This magazine is for the expression of the views and opinions of the readers. It was founded by people who wanted to be able to express their views on life in a more general way than might be accepted by the editor of an official vegan journal. By definition therefore, we have no editorial policy about what should be accepted in the magazine, beyond it being relevant to veganism and fit for publication. I mention this because of occasional comments about an editorial policy. The only policy is to allow for open discussion and if you don't agree with what has been said, just write end say so.

Veganism is doubtless growing, but I still find that most of the general public cling to the notion that meat is somehow necessary for health and that milk and eggs are also a natural part of our diet. On the other hand, the nutritional research that accumulates year after year is proving that vegetarians are closer to the healthy diet and vegans are closer still.

Dr. Gill Langley has painstakingly summarised this nutritional information in her book Vegan Nutrition. The second edition of this book has now appeared and it shows that in the 7 years since the 1st edition, the research has continued to show the value of the vegan diet, that it can reduce susceptibility to common diseases and sometimes be used as a treatment of disease. These facts must be so astounding to established thinking that it will take a long time before their minds can re-adjust to the facts as they really are.

But with the cost of the National Health Service continually rising and with people slowly realising that many treatments are ineffective, there will surely come a time when the value of the vegan diet in restoring harmony to the body can no longer be ignored.

One thing medical opinion is realising is that many people satisfy their hunger with 'filling' foods and eat very little, if anything, by way of fruit and vegetables. They therefore are not getting enough of the vitamins and minerals that are essential for proper health.

In particular, it is known that fruit and vegetables supply antioxidants that greatly reduce the risk of cancer.

Vegans should also be aware of this and make sure that their diet includes a good supply of fruit and veg, which, after all, do help to add variety and a greater range of tastes.

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Cross-reference: Nutrition and Health