Veganism research

Emily Pinder

Primary research

What do you know about veganism?

• From my first question, I felt that my audience was quite well informed about veganism and know a lot about what they do and stand for. “Veganism is about causing least harm as possible” People also went on to list a variety of things vegans do not consume such as meat and dairy products. They also mentioned other animal products such as leather.

What are your opinions on the vegan lifestyle?

• I had split range of answers for this question as some people believed that the vegan lifestyle is unhealthy and a lot of effort as it does not stop the way animals are treat. While others believe the guilt free lifestyle is very healthy for the plant, mind and body. “I love it! No better feeling than causing no harm to animals and I've never felt healthier"

Are you a vegan or ever considered becoming a vegan?

• The majority of my audience are not or would not want to be vegan while one individual would “be a vegetarian”. The rest of my audience are already vegan. This gives my questionnaire more of a balance between the answers I receive from both perspectives.

If yes, what are your main reasons for becoming vegan?

• Both of my audiences reasons for becoming a vegan was due to the cruel way animals are treat and could not live with the guilt of eating products from animals. “became vegan after a friend educated me about the harsh truth of the dairy industry.”

If no, what are your main reasons for not becoming a vegan?

• The majority of my audience could not give up animal products such as meat and dairy, while others could not think of what they could eat as a vegan and would find it very time consuming and difficult to adapt to.

What would be or is the animal products you miss the most?

• The main animal product people would miss if they became vegan is cheese. I also found that chocolate and meat would be what others miss. One individuals response was suede shoes which I found interesting as I feel the majority only think about the food we get from animals. One individual was very happy with vegan alternatives and does not miss any animal products.

Have you ever tried any vegan substitutes and what are they like?

• The majority of my audience had tried vegan products and were satisfied with the taste. Some products were better than others, where as some people try to keep their diet as natural as possible. A small number of my audience had not tried an vegan substitutes.

Secondary research

Veganism definition

• Summary:• I found from the vegan society website a lot more about a vegan

lifestyle and how effects all different aspects in life rather than just diet. I found there is a wide range of substitutes to animal products and alternatives not only in diet, but also with clothing and make up. As all mediation in the UK must be tested on animals, vegans are not encourage to avoid it “The Vegan Society DOES NOT recommend you avoid medication prescribed to you by your doctor - a dead vegan is no good to anyone!” instead they ;look for mediation that does not contain gelatin or lactose. Animals used for entertainment purposes are also not supported by vegans.

https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/definition-veganism

• Tags:• Vegan• Veganism• Cruelty• Plant based• Diet• Living • Alternatives

• Quotes from the Vegan society:• “Veganism is a 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.”

• “to seek an end to the use of animals by man for food, commodities, work, hunting, vivisection, and by all other uses involving exploitation of animal life by man.”

• “A philosophy and way of living.”• “From curry to cake, pasties to pizzas, all your favourite things can be suitable for a

vegan diet if they're made with plant-based ingredients.”• “Vegans avoid exploiting animals for any purpose, with compassion being a key reason

many choose a vegan lifestyle.”• “Currently all medicine in the UK must be tested on animals before it is deemed safe for

human use, but please note: The Vegan Society DOES NOT recommend you avoid medication prescribed to you by your doctor - a dead vegan is no good to anyone!”

• “Vegans choose not to support animal exploitation in any form and so avoid visiting zoos or aquariums, or taking part in dog or horse racing.”

Veganism definition

• Validation of sources:• The vegan society is a well known and long

established organisation so I believe the information I have read to be true. Figures and extra information on topics have been linked to other websites, backing up the information written.

• Further research:• I can further my research into veganism by looking

at other society's websites and other online definitions.

Veganism definition

• Summary• In this article, the different types of veganism are

defined and show how it impacts lifestyle as well as diet. The origin of the term vegan is also discussed in the article.

• The impact of the diet is spoke about in detail and what the diet is lacking. It also shows how vegans deal with this through the use of supplements.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veganism

Veganism definition

• Tags• Vegan• Veganism• Diet• Lifestyle• Definition • Supplements

• Ethical • Society • Vitamins • Disease

• Quotes from Wikipedia: • “Veganism is 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 veganism is known as a vegan.”• “Dietary vegans (or strict

vegetarians) refrain from consuming animal products, not only meat but also eggs, dairy products and other animal-derived substances. “

• “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 animals 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.[“

• “Vegan diets tend to be higher in dietary fibre, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron and phytochemicals, and lower in calories, saturated fat, cholesterol, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, zinc and vitamin B12”

• “researchers agree that vegans should eat B12-fortified foods or take a supplement.”

Veganism definition

• Validation of sources:• The sources for this article are linked throughout

and listed at the bottom of the page. All authors and quotes are referenced.

• Further research:• I can further my research by looking more into

the sources that are listed and finding other opinions on what I have found out about Veganism.

Veganism definition

Health risks• Summary• This article is from the

veganuary myths page where people can send in their questions and queries about veganism. This answer is specifically about anemia and if its safe to become a vegan if you have this condition.

• The article gives the audience a well thought out response with a range of solutions of how to get enough iron in a vegan diet.

http://www.veganuary.com/myths/anaemic-safe-vegan/

• Tags• Vegan• Anemic• Iron• Safe• Health

• Deficiency• Nutrition• Information

Health risks• Quotes from Veganuary website:• “Anaemia has many different causes; inherited conditions, alcohol,

certain prescription drugs, heavy periods, nutritional problems, some chronic diseases and malabsorption states, to name a few.”

• “From a nutritional point of view, anaemia can be caused by a dietary deficiency of folic acid, vitamin B12 or iron. As a vegan, vitamin B12 is the only vitamin that needs to be taken either as a regular oral supplement, or by regular intake of fortified foods. There is plenty of folic acid in a healthy vegan diet, the primary sources being green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, peas, pulses and nuts.”

• “Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional cause of anaemia. It is estimated that 3% of men and 8% of women in the UK have iron deficiency anaemia (whether vegan or not).”

• Validation of sources:• The sources for this answer is a link to the

nutritional section on the veganuary website. The NHS website is referenced on this page as well as other books about veganism.

• Further research:• To further my research I could look for other

answers to the question and more research to back it up. I can also read the other sources that are referenced on the veganuary website.

Health risks

Extreme lifestyle

http://www.veganuary.com/myths/veganism-just-extreme-though-isnt/

• Summary• This questions answers if

veganism or extreme or not. The answer makes a good point that it seems extreme as it is out of the norm of the majority. Vegan food is made out of everyday ingredients and is easily assessable.

• Tags• Vegan• Veganism• Extreme • Unusual• Majority

• Animals • Plant based• Everyday • Ingredients

Extreme lifestyle• Quotes from Veganuary website:• “It depends on how you think about it. In the context of a

world that habitually uses and consumes animals, choosing not to do so can seem extreme – but only because it differs from what most people do.”

• “However, our society also provides us with plant-based foods that are abundant, affordable, tasty, nutritious and easy to prepare, and considering this it actually seems rather extreme to farm and slaughter animals when so many alternatives are available.”

• “Vegan food itself is not extreme and is mostly made from everyday ingredients that happen to be plant-based – such as beans, whole grains, nuts and common vegetables.”

• Validation of sources:• No sources are referenced for this answer, it is more

just a generalisation and point of view of vegans. I can make sure the information is correct by finding other sources however, from what I already know about the topic the answer does seem correct.

• Further research:• To further my research I can find out more opinions

on this question of extremism and look for research into how it effects your health.

Extreme lifestyle

Changing to vegan

http://www.veganuary.com/myths/can-eat-vegan-food-brought-eat-meat/

• Summary• This answer gives

people an answer to why people become vegan and how easy it is to change to this lifestyle.

• Tags• Vegan• Lifestyle

• Meat• Alternatives• Reason

Changing to vegan

• Quotes from Veganuary website:• “The majority of vegans were brought up eating

meat and viewed eating animal products as normal for at least their early childhood.”

• “Being brought up with particular foods doesn’t mean you need to continue eating them, and many childhood ‘comfort foods’ can be successfully veganised with a few simple ingredient replacements.”

• Validation of sources:• I feel that this source is more personal

opinion/reason compared to being backed up by any evidence. However, due to the nature of the question I do agree with the response.

• Further research:• I could further this research by looking for some

more peoples opinions on this question.

Changing to vegan

Changing to vegan

http://www.veganuary.com/myths/a-vegan-diet-is-dangerous-for-children/

• Summary• This article tells parents how

to make sure children get all the nutrients they need to grow and have a healthy diet. It contains links to other websites to help back up their claims.

• Tags• Children• Health

• Diet• Danger• Growth

Changing to vegan• Quotes from Veganuary website:• “Any diet needs to be carefully planned to ensure correct nutrition, and

with growing children this becomes even more important.”• “However, there is no evidence to show that children eating a balanced,

properly supplemented vegan diet are any less healthy than meat or dairy-eating children.”

• “In fact, vegan parents are often better informed about nutrition and well-cared for vegan kids may eat healthier than many omnivorous ones whose diet often includes too much junk food and not enough fruit and vegetables.”

• “The most important thing to bear in mind is that the low-fat, high-fibre diet recommended for adults (which a plant-based diet is perfect for) is not suitable for children.”

• “Growing kids burn a lot of energy and need a high calorie intake; too much fibre will cause small stomachs to feel full before they’ve actually got enough.”

• Validation of sources:• The sources used to create this answer are listed and

hyperlinked throughout the article and takes me to reliable websites such as the Guardian and the NHS. This makes the answer reliable.

• Further research:• To further my research, I can look at the

websites/articles linked to find out more information.

Changing to vegan

Animal testing

http://www.veganuary.com/myths/can-vegans-take-drugs-tested-on-animals/

• Summary• I found this article very interesting as it is

a controversial subject for vegans. As medication must be tested on animals, they face the risk of not getting better or having to take the medication that has been forced upon animals. It advises vegans to take medication prescribed by the doctor as they should put themselves first.

• Household products are also spoke about and told to be avoided.

• Tags• Vegan• Medication

• Drugs• Animal testing• Household products

Animal testing• Quotes from Veganuary website:• “All medicines by law are tested on animals.

Therefore consumers cannot choose between animal tested and non-animal tested medicines.”

• “The situation is different with regard to cosmetics and some household products, where consumers can choose to boycott animal tested products and choose cruelty free ones.”

• “the fact that medicines have been tested on animals does not guarantee their safety or effectiveness in humans.”

• Validation of sources:• A medical website is linked to the answer to

help vegans find out more about medication and healthier,safer alternatives.

• Further research:• I can further by looking more at the website

linked and finding out others opinions on the subject.

Animal testing

Vitamin B12

http://www.veganuary.com/myths/didnt-human-beings-evolve-need-meat-vegans-take-supplements-vitamin-b12-veganism-cant-natural/

• Summary• Vitamin B12 is essential for a

healthy diet and needed to keep your body healthy. Vitamin B12 is found in meat due to bacteria and can also be found in fortified foods such as cereal. Vegans usually need to take vitamin B12 as a supplement to make sure they are meeting their needs.

• Tags• Vegan• Diet

• Vitamin B12• Foods• Supplements

Vitamin B12• Quotes from Veganuary website:• “It’s true that human beings evolved the ability to digest a

wide range of foods including meat, but this isn’t the same as needing meat for survival.”

• “This vitamin is present in animal products, but it isn’t made by the animals themselves, it’s created by bacteria that live inside them.”

• “The B12 used in vegan supplements or fortified foods such as Marmite is made by ‘farming’ the bacteria directly and harvesting the vitamin, so it’s the same substance made in exactly the same way.”

• Validation of sources:• Their is no sources for this answer but it is linked

to the other page on the website. I can make sure this is correct by further research.

• Further research:• To further my research, I can find out more

information about Vitamin B12 from other, more reliable sites such as the NHS website.

Vitamin B12

Vegan diet

http://www.veganuary.com/living-with-an-omnivore/

• Summary• This article gave an

insight into vegan life and what it is like to make the change. I like this article as it gives a more personal side to veganism.• Tags• Vegan• Lifestyle

• Change• Veganism • Diet

Vegan diet• Sarah Moody article quotes:• “a whole new world of exciting, compassionate and guilt-free food opened

up to me.”• “It all started out in a beautiful haze of green veg, seitan and flax seed”• “I’ve watched Earthlings and Cowspiracy. I’ve got my vegan truths and facts

right.”• “I know that dairy is just about the cruelest industry ever to exist, yet those

crisps, yogurt-coated cereal bars and milk chocolate covered toffees cry to me quietly every evening.”

• “I confess, when I’m tired, hungry and emotionally drained I have forsaken all I know to be true and eaten those little packages of cruelty.”

• “I refuse to beat myself up about this as I genuinely believe that being any-percent vegan is better than none. I also think that this is a journey and so I expect to have times when the road is more difficult to travel than others.”

• Validation of sources:• Validation of sources is not needed as this article

comes from a vegan themselves who will know a lot about the lifestyle and can compare it to being an omnivore as they have experienced both.

• Further research:• I can further my research by looking for more articles

of peoples personal experiences of veganism.

Vegan diet

Vegan diet

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Vegetarianhealth/Pages/Vegandiets.aspx

• Summary• This article gives lots of

information into how to have a healthy vegan diet and make sure you get all the essential nutrients.

• Tags• Vegan• Diet

• Nutrients• Health

Vegan diet• NHS quotes:• “A vegan diet contains only plants – such as vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits – and

foods made from plants.”• “You should be able to get most of the nutrients you need from eating a varied and

balanced vegan diet. A healthy vegan diet contains:-plenty of fruit and vegetables-plenty of starchy foods-some non-dairy sources of protein, such as beans and pulses-some dairy alternatives, such as fortified soya drinks-just a small amount of fatty and sugary foods”• “With good planning and an understanding of what makes up a healthy, balanced vegan

diet, you can get all the nutrients your body needs.”• “During pregnancy and when breastfeeding, women who follow a vegan diet need to

make sure they get enough vitamins and minerals for their child to develop healthily. ”• “If you're bringing up your baby or child on a vegan diet, you need to ensure they get a

wide variety of foods to provide the energy and vitamins they need for growth."

Vegan diet• NHS quotes:• “Good sources of calcium for vegans include:-fortified soya, rice and oat drinks -calcium-set tofu-sesame seeds and tahini-pulses-brown and white bread (in the UK calcium is added to white and brown flour by law)-dried fruit such as raisins, prunes, figs and dried apricots”• “Good sources of iron for vegans are:-pulses-wholemeal bread and flour-breakfast cereals fortified with iron-dark-green leafy vegetables such as watercress, broccoli and spring greens-nuts-dried fruits such as apricots, prunes and figs• “Sources of vitamin B12 for vegans include:-breakfast cereals fortified with B12-soya drinks fortified with vitamin B12-yeast extract such as Marmite, which is fortified with vitamin B12”

• Validation of sources:• This source is very trusted as it created by the

national health service and has a lot of medical research to back up its claims. The page also has renewal dates to help keep the articles information up to date and relevant.

• Further research:• I can further my research by looking at other

articles on the subject.

Vegan diet

Vegan diet

http://www.food.gov.uk/northern-ireland/nutritionni/niyoungpeople/survivorform/breadandbutterstuff/vegetarianandvegandiets

• Summary• This page gives a small number of

statistics about vegetarian and vegan lifestyles and how they are very similar to those of meat eaters. It also offers a list of foods vegans can eat.• Tags• Vegan• Diet

• Alternatives• Facts • Foods

Vegan diet• Food standard agency quotes:• “The Vegan Society define a vegan as, 'someone seeking a lifestyle free

from animal products for the benefit of people, animals and the environment.”

• “A vegan therefore eats a plant-based diet free from all animal products, including milk, eggs and honey. Most vegans do not wear leather, wool or silk.”

• “If you are a vegan, you need to make sure you're getting enough protein and iron (see above), but it can also be difficult to get enough vitamin B12.”

• “These are good vegan sources of vitamin B12:• yeast extract• fortified bread• fortified breakfast cereals• some soy products”

• Validation of sources:• This website is very trusted as it is from the

food standards agency which specialise in diet and food.

• Further research:• This research does back up the NHS website as

they talk about the same things.

Vegan diet

Vegan Society

https://www.vegansociety.com/resources/nutrition-health/vitamins-minerals-and-nutrients/iron

• Summary• This article is about iron and

why you needed in your diet. It also explains where to get it from and gives you inspiration of the meals you can get.

• Tags• Iron • Intake• Diet

• Inspiration • Recipes • Health

• Vegan society quotes:• “It's straight-forward to obtain enough iron when you eat a rainbow

of lightly processed vegetables, fruits and other whole-plant foods each day. In fact, research has shown that vegans have average iron intakes that are similar to or higher than those of non-vegans, and higher than the recommended daily allowance.”

• “It's recommended by the UK's Department of Health that adults receive between 8.7mg - 14.8mg a day dependent on factors such as menstruation.”

• “Good plant sources of iron include dried fruits, whole grains (including wholemeal bread), nuts, green leafy vegetables, seeds and pulses. Other foods rich in iron but which are usually eaten in smaller amounts include soya, some flours, parsley, watercress, black molasses and edible seaweeds. ”

Vegan Society

• Vegan society quotes:• “You need to include foods rich in vitamin C to help

your body absorb the iron in your meals. Vitamin C is found in colourful fruits and vegetables such as oranges, potatoes, cabbage, green leafy vegetables, blackcurrants, broccoli, mango, kiwis and parsley.”

• “Caffeine and tannins can inhibit the body's absorption of iron so it's best to avoid drinking tea, coffee or cola at meal times. Stick to fruit juice or water instead.”

Vegan Society

• Validation of sources:• This source is very reliable as it is dedicated to

veganism in all its forms including diet. A leaflet link is also available for more information.

• Further research:• I can further my research by looking at other

websites and society about veganism.

Vegan Society

Vegan lifestyle association

https://veganlifestyleassoc.com/why/

• Summary• This website gives lots of

information about veganism and why it is important. It gives lots of reasons for veganism and how it can help the planet.

• Tags• Veganism• Diet• Lifestyle

• Impact • Planet• Effects

• Vegan lifestyle association quotes:• “The simple facts are that we don’t need to either eat animal-

based foods, manufacture animal derived products or use animals for any other purpose – including testing, research or entertainment.”

• “Using animals in all of these ways not only causes untold suffering to them, it can also have huge, global implications for both the environment and for human lives.”

• “Veganism offers a solution to these problems and living a vegan lifestyle therefore offers us all a chance to save animal lives and to reverse pressing global issues – from climate change to world hunger.”

Vegan lifestyle association

• Validation of sources:• A list of resources are listed at the bottom of

the page and help to back up the majority of the article.They are from a range of reliable sources such as the BBC and the Guardian.

• Further research:• I can further my research by reading the variety

of different sources.

Vegan lifestyle association

Vegan diet infographic• Summary • This infographic gives lots of

information about a range physical advantages and nutritional advantages to being vegan. A range of facts and figures are also used to give lots of information.

https://www.behance.net/gallery/7642701/Infographic-Vegan-Diet

• Tags• Veganism• Diet• Lifestyle• Physical

• Physical• Nutritional• Meat free

• Quotes from the vegan diet info graphic:• “ A vegan diet is the most ideal human diet.”• “Evidence shows that vegans are overall healthier than meat and

dairy eaters.”• “A vegan diet can virtually eliminate the most severe diseases.”• “Weight loss usually results from a healthy vegan diet.”• “When switching to a vegan diet, many women tell how PMS

symptoms become much less intense or disappear altogether.”• “The elimination of diary is thought to help with those suffering with

PMS.”• “Vegans are typically stronger and more energetic.”

Vegan diet infographic

• Validation of sources:• The sources that helped to create this

infographic are listed at the bottom and all seem to be reliable sources.

• Further research:• I can further my research by reading the

sources listed at the bottom of the infographic.

Vegan diet info graphic

Vegan infographics

Vegan infographics

McDonald's• Summary:• This website page is about

McDonald's and how many cows are killed. The statistics have been worked out with lots of detail to how many cows are killed per day. It also talks about the treatment of animals in the meat industry.

http://iskconbirmingham.org/mcdonalds-responsible-for-the-slaughter-of-67-thousand-cows-per-day

• Tags:• McDonald's• Cows• Burgers• Killed• Slaughtered

• Statistics• Animal

treatment• Eating habits

McDonald’s

• Quotes from McDonald’s article:• “Since then they are proud to advertise that 247

billion beef burgers have been sold.”• “we find that they can get 2024 burgers from a

cow.”• “247 billion divided by 2024 = a total of 122 million

cows slaughtered so far!”• “That makes 25 million cows per year! Or 67,680

cows per day!!”

• Validation of sources:• Some sources are referenced in the article,

however there are non listed. I feel this article is very bias as it talks about worshiping cows rather than the meat industry itself.

• Further research:• I can further my research by trying to find

some sources to back up this sources claims.

McDonald’s

Worlds oldest burger• Summary:• This article is about 20 year

old McDonalds burger that is still in very good condition. The burger looks very similar to the day it was bought and raises concern about how bad they can be for the body.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/worlds-oldest-burger-man-claims-5173737

• Tags:• McDonald’s• Burger• 20 years• Body

• Health• Meat• Condition

• Quotes from the Mirror:• “Two Australian men claim to have the oldest burger in the world -

at a staggering 20 years old.”• “The months became years and now, 20 years later, it looks the

same as it did the day we bought it, perfectly preserved in its original wrapping.”

• “The last McDonald's cheeseburger ever sold in Iceland is still going strong and mould-free – six years after it was bought by a burger-lover.”

• “The burger, which other than looking slightly shriveled remains in remarkable condition, is now on display at the bar of a hostel in Reykjavik.”

Worlds oldest burger

• Validation of sources:• I feel the sources in this article are legitimate as

the people are referenced and shown as well as the burger spoke about in the article. There is also linked sources to other articles.

• Further research:• I can further my research by looking into the

articles are linked and looking for more stories about McDonald’s.

Worlds oldest burger

Veganuary• Summary:• The veganuary website

has a section dedicated to nutritional benefits of veganism and has a list of the different things you need in your diet. When you click on one of the images, more information is revealed about the topic and suggested ways to get this in your diet through food and supplements.http://www.veganuary.com/why/nutritional-benefits/

• Tags:• Veganuary• Nutrition• Benefits• Calcium• Iodine• Iron

• Omega 3 and 6• Protein and fat• Selenium• Vitamin A• Vitamin B12• Vitamin D• Zinc

Veganuary• Quotes from Vegnuary:• “Calcium is important whether you are vegan or not, and you

should ensure you are meeting your RDA: 700 mg for adults (UK).”

• “Iodine helps make the thyroid hormones, which keep cells and the metabolic rate healthy. As with vitamin D, there is concern that many UK citizens, vegan or not, are not receiving adequate iodine in their diet. You can obtain iodine from a regular supply of sea vegetables or supplements.”

• “Vitamin A is essential to human health. It is great for our eyesight, our immune system and bone growth.”

Veganuary

• Validation of sources:• This website is a trusted website and has lots

of information about veganism. It is also backed up by research.

• Further research:• I can look at the other pages on the website

and other sources link.

Vegan Living• Summary:• This page has a list of

facts about vegan living including statistics about food and diet. I found these facts very helpful to help me create my factfile.

https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-vegan-living

• Tags• Vegan• Living• Diet• Lifestyle

• Facts• Food• Nutrition

Vegan Living• Quotes from DoSomething:• “Veganism is a way of life that alters diet, clothing, and other

decisions with the goal of ending exploitation of animals.”• “Approximately 5% of the US is vegetarian (close to 16

million people), and about half of those are vegan -- meaning about 7.5 million Americans abstain from all animal products.”

• “Vegans get their protein from products like lentils, black beans, veggie burgers, tofu, nuts, peanut butter, and soy milk.”

Vegan Living

• Validation of sources:• This website has researched the different

aspects of a vegan lifestyle to create this simple list about veganism. There are also linked website sources.

• Further research:• I can look at the other pages on the website

and other sources link.