In the ecological conscious world of today, vegetarianism is being regarded more and more widely as a desirable and health conducive habit. Vegetarianism represents nonviolent thought culture based on the concept of kindness to living creatures.
Diet is always connected with health. Diet patterns may be classified broadly as vegetarian or non-vegetarian. A vegetarian diet focuses on plants for food. This includes fruits, vegetables, dried beans and peas, grains, seeds and nuts. Vegetarianism excludes all animal products from diet and attire which involves the actual death of an animal (dairy, eggs, honey, wool, silk and feathers). Vegetarians have varied motivations including religious, cultural, ethical, environmental, social, economic, and health concerns.
The health of an individual depends on his nutrition. People who follow vegetarian diets can get all the nutrients they need. The key is to consume a variety of foods and the right amount of foods to meet the proper calorie needs. Nutrients that vegetarians may need to focus on include protein, iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B12. Nutrients to focus on for vegetarians -Protein has many important functions in the body and is essential for growth and maintenance. Protein needs can easily be met by eating a variety of plant-based foods. Sources of protein for vegetarians include beans, nuts, nut butters, peas, and soy products and milk products. Iron functions primarily as a carrier of oxygen in the blood.
Iron sources for vegetarians include iron fortified breakfast cereals, spinach, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, lentils, turnip greens, whole wheat breads, peas, and some dried fruits (dried apricots, prunes, raisins). Calcium is used for building bones and teeth and in maintaining bone strength. Sources of calcium for vegetarians include fortified breakfast cereals, soy products, calcium-fortified orange juice, and some dark green leafy vegetables (collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens) and milk products. Zinc is necessary for many biochemical reactions and also helps the immune system function properly. Sources of zinc for vegetarians include many types of beans (white beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas), zinc-fortified breakfast cereals, wheat germ, and pumpkin seeds and milk products. Vitamin B12,its sources for vegetarians include milk products and foods that have been fortified with vitamin B12. These include breakfast cereals, soy-based beverages.
An old Indian proverb says “the food influences the mind and thoughts” and also “a healthy mind resides in a healthy body”. Physical and mental health is important to life. Vegetarian diet is good for health and well-being of an individual and it is good for a peaceful mind also. On the other hand, non-vegetarian food is closely associated with physical and mental decline. Mostly, vegetarians enjoy a more healthy life than non-vegetarians. Vegetarian foods ensure appropriate development, both mental and physical, and also protect the human body from various diseases. A vegetarian diet is low in saturated fats and cholesterol while non-vegetarian diet contains large amounts of unhealthy fats and cholesterol. Consequently, a meat-based diet is related to a number of diseases such as cancers of different organs, high blood pressure, heart diseases and diabetes.
Vegetarianism – an instrument of nonviolence. Vegetarianism is the foremost manifestation of nonviolence. It is simply a logical extension of the habit of looking upon others with compassion. The basic reason is that once we are cruel to animals, it is not difficult for us to be cruel to fellow human beings also.
