For many, the vegan movement was founded on ethical considerations associated with the consumption of animal products, but as more and more research emerges about the impact of our current food systems on environmental wellbeing, conversations around veganism are becoming increasingly focused on these broader issues.

Veganism is a lifestyle that eschews all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. It's become increasingly popular over the past few years — with veganism named 2022’s top food trend by Godrej Food Trends Report 2022 — and there are many reasons why people choose this way of eating.

Plant-based menus have taken the world by storm for human and environmental reasons (which are inextricably linked). Restaurants and family establishments will now offer them more frequently as they transition from fine dining to everyday dining. Mumbai restaurants such as Rare Earth Organic Cafe, Imagine Cafe, Earth Cafe, Earthlings Cafe, Candy and Green, and Farmers’ Cafe serve up everything from vegan hummus and pizza, vegan panzanella omelettes, tofu burgers, macaroni with vegan cheese to mock meats like Turkish kebab wraps, vegan meatballs, mock meat nuggets, and burgers.

Here are some of the benefits of adopting veganism.

1. Lowers your carbon footprint
Since raising livestock uses so much land and resources, it also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. By replacing some or all animal products with plant-based foods, you can considerably reduce your carbon footprint while simultaneously enjoying healthy foods!

2. Eco-friendly lifestyle
Vegan diets are more environmentally friendly due to their low reliance on animal products and high dependence on fruits, vegetables, and legumes. It is a lifestyle that strives to reduce the exploitation of animals and the destruction of the environment.

3. Improvement in overall health
Veganism has been linked with health benefits such as a decrease in body fat, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels. It also means fewer heart attacks, lowered chances of Type 2 diabetes, and lesser risk of cancer than meat-eaters.

4. Freedom of choice
Veganism is a way of living that avoids the use of all animal products for food, clothing, or any other purpose. Veganism is a philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. People have turned vegetarian, pescatarian, or vegan in droves and why not?

Godrej Food Trends Report 2022 – the detailed 95-page edition is available for download at www.vikhrolicucina.com