What’s your ideal breakfast? Mine consists of hotdogs, eggs, and galunggong paired with fried rice and milk. Perfect, right? For some, it might seem blasphemous.
One of the rising trends in the food industry today is the concept of veganism. By definition, veganism entails a complete rejection of animal-derived products, owing to the belief that consuming these items constitutes exploitation and cruelty towards living beings. It encourages a healthier lifestyle by focusing on plant-based foods, creating a safer environment for all sentient beings.
Research shows that vegan diets can positively impact physical health. For instance, they can assist with weight loss and foster healthy eating habits, encouraging individuals to exercise self-control over their food choices. More importantly, a vegan lifestyle promotes mindfulness about consuming healthier options and raises awareness about animal exploitation, advocating for animal welfare all the more.
However, vegan diets also face significant risks. They can be considered imperfect because they do not provide certain nutrients that are typically found in meat products. Although the market is witnessing a surge in lab-based alternatives, options remain limited with many deemed too expensive for normal consumption. In addition, this shift may simply transfer exploitation to the agricultural sector, potentially leading to shortages of certain resources, many of which are only available in specific seasons.
In the Philippines, eating meat is deeply ingrained in the culture, as reflected in national dishes like sinigang, adobo, and lechon. These foods are central to both festive celebrations and everyday meals. No wonder, adopting a vegan lifestyle in the Philippines can be particularly challenging, and the view towards such practices is considered “taboo.”
Meat serves as a primary source of accessible and affordable nutrients compared to vegan alternatives. Health experts emphasize the importance of a balanced diet that includes meat, particularly for individuals facing malnutrition and food insecurity.
In conclusion, veganism has its advantages and disadvantages, both of which should be considered in terms of health and ethical implications. Whether we choose to embrace veganism or not, it is our responsibility as consumers to select safe products that are both nutritious and ethically produced. Our goal should be to avoid perpetuating greed and instead strive to create a life worth enjoying.
Article by: Ms. Jasmine Logmao (BSE-ENG 3A)