The term "vegetarianism" generally describes a range of diets that exclude all animal flesh (meat, fish and poultry). Meat may be replaced with either greater quantities of other "normal" components of a traditional omnivore diet (e.g. more cheese, eggs, bread) or with the introduction of "replacement" products not typically consumed in a western omnivore diet (e.g. nutburgers, soya-based products). Vegetarianism is a life choice, not a political statement. It cuts across all age groups, social classes and extremes of the political spectrum.
Semi or Demivegetarians (so called "meat-avoiders) exclude red meat but occasionally consume fish or poultry. Vegetarians exclude all meat, fish and poultry and ingredients derived from these sources e.g. gelatine. Vegans exclude all animal derived products and ingredients, for example cheese. Macrobiotics are advanced vegans so to say. They do not eat any prepared food, they do not even eat fruit and vegetables. At the final level only brown rice is eaten.
Although meat is the world`s greatest status symbol a general tendency towards vegetarianism can be noticed, particularly amongst young people. Survey results show the highest percentage of vegetarians to be amongst 15 to 19 year olds and it has usually been shown to be higher in females than in males. That`s because usually females are more interested in issues of both healthy eating and ethical concerns over meat consumption than men. In most of the cases vegetarians generally live a healthier life: they don't smoke, exercise more, eat more fruit and vegetables and drink less.
Reasons for vegetarism
Religion: Several religions require vegetarianism or condemn the consumption of certain foods (Hindus mustn't eat flesh of cows, Jews and Islamists mustn´t eat pork)
Moral & ethical belief: Many people have an objection to killing animals and concerns over animal welfare (example: battery eggs)
Economical & ecological considerations: Meatbased diets are more expensive than vegetable-based diets, furthermore less "efficient" in the provision of energy. Eating meat is a wasteful and inefficient way of obtaining our food because all protein is vegetable in origin. By the time an animal is killed only about a 1/10th of the original food value remains. Worldwide 1/3rd of all the food grains produced are fed to livestock, whilst an estimated 500 million people are severely malnourished. Western countries import crops from hungry third world countries, simply to feed their factory farmed animals.
Health: It´s not just that vegetables contain less fat than meat but people choosing to become vegetarian are likely to be motivated by several other reasons.
A vegan`s diet is free of any products derived from animals (meat, fish, poultry, eggs, animal milk, honey.) Vegans should eat for a balanced diet especially pulses, whole grains and seeds, fresh vegetables, and fresh and dried fruits. They are also advised to combine two complementary protein foods at each meal. Vegans are less at risk of hypertension, heart disease, cancer of the breast and colon, gallstones, diabetes and kidney stones.
Man is an omnivore. Meat has always been part of your diet. Meat is a good source of iron and a lack of iron is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. Furthermore it is the most important source of vitamin B12, a vitamin not found in vegetables. It often occurs in vegetarians to suffer from symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue and pallor as a result of anaemia due to lack of iron or vitamin B12.
It is all a question of balance whether meat is good or bad.
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