What are the Benefits of Being Vegetarian ?

Define a Vegetarian

In simple words, vegetarians are people who decide to constrain from the consumption of meat products, poultry products, sea food and sometimes even dairy products, for reasons pertaining to religion, health and circumstances. These are people, who depend on grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and natural resources for their food. Infact even vegetarians have various subcategories. Some vegetarians prefer to consume all dairy products and eggs. Some only consume dairy products and no eggs. There are some more, who prefer eggs to dairy products and some who go all Vegan. A vegan diet allows the intake of only plant based food.

Scope of Vegetarianism

• Vegetarianism is more than just a diet, a habit or even an ideology. Today, vegetarianism has become a way of life for millions of people across the globe.
• It can also be stated that being a vegetarian is the new style statement.
• Vegetarianism is a very ancient practice. Its origin can be traced back to as early as the 6th century B.C.
• It is a time test and well proven concept which has been influencing people for hundreds of years now.
• Even celebrities from all over the world are pledging their support to vegetarianism. There is a long list of stars, who have announced publicly about switching to a vegetarian lifestyle.
• Over the past few years, many leading governments have also come out in support of this.
• Many countries including India, Nepal and even the US have passed ordinances that restrict sale of meat products.

Benefits of Being a Vegetarian:

Various studies and researches conducted over a period of years have proven that vegetarian diet is more yielding than any other diet. People accept the vegetarian way of life for various reasons. Some are introduced to this life style in their childhood itself as a traditional practice. Some accept it as a religious custom. Some people decide to switch over to this due to health and personal reasons. Yet again there is a section of people who decide to go vegetarian for environmental security.

Studies show that people are turning towards this lifestyle to put an end to animal torture and lend a helping hand in supporting issues like world hunger concerns. Celebrities from various nations have come forward to spread the word of animal compassion and nonviolence against animals.
The recent spread of health benefits of being a vegetarian on social networking sites and the internet, have a played a vital role in luring people to vegetarianism.

• Promotes a healthy living:
Many scientists today proclaim that vegetarianism is the key to good health. According to the American Dietetic Association, research proves that vegetarian lifestyle reduces the risk of developing health issues such as, heart ailments, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, hypertension, cancer, and many more.

• Promotes non-violence towards animals:
At the rate animals today are being slaughtered to solve the concerns of food and clothing for the ever increasing population of the world, animals are sure to be extinct soon. By accepting the vegetarian life style, people pledge to save and protect these animals for the generations to come.

• Promotes a safer environment:
According to an environmental website in the US, cutting down on consuming meat even during one meal a day, would result in reducing the carbon di oxide levels which would be same as taking off more than half a million cars off road in a day.

• Promotes reduced spending:
Consumption of vegetarian products is said to be less expensive as compared to consumption of meat products. Vegetarianism provides for a vast list of food items to choose from as against the more constrained meat products.
A common myth that engulfs people, who wish to turn towards a vegetarian life, is that they may be deprived of nutrition. This however is nothing but a fable. Main components of a healthy living include consumption of proteins, calcium, vitamins, iron and minerals. Vegetarians can be rest assured that this diet provides for the richest source of all these nutrients. So, it is safe to take the vegetarian path towards a long and healthy living.

Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/user/planetayurvedatv
http://www.planetayurveda.com