It can help people lose weight and as with a vegetarian diet, has been linked with a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers, such as colon and breast cancer.