Vegetarianism

The term “vegetarianism” can be translated from Latin as vegetalis – “vegetal” or as vegetus – “fresh, vigorous”. Dr. Boris Akimov tells us whether it is really useful to completely or partially refuse to consume animal products.

Initially, vegetarianism was based on ethical rather than dietary principles – compassion for animals, unwillingness to take a passive part in their killing, i.e. the principle “I don’t eat anyone”. Absolute vegetarians (or “strict” or “pure” vegetarians) not only do not eat any animal products, but also do not use what humans obtain from animals, including fur, leather, wool, and even silk.

The traditions of Christian fasting, like modern vegetarianism, came to us from India. Lactovegetarianism is practiced in India – combining plant foods with dairy products is part of a centuries-old culture and reflects Hindu religious and philosophical views.

How much healthier is vegetarianism than a conventional diet? And is it healthier? Ayurveda, the Hindu science of longevity, speaks of the health (including mental health) benefits of animal products. Ayurveda divides all foods into three categories: sattva (pure), rajas (energizing) and tamas (stultifying). Pure, healthy (sattvic) foods include milk and dairy products, fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, herbs, and spices, while heavy foods include meat, fish, and eggs, which lead to a “tamasic” state (laziness, weakness, dullness, aging).

Modern medicine recommends limiting meat dishes in the diet for almost all diseases, besides, with age the body’s need for meat and milk decreases – decreases the production of enzymes involved in their breakdown. Vegetarians are less likely to suffer from obesity, cardiovascular and cancer diseases and, accordingly, live longer, however, partly because they do not abuse alcoholic beverages and watch their health.

Is it possible to do without meat, poultry and fish at all? Yes! A properly designed menu of plant and dairy foods contains all the nutrients our bodies need. Indian women are far from skinny, and Indian athletes do not consume meat. Sumo wrestlers – Japanese heavyweights – also follow a vegetarian diet.

The beneficial effect of vegetarian diet on the body has been verified by the author on personal experience: for five years I did not eat meat. Among the advantages I can note the absence of drowsiness, often occurring after eating meat dishes, increased physical endurance, reduced aggressiveness, change of consciousness in the direction of calmness, stability and clarity. Compare your state after a bowl of oatmeal and after a steak and egg.

Vegetarianism is good for your health only if you do not just exclude animal food from your diet, but add something else to it: nuts instead of meat, buckwheat instead of poultry, seaweed and cheese instead of fish… Otherwise you just reduce a whole range of nutrients previously consumed with animal food.

Should you switch to plant-based foods completely? If you consider vegetarianism as a spiritual path – then yes, if for you it is only a synonym for a healthy lifestyle, it is better to give up meat and poultry, and leave fish, after all, the nation of long-livers is the Japanese, consuming seafood, not Indian vegetarians. In addition, the vegetarian menu has products more unhealthy than meat – simple, easily digestible carbohydrates: refined rice, white flour, sweets …

Giving up animal products is a very serious step, and before making it, you should think carefully, and even better – consult a doctor, whether vegetarianism will benefit your body!