What is Vegan?

A vegan (pronounced ˈvēgən or ˈvejən) is someone who avoids consuming or using animal products. This includes a diet focused solely on plant-based foods like vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Beyond diet, vegans also avoid animal-derived products such as leather, fur, silk, wool, and cosmetics tested on animals.

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Veganism vs. Vegetarianism

While vegetarians avoid meat, fish, and poultry, vegans take it a step further by excluding all animal products and by-products. This includes eggs, dairy, honey, and even processed foods made with animal-derived ingredients like refined sugar or certain wines. Veganism also extends to lifestyle choices, avoiding non-food items like leather, fur, and wool.

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Definition of Veganism

Veganism is both a diet and a philosophy. It involves abstaining from animal products and rejecting the commodification of sentient animals. A person who follows this lifestyle is called a vegan.

• The Vegetarian Resource Group: Vegans avoid all animal products, including food and non-food items.
• About.com: Veganism excludes meat, eggs, dairy, and any animal-derived ingredients, often extending to products tested on animals.
• Wikipedia: Veganism is the practice of avoiding animal products, rooted in a philosophy that opposes the exploitation of animals.

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Who is Vegan?

For a comprehensive list of notable vegans, you can refer to the List of Vegans on Wikipedia. This list includes celebrities, athletes, and activists who follow a vegan lifestyle.