Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism is a dietary system that excludes or significantly limits the consumption of animal products. The origins of vegetarianism go back to ancient times, and the principles of this diet, based on religious tenets, were followed by large groups of the population for thousands of years. However, vegetarianism became widespread only in the second half of the 19th century, when vegetarian societies appeared in a number of countries, preaching that only plant products are natural human food.

Vegetarians are divided into several groups depending on the degree of restriction of animal food. The most orthodox of them prohibit the consumption of all types of meat, as well as milk, eggs and animal fats (old vegetarians). Young vegetarians exclude only meat products from their food, allowing the consumption of milk, eggs and butter.

Proponents of vegetarianism believe that meat contributes to the formation of toxic substances in the body that poison cells, clog the body with toxic waste, shorten life and make a person irritable. They claim that plant foods are more beneficial for human health. On the other hand, supporters of animal food emphasize its special importance as a source of complete, easily digestible proteins.

Modern nutrition science claims that in human nutrition it is advisable to use mixed diets, including products of both plant and animal origin. The variety of food products included in diets ensures compliance with the principles of balanced nutrition, i.e., the content of various essential nutritional factors in food in optimal relationships.

Vegetarians' claim that various foods, especially raw foods, are good sources of protein is false. The proteins found in most unprocessed plant foods are difficult to digest and digest, and many (such as proteins from wheat, rice, and other grains) are not fully digestible in their unprocessed form.

The rational aspects of vegetarianism include the recognition of the high nutritional merits of vegetables and fruits as valuable sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients. Some studies show that vegetarians have healthier lifestyles overall and are less likely to develop obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

However, it should be noted that vegetarianism can lead to deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc and calcium. Therefore, vegetarians need to maintain a balanced diet and include foods rich in these substances or take appropriate supplements.

In addition, vegetarianism may be problematic for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with certain medical conditions that require special nutrition. Therefore, before switching to a vegetarian diet, you should consult your doctor or nutritionist.

Vegetarianism is a lifestyle in which a person abstains from eating meat and other animal products. This may be due to various reasons such as ethical, religious, environmental or medical reasons.

Vegetarianism has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, giving up meat can help maintain health, reduce the risk of developing certain diseases, and also reduce the negative impact on the environment. In addition, a vegetarian diet can be more accessible and economical than a meat-based diet.

However, vegetarianism also has its disadvantages. For example, some vegetarian diets may not have enough variety and may not contain all the essential nutrients. Additionally, some people may be deficient in protein and other important nutrients, which can lead to weakness and fatigue.

In general, vegetarianism is a choice for every person. If you want to try this lifestyle, you need to consider your individual needs and preferences.

Vegetarian products: benefits and harms Today, more and more people are paying attention to their health and the environment, so vegetarianism has become very popular. Vegetarians try to eat only plant foods and exclude meat and dairy products from the diet. Let's look at the pros and cons of this diet.