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October becomes a special t is not surprising that the population of vegans
continues to show an increase. Surveys conducted
momentum for those who I over the past few years indicate that the number of
adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. people that do not consume meat is continually rising. The
On October 1st, those who increasing number of people choosing such a lifestyle is
have avoided all types of reflected in the significant growth of vegan food options
available in supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, and online
foods derived from animals stores. According to worldanimalfoundation.org, statistical
and all animal-derived data from 2023 shows there are around 88 million vegans
products celebrate World worldwide.
However, it is not just the number of followers that
Vegetarian Day (WVD). inspired the initiation of World Vegetarian Day; more
WVD is held to promote importantly, it is about how vegans influence health.
and raise awareness about World Vegetarian Day was first initiated in 1977 by the
the benefits of vegetarian North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS), a nonprofit
organization established in 1974 to promote vegetarianism
diets and healthy living. The and raise awareness about the benefits of vegetarian
vegetarian lifestyle also aims diets. In 1978, with the support of the International
to provide understanding Vegetarian Union, it was agreed that October 1st would be
established as the day to celebrate vegans. Additionally,
in food choices, protect NAVS designated the entire month of October as World
the environment, enhance Vegetarian Awareness Month, during which various events
health, and show concern and activities are held globally to encourage people to try
vegetarian foods, learn about vegetarianism, and consider
for other living beings. adopting a vegetarian diet.
According to the Vegetarian Society, a vegetarian
is someone who does not consume any type of meat,
including chicken, seafood, beef, or other products
produced from the slaughter of animals.
A vegetarian’s diet usually consists of a combination of
various fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. Dairy products,
honey, and eggs are consumed depending on the type of
vegetarianism a person follows. According to Healthline,
several types of vegetarians currently exist:
◆ Lacto-ovo vegetarian: A vegetarian who avoids all types
of meat but consumes dairy products and eggs.
◆ Lacto vegetarian: A vegetarian who avoids meat and
eggs but consumes dairy products.
◆ Flexitarian/semi-vegetarian: An individual who still
consumes meat but only occasionally (once a week) or
avoids red meat but consumes white meat.
Based on this definition, there is a distinction between
vegetarians and vegans. While both lifestyles involve
enjoying life through food choices by avoiding all forms
of animal-derived products, according to Healthline, a
vegetarian does not eat any meat (like beef, poultry, or
fish) but still consumes animal-derived products such as
milk and eggs. In contrast, a vegan is a strict vegetarian
who also avoids dairy, eggs, and other ingredients
derived from animals. Vegans also have a different day of
observance from vegetarians, which is November 1st each
year, celebrated as World Vegan Day. The meaning of the
celebration is similar, aimed at raising awareness about
the benefits of switching to a plant-based diet.
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