Veganism in the Mainstream

Without a doubt, veganism is taking 2019 by storm. Mainstream media outlets, like Forbes and the Economist, predicted this year to be the “Year of the Vegan”. Rightfully so, now that we are a few months into 2019, these guys might as well go ahead and pat themselves on the back.

Politicians, celebrities, athletes, musicians, and a quarter of the millennials today are part of why veganism is rearing its plant-based head out of the ground and into the spotlight. Their efforts are not alone.

Veganuary, a charity inspiring people to go vegan during the month of January, has celebrated its largest number of signups to date, seeing an increase of 64% since last year. It kicked off the month of February by challenging the Pope to go vegan for Lent through their campaign Million Dollar Vegan. Sadly, March 6th rolled around and the vegan community was left shaking its heads after hearing the news of his response. It appears that meat was not on his sacrificial list this year.

That’s ok, Veganuary, there’s always hope for next year.

As the vegan movement continues to gain traction, many large companies in the food industry race to stay on its course. McDonald’s has started selling McVegan burgers internationally, and as one commenter expressed on Twitter, “It’s delicious, but I feel like I am cheating on my childhood”. I hear you, buddy. These are my sentiments exactly.

No Industry Untouched

If the Hamburglar hasn’t changed his ways, McDonald’s may want to introduce a new character to the mix. Can you picture him, “The Meat Deceiver”, wearing a mask, snatching up hamburgers and replacing them with plant-based burgers? (No? Me neither.)

Even celebrity chefs Jaime Oliver and Gordon Ramsey are battling to see who will launch the most vegan recipes, but with their continued feud of who does what first, this is more like old news for the public.

Today there is literally no industry untouched by veganism. It is even dancing its way into the ears of music lovers. Beyoncé offered free concerts for life to fans who would go vegan for a year. I heard her newest song has the lyrics, “all the vegan ladies, all the vegan ladies!”

Ok, so that lyric part was made up. However, Rapper Will.I.Am did release a vegan rap with the Black Eyed Peas. Snoop Dog recently threw a party offering Beyond Meat burgers - thanks to Carl’s Jr. It appears that if you want to hang with the cool kids, you might want to consider bringing a plant-based dish to your next dinner party.

The list of vegan celebrities is a vast one, but the one that potentially has the greatest impact for the US could be Senator Cory Booker. Senator Brooker has launched his bid for the White House. If he were to win, he would make history as the first vegan president, which could be the beginning of a whole new era for factory farming.

Veganism can be traced back to 2,000 years ago. So, why is it going mainstream now? The answer could be found in the age demographics. Research shows the largest group of vegans is between the ages of 25-34, the millennial generation. Millennials are well-known for their dedication to social justice. Growing up with access to the world at their fingertips, they have played a strong role in helping the US to be known as “a social movement society”. If we scroll through Facebook, we know this to be true. Social media has given a platform for activists to stand on while shouting their beliefs out into the cyber world, hoping to make a dent for their cause. However, vegans of all ages will be the first to say veganism is not simply a social movement, but a lifestyle commitment for the greater good.

More than a Social Movement

Veganism, as adopted by The Vegan Society in 1944, “is a way of living which excludes all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, the animal kingdom, and includes a reverence for life.”

Vegans want to see animal cruelty and slaughterhouses as something of the past. Genesis Butler, a 12-year-old award-winning animal rights and environmental campaigner, wrote in her letter to the Pope, “Farming and slaughtering animals causes a lot of suffering and is also a leading cause of climate change, deforestation, and species loss. When we feed animals crops that humans can eat, it is wasteful. And with a growing world population, we cannot afford to be wasteful.”

Paul McCartney put it this way, “We have a responsibility to act now to minimize our impact on this planet – for our children and future generations who will inherit what we leave behind.”

Not only are the environmental and moral benefits intriguing, but also are the health benefits associated with veganism. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has an extensive list of health benefits as well as deficiencies found in a vegan diet. A poorly planned vegan diet can rob you of six vital nutrients: vitamin B-12, iron, calcium, vitamin D, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. One vital nutrient that catches Stratum Nutrition’s attention is the body’s daily need for omega-3 fatty acids.

Ahiflower: The “Super Plant”

There are a few ways to ensure the body’s daily need for omega-3 fatty acids. Healthline published an article providing a list of the top 12 foods that are high in omega-3. Out of the 12 listed, only 4 are available for vegans (flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, soy beans). As veganism continues to gain attention worldwide, supplement companies would profit significantly by tapping into the needs of the vegan community.

One supplement ingredient that provides a vegan-friendly omega-3 option is Ahiflower. Although it may be newer to the industry, Ahiflower is what Stratum Nutrition, the leading vegan omega ingredient supplier, refers to as their “Super Plant”. This “Super Plant” provides a complete and balanced omega supplement and an unparalleled combination of omega 3-6-9 fatty acids (a Super Omega, if you will), essential for health, vitality, and wellness. Unlike fish and flax, Ahiflower contains GLA, an omega 6 associated with skin health, hormonal balance and a healthy inflammatory response.

Ahiflower oil is the best omega value from a single, sustainable and traceable plant - a pure vegan omega powerhouse with the combined nutritional punch of evening primrose, flaxseed, and olive oils!

Now we all know that algal oil and seaweed oil are on the rise, but let’s be real, they taste terrible. And since we are all adults here, we understand the glory and privilege of choosing what we put into our mouths. Why not choose Ahiflower, which has no fishy taste, smell or after effects?

Let us pause here and take a moment of gratitude for no more fishy burps.

As the vegan community continues to gain the world’s attention, it would not be too far off to say Ahiflower will soon gain the attention of the vegan community. Andrew Rice, Director of Product and Brand Strategy at Stratum Nutrition, may have been overheard claiming that the “Year of the Ahiflower” is in the future. If so, it would be a title worth celebrating.

For more information about our vegan omega ingredient, please contact us.