What is a Vegan Diet?

A vegan diet consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Vegans don’t eat meat, poultry or fish—and many eschew dairy products and eggs as well. Strict vegans won’t even use honey because it comes from bees.

Research shows that vegans tend to be at lower risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers. Vegan diets are also lower in fat and cholesterol than non-vegan diets. For example, an 8-ounce steak can contain 180 milligrams of cholesterol; a 6-ounce piece of salmon contains 507 milligrams of cholesterol.

The vegan diet includes fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds. Some diets do not allow any animal products. A vegan diet also does not contain meat (including poultry and fish), dairy products or eggs. Additionally, many vegans avoid using animal products for clothing or other household items such as soap, candles and other scented items. In fact some may feel so strongly about their lifestyle that they even eschew items like leather belts.