Tell us do you know what exactly vegetarianism is? What are the benefits of vegetarianism? Are vegan and vegetarian diets similar? Is it healthy or dangerous for human health? Can vegetarian food be delicious, or should I say goodbye to tasty meals if I become a vegetarian? What happens when I become a vegetarian?
Going vegetarian, how many animal lives will I save per year? Is it a cool fashionable new thing or has a history? Is vegetarianism good for the environment? You have at least one vegetarian friend or colleague, right? Us too! That is because vegetarianism is on the rise. Research suggests that at least 5% of the world’s population follows a strictly vegetarian diet. Some surveys show higher numbers, up to 12 percent.
Part-time vegetarianism is more popular. More and more people tend to stop eating animal-based food products on a daily basis. You may have various questions concerning vegetarianism; bear with us! The GetBookOnline team is here to answer all possible questions; please keep reading.
What Is Vegetarianism?
The term itself and its branches may confuse some people. So, let’s look at this concept and various types of vegetarianism. The common factor is abstaining from eating meat and animal-based products for specific reasons such as:
- Respecting animals’ life;
- Obeying religious beliefs;
- Staying healthy;
- Protecting the planet;
- Economic reasons.
It is worth mentioning that there are various branches of vegetarianism, but the main categories are:
- Ovo-lacto vegetarianism;
- Ovo vegetarianism;
- Lacto vegetarianism;
- Veganism.
Scientists have found that the benefits of vegetarianism are beyond the imagination; for instance, it helps the human body stay healthy; consequently, people are encouraged to follow this plant-based eating habit. Actually, vegetarianism is recognized as a social and ethical movement that moves people to save the life of more animals.
In other words, vegetarians believe that slaughtering animals to prepare food is not moral, and it is a vivid contradiction to their law to live on the planet. It must be noted that vegetarians avoid wearing leather clothes because they believe that an animal has been killed to prepare a cloth for a human.
Indeed, they believe that no human being is allowed to bring pain and suffering to animals; they have the right to live as we have. Thus, human beings must follow plant-based diets; nobody can eat meat if he hears the heartbreaking shriek of slaughtering animals.
Although the benefits of vegetarianism are apparent, some people stand against vegetable-based diets because they believe that vegetables fail to provide all necessary vitamins and minerals for the human body. All in all, each eating habit has advantages and disadvantages; imagine what will happen if the whole world becomes meat-eaters or vegetarians. A disaster is expected.
Ovo-Lacto Vegetarianism
Any animal flesh is off boundaries, but animal-related products such as eggs and dairy are allowed. Ovo-Lacto vegetarianism is the most common type. The word “Ovo” comes from the Latin word “ovum,” meaning egg, and “Lacto” stems from “lac,” which is the Latin for milk. This eating style reduces blood fat and decreases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and cancer. The followers of this type of vegetarianism are permitted to eat:
- Dairy products;
- Nuts;
- Fruits;
- Vegetables;
- Meat alternatives.
Ovo Vegetarianism
Ovo vegetarianism is similar to ovo-lacto vegetarianism, except for dairy. It removes dairy products from the menu of this eating method’s followers because animals must be pregnant repeatedly to produce enough milk for human beings. On the other hand, eating egg is allowed only if it is produced by hens moving freely on the farms.
Lacto Vegetarianism
The followers of this eating habit refrain from eating meat, too; in fact, it is similar to ovo-lacto vegetarianism, except for eggs. Lacto vegetarians still eat dairy products such as milk, cheese, doogh, and butter.
The footprints of this branch of vegetarianism are detectable in ancient India; however, a Scottish doctor popularized this vegetarian diet for those who seek suitable ways to lose weight.
Veganism
The most radical tribe of vegetarianism is veganism. Vegans not only refrain from eating meat and any animal-related food (dairy, eggs, honey, etc.) but also exclude all types of animal-based products, such as milk, yoghurt, and natural leather.
They believe that it violates animals’ right to live and that human behavior, like eating meat, brings suffering to animals. Now, the difference of “vegetarianism vs. veganism” is solved forever. Vegans never consume animal products, while some types of vegetarianism followers consume them.
History of Vegetarianism
Some of us may believe that vegetarianism is a modern phenomenon; in fact, this presumption is far from being true. It seems logical that some opinion leaders may have stood against animal slaughter and animal cruelty throughout history.
The documented history of vegetarianism dates back to the 9th century BCE in India. There is also evidence of vegetarianism in the 6th century BCE in Greece. Pythagoras (famous for his achievements in mathematics and philosophy) is widely considered the “father of vegetarianism.”
India still pioneers the world as the country with the highest percentage of vegetarians following plant-based diets to save animals’ lives. Other countries such as China, Japan, and some European countries followed specific eating habits and refrained from eating meat.
Because, on one side, they wanted to respect the lives of other species and, on the other hand, discovered the benefits of vegetarianism. There are many reasons to be vegetarian, and we will explain them in detail in the following parts.
Reasons To Be a Vegetarian
As mentioned earlier, vegetarianism has become much trendier during the past decade. People are waving goodbye to animal flesh and saying hello to their new friend: vegetarianism. There are many reasons for this change of attitude; now let’s discover what happens when you become vegetarian and what are the benefits of vegetarianism.
- The kindness of heart: As FRIENDS’ Phoebe said: “No food with a face!” Digging more profoundly into the matter, one must admit that killing and eating live creatures is a rather barbaric practice. Studies show that nearly 365 animal lives per year are saved if one person goes vegetarian, which is a considerable number. Indeed, the benefits of vegetarianism are not confined to saving animals’ lives; it promotes the health of vital organs like the heart;
- Health: Vegetarian diets typically have fewer calories and contain lower levels of cholesterol and saturated fat, while more minerals (e.g., potassium, magnesium, etc.), vitamins, and fibers. This results in a fitter body, lower cancer rates, and more satisfactory heart conditions. Hence vegetarian health benefits are undeniable;
- Allergies and taste: Some people are allergic to meat, while others do not even like meat. Fortunately, being allergic to meat is a great reason to follow a meat-free diet;
- Environmental concerns: Environmental advantages of vegetarianism are another reason to become a vegetarian. Livestock farming (including poultry) alone is responsible for nearly 15% of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Farming litter often leads to emissions that negatively impact various environmental components, including air, soil, and water. As you see, the benefits of vegetarianism are global and influence all aspects of our beings;
- Culture and religious convictions: Vegetarianism is unevenly distributed across the globe. Cultural and religious beliefs are essential factors in this regard. India is the best example. Refraining from eating meat is a deep-rooted cultural-religious concept in India, related to Hinduism and Buddhism. No wonder less than 30% of Indians consume non-vegetarian food regularly;
- Economic reasons: High inflation rates and considerable environmental taxes have made meat production expensive. Therefore, some people cannot afford to buy as much meat as they used to. So, they have no choice but a plant-based diet.
Advantages and disadvantages of vegetarianism
The benefits of vegetarian diets include:
- Peace of mind, because you have not taken part in animal slaughter and animal cruelty;
- Vegetarianism has health benefits due to its low serum urate, cholesterol, and saturated fat levels. Specifically, your heart will thank you for practicing a vegetarian diet since better hemodynamics is among the long-term benefits of vegetarianism;
- Low risk of challenging cancers such as digestive system cancers;
- Controlling blood pressure due to a considerable reduction in cholesterol levels;
- A vegetarian diet guarantees the heart’s health because it lacks saturated fats;
- Fewer greenhouse gases because animal raising is among the most influential reasons for global warming and wasting water supplies;
- Live without type 2 diabetes and its relevant problems, such as diabetic foot;
- Excellent body mass index due to not eating meat;
- Brain sharpness and reducing the possibility of chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
There are also some disadvantages when it comes to vegetarian diets, especially the strict types like vegan diets:
- Plants contain relatively lower levels of vitamins D and B12, iron, calcium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Vegetarians are strongly advised to take dietary supplements for perfect health;
- Sometimes finding new vegetarian dishes is hard, and you may be tired of eating repetitive foods;
- Vegetarianism increases the risk of osteoporosis;
- Hair loss, anemia, and brittle nail are among the probable side effects of vegetarianism;
- Probably feeling left out in get-togethers when friends are grilling a piece of meat.
Vegetarian Food
Many people are considering vegetarianism today, but they think it might not be as tasty as meat-based dishes and wonder, “Will I miss the appetizing savor of meat?” The good news is that vegetarian diets are as diverse and tasty as you can imagine.
You can choose from an endless list of fruits, vegetables, tubers, beans, grains, and spices with various types of processing and culinary. You can have cooked dishes, pickles, pottages, stews, and desserts; you will always be energized! If you are searching for vegetarian foods, here is an exciting list to make your menu diverse:
- Vegetable soup;
- Curried pumpkin soup;
- Sesame-garlic noodles;
- Grilled cheese;
- Vegetarian meatballs;
- Falafel;
- Coconut curry lentil soup;
- Adas polo;
- Cream of mushroom soup;
- Vegetable pasta;
- Adasi;
- Spinach salad.
If you like to know more vegetable-based dishes to take more pleasure from the benefits of vegetarianism, we have an excellent suggestion for you. Our store includes significant books concerning Persian cuisine, helping you find more vegetarian dishes.
Iranian cuisine is famous for its variety of rich tastes, aromatic herbs, unique spices, and the use of fresh ingredients. Iranian vegetarian dishes are highly delicious and diverse as you think. You have got to try it!
We have two special offers if you want to enjoy the heavenly taste of Iranian vegetarian cuisine! You can page through the book Vegetarianism is Not Limitation with the Persian Cookbook, or read it carefully and invite yourself to a new experience.
Numerous recipes for every meal will make your table colorful and different. It is also a good choice as a gift to a vegetarian friend. With the book 50 Iranian Vegetarian Food & Dessert Recipes, alongside learning new vegetarian recipes and culinary instructions, you can quickly learn about Persian cooking terms.
Why Iranian Vegetarian Cuisine?
Iranian cuisine is among the healthiest eating styles; in fact, Persian recipes concentrate on an equal consumption of meat and vegetables. For instance, meat dishes are served with vegetables or cooked with them, like Ghormeh Sabzi.
However, Iranian cuisine cares about vegetable-based dishes due to the different benefits of vegetarianism. Iranian chefs tried to introduce vegetarian Persian dishes to the world, such as:
- Vegetarian Abgoosht;
- Koko sabzi;
- Koko sibzamini;
- Noodle pottage;
- Adasi;
- Vegetarian Ghormeh Sabzi;
- Grilled potatoes, etc.
Live Healthy with the Uncountable Benefits of Vegetarianism
The above paragraphs focused on the vital benefits of vegetarianism for our health, animals’ lives, and the planet; in other words, vegetarian foods save all of us. Although this eating style has various advantages and disadvantages, its benefits prevail over the side effects.
Undeniably, vegetarianism reduces the chance of heart diseases such as heart failure and prevents disorders like cancer and Alzheimer’s and digestive problems like constipation. Becoming a vegetarian can be a big step to saving our planet and slowing down the process of deforestation due to cattle’s’ excessive feeding.
The benefits of vegetarianism motivate us to participate in global movements to save our home, mother earth. If you need help preparing one of our books, please feel free to contact us, no matter the time of the day. We are at your service at the GetBookOnline team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Vegetarianism Preferred?
It saves the lives of animals and also helps human beings live healthily.
Why Is It Suggested to Follow a Vegetarian Diet?
The more meat we eat, the higher the speed of deforestation will be.
Does Vegetarianism Help Live Long?
It reduces the risk of sudden death due to heart stroke and similar conditions.
Is Vegetarianism Beneficial?
The benefits of vegetarianism are apparent; however, the followers of this eating style must consume vitamin and mineral supplements.
Do Vegetarians Eat Animal Products?
Some branches of vegetarianism refrain people from consuming animal products like dairy.
Main references:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969722071145