Vegetarianism has been in practice since the ancient history and many famous people have advocated it. Many noted teachers, authors and philosophers have encouraged their followers to accept a vegetarian lifestyle and avoid non- vegetarian food. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and even many early Christians propagated a vegetarian way of life without causing suffering to other living beings.
There are various types of vegetarians. The strictest vegetarians who eat only plant foods, fruits and exclude all animal related products such as milk, eggs, cheese, curd, honey and even butter are called "Vegans". Lacto vegetarians are those who eat plant foods as well as dairy products. Both of them have a common factor that they don't eat flesh of animals.
Recently in the modern age most of the researchers and practitioners are advocating meat eating and it seems to have assumed an unnecessary importance. It is generally believed that major nutritional deficiencies, especially of vitamins, proteins may result in ill-health if animal foods are eliminated. But studies have proved that no such deficiencies or health problems have been observed by those who follow a vegetarian diet.
There are 22 essential amino-acids needed by the body for its systematic functioning and only 9 amongst them are supplied by proper diet and remaining 13 are synthesized by the body. All the necessary essential amino-acids required by the body are supplied by a proper vegetarian diet. Green leafy vegetables are in fact a rich source of proteins and minerals. They supply all the necessary vital nutrients for the growth of various tissues and cells. A wholesome vegetarian diet can therefore meet the body's protein needs. Studies have proved that the actual protein requirement is 15 grams per day of 100 value protein or 21.5 grams of 70 value protein or 30 grams of 50 value protein.
If there is a deficiency of specific protein in one food it can be combined with other essential foods to maintain a balance as well as supply all the necessary nutrients. One such example is wheat which has a deficiency of amino- acid Lysine, but abundance of sulphur containing amino-acid. It can be combined with beans which have the opposite nutrient combination. When taken together they balance each other to form a complete protein.
On the contrary, non-vegetarian food is the root cause of many diseases. Most of such diseases are caused by food poisoning. The animal flesh creates digestive disorders and overloads the system with waste matter from animals and poisons. Even the organs of elimination such as bowels, kidneys, lungs, skin get burdened due to animal flesh. Flesh is also a carrier of disease germs. It contains germs of tuberculosis and cancer. One may not know whether the animal slaughtered for meat is normal or diseased. After the animals are killed their bodies are attacked by bacteria and the same bacteria enter the human body and create diseases.
Benefits of vegetarianism: A perfect vegetarian diet has many health benefits if it is rich in fruits and vegetables and contains proper amount of grains, nuts and seeds. Low calorie content, in relation to bulk supplied is one of the main health benefits of proper vegetarian diet. This helps in maintaining an ideal weight. If seeds, nuts and dairy products are eaten sparingly they reduce the proportion of fat and maintain low levels of cholesterol which considerably reduce the risk of developing heart diseases such as blood pressure, heart attacks and even chances of breast and colon cancer.
The second important benefit of eating vegetarian diet is its high fibre content. Fibre which is present in vegetables and fruits increases the bulk of stools, keeps them soft and makes them easy to excrete. High fibre is also beneficial in preventing risk of diseases of colon and rectum, piles, fissures and varicose veins.
Many experts outline a perfect vegetarian diet to be followed in our day to day life. This perfect vegetarian diet is one which can supply all the essential proteins and minerals and all the required energy for proper functioning of various organs inside the human body. A perfect vegetarian diet is one in which the principal ingredients are grains, milk, milk products, green leafy vegetables and fruits. This provides a proper resistance to the body which protects it from various diseases and infections and their sufficient quantity ensures physical efficiency.
Vegetarianism is thus a system based on proven scientific principles and has proven to be a valuable source of nutrition free from all the ill-effects of poisons and bacteria of killed animals. It is a best diet for man's optimum mental, physical and spiritual development.
Thus we can conclude that vegetarianism is a way of life. There are many benefits of practicing vegetarianism as it brings about a purity of mind, body and senses. One should follow vegetarianism as a part of life and also advocate it to others. Imagine a world free from animal killing and promoting a vegetarian way of life.
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Word Count Appx. : 827 | Article Views 394 Published 10-07-2009