Individuals embracing a vegan lifestyle completely refrain from consuming any products derived from animals. Consequently, eggs, being a product of poultry, are typically excluded from their meals. Nevertheless, a growing trend among certain vegans has emerged where they choose to incorporate specific varieties of eggs into their dietary regimen; this lifestyle is referred to as a “vegan” diet. 

This article delves into the motivations that fuel this dietary trend and explores the reasons why some self-identified vegans opt to include eggs in their nutrition.

Reasons Behind the Vegan Lifestyle

Individuals opt for a vegan diet for a multitude of reasons, often intertwining ethical considerations, health benefits, and ecological concerns.

Health Advantages

Incorporating more plant-based foods while reducing or entirely excluding animal-derived products can lead to significant health improvements. This shift is linked to a decreased risk of chronic ailments, notably heart disease, diabetes, renal disorders, and certain cancers. Notably, research involving 15,000 vegans revealed that this group maintained healthier body weights, along with improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels, in contrast to omnivores. Furthermore, vegans exhibited a remarkable 15% reduction in cancer risk.

Environmental Benefits

Many individuals adopt a vegan lifestyle with the belief that it is a more sustainable choice for the planet. Nonetheless, an Italian study assessing the environmental footprints of omnivores, egg- and dairy-consuming vegetarians, and vegans, concluded that the vegetarian diet had the most positive impact on the environment, closely followed by the vegan diet. Researchers posited that this could be attributed to the fact that many vegan diets include a higher proportion of processed plant-based meat and dairy alternatives. Additionally, vegans typically consume larger quantities of food to satisfy their caloric requirements.

Concerns for Animal Welfare

In addition to health and environmental reasons, many strict vegans are deeply committed to animal welfare. They oppose the exploitation of animals for food or any other purposes, including clothing. Vegans contend that contemporary agricultural practices inflict harm and suffering on animals, including laying hens. For instance, in commercial egg-laying facilities, it is common for hens to be confined to small indoor cages, subjected to beak trimming, and undergo forced molting to enhance egg production. Those who embrace a vegan lifestyle are often motivated by a blend of health, ecological, and animal rights ideologies. Generally, vegans refrain from consuming eggs due to their conflict with ethical poultry farming methods.

Is It Possible to Be a Flexible Vegan?

While a vegan diet that incorporates eggs isn't strictly vegan, it is categorized as ovo-vegetarian. However, numerous individuals who identify as vegans are open to the idea of including eggs in their meals. This perspective stems from the understanding that egg-laying is a natural occurrence for hens and poses no harm to their well-being. People who follow a “vegan” diet are typically open to consuming eggs sourced from hens or poultry that are raised in ethical conditions, such as free-range or those kept in small-scale backyard farms. This approach aligns with a growing awareness of animal welfare.

One significant hurdle faced by those attempting to maintain a long-term vegan diet is its stringent nature. A study involving 600 meat-eaters identified that taste, familiarity, convenience, and cost are prevalent challenges when trying to eliminate animal products. These factors can make adherence to a strict vegan lifestyle quite daunting. A flexible vegan diet that permits the inclusion of eggs addresses many of these challenges for individuals who wish to embrace veganism for health and animal welfare reasons but are concerned about the limitations it imposes.

The term “vegan” specifically refers to those who opt for eggs from ethically treated hens, providing a practical solution for those who fear that a rigid vegan diet may lack diversity, comfort, and accessibility.

Nutritional Benefits of ‘Veganism’

A vegan diet can fulfill the nutritional requirements for most individuals, with the notable exception of vitamin B12, primarily sourced from animal products such as meat or eggs. Nevertheless, careful planning is essential to ensure adequate intake of specific nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and iron. Vegans who incorporate eggs (anda) into their meals often find it simpler to meet their nutritional needs, as one large whole egg provides a modest amount of these essential nutrients along with high-quality protein. Furthermore, a “vegan” diet can be particularly beneficial for specific groups within the vegan community, especially those at an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies, such as children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is important to note that without meticulous planning, a vegan diet may exhibit certain nutritional deficiencies. However, children and pregnant or breastfeeding women consuming a vegan diet enriched with eggs may find it easier to satisfy their vitamin and mineral requirements.

The Conclusion

Individuals who follow a strict vegan lifestyle totally avoid all animal products, including eggs, primarily due to ethical concerns regarding animal welfare. Nevertheless, a growing number of vegans are opting to include eggs in their dietary regimen, provided they can verify that these eggs originate from hens raised under humane and ethical conditions. Incorporating eggs into a vegan diet can greatly enhance the nutritional profile, offering valuable nutrients that are particularly beneficial for populations such as children and pregnant women.