World Vegetarian Day
It is an annual event that aims to promote various aspects of vegetarianism and is celebrated worldwide on October 1. It was established in 1977 by the Vegetarian Society of North America and endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978.
History:
This tradition began in England in 1847. It was there that the first vegetarian community was founded. Buddhism, encountered on the path of the British colonialists in India, was the main impetus. Today, around 9 per cent of people in the UK have given up animal products.
Meaning:
Vegetarianism has its roots in the Latin word vegetus, which means "strong, healthy, fresh, vigorous." The expression Homo vegetus implies a spiritually and physically developed personality. In the beginning, "vegetarian" did not mean a way of eating, but a philosophically and morally harmonious way of life. Over time, the philosophy of vegetarianism has spread throughout the world and undergone certain changes.
Vegetarianism is based on the ethical principle of not accepting animal foods that are the source of suffering and the product of their killing. There are also more serious schools of thought that advocate eating only plant-based foods. Their followers consider it unacceptable not only to kill animals, but also to exploit them. There are also supporters of a more flexible approach that allows the consumption of dairy products.
Currently, about 25 percent of the world's population has already chosen vegetarianism. And their number is increasing every day. For some people, vegetarianism is just a way to lose weight, for others it is a sustainable way of life.
Benefits of vegetarianism
Vegetarianism has many benefits for both health and the environment. The main ones are:
1. Health benefits;
Reduced risk of disease: A vegetarian diet may reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and some cancers;
Improves digestion: The high fiber content of plant foods promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation;
Weight control: Vegetarians often have a lower body mass index (BMI) because they eat fewer calories and eat more food.
2. Environmental benefits;
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Plant-based food production requires fewer resources and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions than raising livestock;
Saves water: Plant-based products require significantly less water to produce than meat products.
3. Ethical considerations;
Reduce animal suffering: Vegetarianism helps reduce cruelty to animals, which often suffer during the meat production process.
4. Diversity and access to nutrients;
Nutrient-rich: Vegetarians get plenty of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, antioxidants, and plant proteins;
Dietary diversity: Vegetarianism opens up many new dishes, making food more varied and interesting.
5. Social and cultural aspects.
Bringing people together: Vegetarian events, restaurants and communities provide opportunities to connect and share experiences.
Yes, despite its many benefits, vegetarianism can also have some negative factors. The main ones are:
1. Lack of nutrients;
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Vegetarians may be deficient in vitamins B12, D, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, often found in animal products.
2. The need for careful diet planning;
Balance issues: Avoiding deficiencies requires a conscious approach to planning your diet and choosing a variety of foods.
3. Limited choice in restaurants;
Cons of vegetarian options: Not all establishments offer a variety of vegetarian options, which can make eating out difficult.
4. Social difficulties;
Misunderstanding or peer pressure: In some cultures or social circles, vegetarians may face misunderstanding or even stigma.
5. Potential eating habits;
Addiction to Processed Food: Some vegetarians may turn to processed meat substitutes and other less healthy foods that can have negative health effects.
6. Effect on physical activity.
Energy Requirements: Athletes and people who engage in intense physical activity need to watch their diet more closely to ensure they are getting enough calories and nutrients.
It is important for people who choose a vegetarian lifestyle to carefully manage their diet and, if necessary, consult with doctors or nutritionists to ensure that all essential nutrients are in balance.
World Vegetarian Day is celebrated with various events around the world. Here are some examples:
1. Vegetarian fairs and festivals;
Vegetarian and vegan festivals are organized in many cities
2. Culinary master classes;
Master chefs teach classes on how to prepare delicious and healthy vegetarian meals.
3. Lectures and seminars;
Scientists, nutritionists and activists share their knowledge of the health, environmental and animal welfare benefits of vegetarianism.
4. Public events;
There are campaigns to distribute free vegetarian meals or information materials about vegetarianism.
5. Vegetarian days in restaurants;
Many restaurants offer special vegetarian menus or discounts on their meals in honor of this day.
6. Online events;
Webinars, streams, and other formats are organized on the Internet where topics related to vegetarianism are discussed.
7. Social media;
Social media users share recipes, personal stories and tips about the vegetarian lifestyle.
8. Trial menus.
Some stores and supermarkets may offer vegetarian tastings to encourage healthy eating.
These events help spread awareness about vegetarianism and inspire people to change their eating habits!
"Should everyone be a vegetarian?"
Not everyone has to be a vegetarian. Vegetarianism is a personal choice and depends on a variety of factors, including:
1. Health;
People with certain medical conditions or needs may require meat or animal products to obtain essential nutrients.
2. Culture and traditions;
In all cultures, meat plays an important role in the diet and can be associated with traditions.
3. Personal beliefs;
Everyone has different views on ethics, ecology and health, and the choice to become a vegetarian should be based on personal values.
4. Availability of products;
In some regions, access to a variety of plant foods may be limited, making vegetarianism difficult.
5. Diet balance.
People can eat a mixed diet and still lead a healthy lifestyle if they make balanced food choices.
The main thing is to take an individual approach and remember that each person has their own health. Nutritional choices should be made consciously and personal circumstances should be taken into account.
"How do other countries view vegetarianism?"
In other countries, vegetarianism and veganism are perceived and developed differently. Here are some examples:
1. "India": Vegetarianism has deep cultural and religious roots here. About 30% of the population is vegetarian. Vegetarian food is central to Indian cuisine, and many restaurants offer a wide variety of plant-based dishes.
2. "Scandinavian countries:" Interest in plant-based nutrition is growing in Sweden and Denmark. Local sustainability and environmental initiatives promote vegetarian and vegan products.
3. "USA": Vegetarianism and veganism are becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people. Many cities have specialty restaurants and plant-based stores. There are also active communities and events dedicated to plant-based nutrition.
4. "Australia": There is an increase in vegetarian and vegan products in supermarkets. Plant-based food festivals are held across the country, and more people are choosing a plant-based diet for health and environmental reasons.
5. Great Britain: The number of vegetarians and vegans has increased significantly in recent years. The 2022 Vegan Festival in London attracted thousands of attendees. Vegetarian dishes are actively included in the menus of restaurants and even fast food.
6. "Japan": Although Japanese cuisine traditionally includes fish and seafood, interest in vegetarianism has increased in recent years, especially among young people. New vegetarian restaurants and cafes are emerging.
In general, in many countries, vegetarianism is not just a trend, but is becoming part of a wider cultural and social debate about health, ecology and ethics.
Quotes about the vegetarian lifestyle of famous people, the BioFoodLab team reports:
"I wish I'd been a vegetarian since I was born. It's amazing how crazy I've gotten all these years."
Mike Tyson, professional boxer:
"At first I was afraid of the idea of vegetarianism, but then I said to myself: 'Let's try it - if it doesn't work, at least I will know that I tried. I switched from dairy cheese to soy cheese and from cow's milk to rice, but gradually I got used to it."
Jennifer Lopez, singer, actress
"If they tell you that you need to eat meat to gain strength, don't believe it."
Arnold Schwarzenegger, bodybuilder, 38th governor of California
"I became a vegetarian at 60. A clear head and increased intelligence would describe the changes that took place in me thereafter."
Benjamin Franklin, politician, diplomat
"Since I was young, I avoided eating meat and I believe that the time will come when people like me will view the killing of animals as they do now.
Leonardo da Vinci, 1452-1519, Italian painter, architect, engineer-inventor, scientist
“After many years of persistent illness, a plant-based diet finally gave me the relief I had hoped to get from drugs, and so I felt a desire to sympathize with those who were suffering and to inform others of its beneficial results. I lived."
Isaac Newton, 1643-1727, English scientist
"Nothing will benefit human health as much and increase the chances of preserving life on Earth as the spread of vegetarianism."
Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist, Nobel Prize laureate
"If you give up eating meat, all your relatives will attack you, condemn you, laugh at you, meat eaters would not attack vegetarianism, they are irritated, because in our time they already know their sin, but they still cannot get rid of sin."
Leo Tolstoy, writer
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