Elizabeth Collins - The Mindful Vegetarian: A 28-Day Plan. The Essential Vegetarian Book for Health and Balance

VEGETARIANISMContentsIntroduction Vegetarianism is basically a practice of having a vegetarian diet and refraining from the consumption of animal products. Vegetarianism does not include any animal by-products but may include dairy or eggs. A vegetarian diet is basically a diet which is derived from plants. There are a lot of reasons to adopt vegetarianism and also a lot of ways to be a vegetarian. There are different concepts of vegetarianism. The question of fact is; why the peoples of old ages preferred vegetarianism? They did so because of the benefits of vegetarianism and due to some ethical motivations that lead them to refrain from eating animal products and be a vegetarian.

Religious beliefs also have an important role in vegetarianism. There is a concept of Ahimsa. Ahimsa is basically a practice of non-violence which means do not harm. The followers of Jainism believe in Ahimsa and so they do not eat animal products and also refrain from eating some vegetables such as garlic, onions, and potatoes. The largest vegetarian population in the world is the Hindu population. Hindus also believe in non-violence.

They believe in spirit and purity of mind as an outcome of a vegetarian lifestyle. Buddhists also believe in Ahimsa while some of them eat fish or meat. There are a lot of health benefits of vegetarianism which lead the people to be a vegetarian. There are different variations of vegetarianism such as; Buddhist vegetarianism, fruitarianism, Jain vegetarianism, macro-biotic diets, Lacto vegetarianism, ovo vegetarianism, Ovo-Lacto vegetarianism, and sattvic diet or yogic diet. Veganism basically excludes all animal products including milk, honey, and eggs. The vegetarianism which includes the consumption of fish is referred to as semi-vegetarianism.

There are different forms of semi-vegetarianism such as; pescetarianism, Pollo-pescetarianism, and proletarianism. Historical Background Vegetarianism is a very vast term. It is just not confined to the modern age. Evidence shows that Jain vegetarianism is known as the ancient type of vegetarianism as it was founded by Parshwantatha in 8th century BC. It is known as the most comprehensive form of vegetarianism. Earliest records show that the vegetarianism came from the Indus Valley Civilization in 7th century BC.

Tolerance towards animals is the most important aspect of vegetarianism. The concept of Ahimsa which means an attitude of non-violence was respectively revived in 8th to 6th century BC along with Jain vegetarianism. The concept of vegetarianism also has evidenced in Greece civilization as per the earliest records. A religious movement named as Orphics spread in ancient Greece in the earliest time and promoted the concept of vegetarianism. History states that the Greek religious teacher Pythagoras advocated vegetarianism. In that age, vegetarians were referred to as Pythagoreans based on the fact that Pythagoras was vegetarian.

If we look at Indian history, we come to know that in Indian history vegetarianism is closely related with Ahimsa which is basically defined as an attitude of non-violence. The well-known fact in Indian history is the attitude of not to harm animals. In India people do not kill animals and also do not sell cattle. Indian population is still known as the largest vegetarian population in the world. The concept of vegetarianism also had meaningful importance in the history of Europe. But it was disappeared from Europe after the Christianization of the Roman Empire.

In Hellenes, Egyptian and other cultures vegetarianism has medical importance. The concept of vegetarianism has been re-emerged during the period of enlightenment to the modern age. This specific period covers the time span from 14 to 17th century and is often known as Renaissance. After the great re-emergence, vegetarianism became more widespread in the 19th century. The first vegetarian society was founded in the United Kingdom in 1847 and the vegetarian colony named Nueva Germania was found in 1886. What Is Vegetarianism? Vegetarianism is basically a voluntary practice in which the vegetarian refrains from eating meat and other animal products for different reasons such as; religious beliefs, health concerns, and environmental concerns. What Is Vegetarianism? Vegetarianism is basically a voluntary practice in which the vegetarian refrains from eating meat and other animal products for different reasons such as; religious beliefs, health concerns, and environmental concerns.

Vegetarians simply do not eat any animal-derived products. In Traditional American diet, vegetarianism has gained importance as an alternative to meat and potatoes. Vegetarian Diets There are different types of vegetarianism or vegetarian diets, the most important of them are: Ovo-Lacto vegetarianism In Ovo-Lacto vegetarianism, vegetarians eat both eggs and dairy products. Ovo-Lacto vegetarianism is the most commonly used vegetarian diet in the world. Ovo vegetarianism Ovo vegetarianism is basically a practice of eating eggs and abstaining to eat dairy products. Vegan diet In the vegan diet, the vegetarians do not eat eggs, dairy products, and other animal-derived products. How Vegetarian Brings Happiness In Life? Normally when we go vegan, following things happen in our life which changes our life up to some extent, brings happiness and make us enjoy the real happier life: Significant improvements in health take place, which leads us to enjoy our life We become more fruit addict which is the best thing ever for every human We find purpose and meaning in our life, which is an important aspect of life. How Vegetarian Brings Happiness In Life? Normally when we go vegan, following things happen in our life which changes our life up to some extent, brings happiness and make us enjoy the real happier life: Significant improvements in health take place, which leads us to enjoy our life We become more fruit addict which is the best thing ever for every human We find purpose and meaning in our life, which is an important aspect of life.

Cooking transformations take place Our taste buds and cravings start evolving Either we lose our weight or gain, as per diet plan We become more energetic and inspirational for others Vegan diet diversifies micro-biome full of friendly bacteria in our body, which give us the strength to fight with unforeseen circumstances Our skin becomes clear Our digestion process improves Religion and Vegetarianism If we look at the historical background of vegetarianism, we come to know that almost every aspect of vegetarianism is basically connected with different religions. Vegetarianism was basically originated in ancient India as in Jainism and Buddhism. Vegetarianism is compulsory for everyone in Jainism point of view. In Islam, Christianity, Dharmic religions and in Sikhism, vegetarianism is not as much obligated as in India. There are a lot of groups who promote vegetarianism on the basis of religious grounds.