Becoming Vegetarian or Vegan

People decide to become Vegetarian or Vegan for many reasons, including health, religion, concerns about animal welfare amongst others. Whatever the reason Vegetarianism has become more appealing and accessible, thanks to the year-round availability of fresh produce, more vegetarian/vegan options, and the growing culinary influence of cultures with largely plant-based diets.

Today according to a Harris Interactive poll commissioned by the Vegetarian Resource Group, a nonprofit organization that disseminates information about vegetarianism six to eight million adults in the United States eat no meat, fish, or poultry. About two million have become vegans, forgoing not only animal flesh but also animal-based products such as milk, cheese, eggs, honey and gelatine as well as the use of products such as silk, fur, leather, wool, cosmetics and soaps derived from animal products.

Traditionally, research into vegetarianism focused mainly on potential nutritional deficiencies, but in recent years, the pendulum has swung the other way, and…