Despite Veganism becoming ever more popular, this is still a common question. At the route of the answer to this question is the fact that Vegans do not touch any product from an animal whatsoever. Whether it is a leather handbag, Doritos or even sweets that contain Gelatine, Vegans will not consume or purchase the product.
A vegan diet, therefore, consists of core foods within fruit, vegetables, nuts, and grains food categories. Vegans do not eat meat or dairy products.
The Reasons Vegans Don’t Drink Milk
Milk is a product of cows or in some cases Goats. No matter how the milk is produced, even if it is organically farmed, it is not a product that a Vegan will consume. There are a few reasons for this.
Like a Vegetarian, Vegans express animal rights concerns with all elements of farming. In short, it is not the cow’s choice to provide milk for human consumption, so why should we drink it? Sometimes, within farming, there is poor treatment of animals. Some are fed hormones and are forced to become pregnant.
Health Concerns
There are also human health concerns. It has been shown in many studies that dairy products such as milk can affect digestion and raise cholesterol. This links with the fact that in some cases cows are fed hormones, which then passes through our own human digestive systems when we consume milk.
Environmental Reasons
There are also environmental reasons. Farming is one of the core causes of global warming, as over-farming destroys natural habitats, and transportation around the world of farmed products adds to the global carbon footprint. Reducing the amount we farm will help to bring back natural areas and reduce CO2.
Further Reading: 7 Reasons To Go Vegan
There are alternatives
Nowadays, there are a number of great substitutes for milk, yoghurt, cheese, and butter. This means we can enjoy the same great tasting meals without any environmental, animal welfare, or human health concerns. Substitutes are created from plant and soy-based products.
What else do Vegans Avoid?
Along with meat and dairy, there are a number of other foods that contain animal products and, as such, Vegans will not consume.
Eggs, for example, come from Chickens. They are subject to the same sort of issues as cows when it comes to animal rights. The same can be said for honey, as, though an insect, is still a living thing and so is not consumed by Vegans.
As mentioned at the beginning, Gelatine is a hidden product that can make a Vegan’s life rather awkward. This is because, though the end product is a manufactured food, there are some that include this ingredient which is actually a product from animal cartilage. G
elatine has a specific texture that is perfect for gummy sweets and marshmallows, however, its use means Vegans will not eat these products.
Final Thoughts
The reasons why vegans won’t drink milk are the same reasons they won’t eat any animal product. There is a school of thought that if all humans were to turn Vegan, not only would it improve the environment but it could also help to solve world hunger, as farm animals are currently fed a large number of grains and other food that could be given to those in need instead.
The growth in Veganism means that there is now a wealth of different substitute products that are full of flavour and natural goodness. Why not check out our range of Vegan hampers and treat you or a loved one?
I'm a dedicated advocate of veganism with a profound understanding of the principles and intricacies surrounding this lifestyle. Over the years, my commitment to the cause has led me to immerse myself in a wealth of information, from nutritional aspects to ethical considerations and environmental impact. Allow me to shed light on the concepts presented in the article and provide additional insights.
Vegan Diet Basics: The article rightly emphasizes that a vegan diet excludes any product derived from animals. The core components of a vegan diet include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. These plant-based foods form the foundation of a vegan lifestyle, replacing traditional animal products.
Milk Consumption in Veganism: The article delves into why vegans abstain from consuming milk. Beyond animal rights concerns, which align with vegetarian perspectives, vegans are motivated by health and environmental factors. The mention of poor treatment of animals, the use of hormones, and forced pregnancies underscores the ethical dimensions of veganism.
Health Concerns Related to Dairy: The article touches upon health concerns associated with dairy consumption. Studies have linked dairy products, including milk, to issues like impaired digestion and elevated cholesterol levels. This reinforces the health-driven motivation for adopting a vegan lifestyle.
Environmental Impact: Environmental considerations play a significant role in veganism, as highlighted in the article. The destructive effects of over-farming on natural habitats and the contribution of the farming industry to global warming are crucial aspects. The reduction of farming is presented as a solution to mitigate these environmental challenges.
Plant-Based Substitutes: The article introduces the positive aspect that there are now numerous substitutes for milk, yoghurt, cheese, and butter made from plant and soy-based products. This not only addresses the ethical concerns but also provides practical alternatives that align with the vegan philosophy.
Other Foods Avoided by Vegans: Eggs, honey, and gelatine are mentioned as additional examples of foods avoided by vegans. Each of these items raises ethical concerns related to animal welfare, reinforcing the holistic approach of veganism beyond just diet.
Gelatine as a Hidden Animal Product: The article rightly points out the challenge presented by gelatine, a hidden ingredient derived from animal cartilage. Despite being present in various manufactured foods, including gummy sweets and marshmallows, its use renders these products unsuitable for vegans.
Final Thoughts and Broader Impact: The article concludes by emphasizing that the reasons vegans avoid milk align with their overall stance against all animal products. It touches upon a broader perspective, suggesting that widespread adoption of veganism could positively impact the environment and potentially address global hunger issues.
In conclusion, the growth of veganism has led to the development of diverse and flavorful substitute products, reflecting the increasing accessibility and acceptance of this lifestyle. The comprehensive understanding of veganism extends beyond individual dietary choices to encompass ethical, health, and environmental considerations.
