Pros and cons of vegetarian and non vegetarian diet: Dishing out healthy.

Many people wonder about vegetarian diets and non-vegetarian diets. The choice of these foods depends upon the community culture and various environmental factors. 

India is an agricultural land and there are varieties of plant-based foods available in the market that can be preserved throughout the years, when crop harvesting is in the process.

In foreign countries due to a lack of agricultural-friendly land and an unsupportive environment meat is easily accessible and the only type of food they can avail so this is how the people chose to be vegetarian and nonvegetarian in the old era based on the availability, situation and environmental factors.

In this article let's explore the pros and cons of vegetarian and nonvegetarian diets.

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Enjoying vegan Food

Have you got questions in your mind like what was our natural diet?

It is believed that the human diet from very ancient times was plant-based food such as vegetables, fruits, and roots.

Lots of ups and downs in nature and the environment like sudden changes in climate and drought destroyed many plants and other vegetarian sources of food, forcing humans to turn to meat and non-vegetarian options.

As humans began to consume cooked meat, their bodies were able to produce more energy directly, which allowed for greater physical and mental evolution. 

This was a significant turning point for the evolution of humans, from the process of Homo sapiens to becoming more advanced human beings.

What we are eating now, is the same diet from the start of the world?

When humans were in the phase of evolving from Homo sapiens to modern humans, they tried various foods. 

Basically, humans used to prefer vegetarian diets before evolving from homosapien but later on they started consuming both veg and non-veg diets.

Does a vegetarian diet provide all the necessary nutritional values?

The vegetarian diet is known as the 'Satwik' diet in Ayurveda. It consists of complete plant-based foods without animal cruelty and holds great importance in Ayurveda and Indian spiritual culture.

According to Ayurveda, the 'Satwik' diet keeps human beings fit and fills them with positivity. 

As a result, all saints and people who practice yoga, meditation, and follow the path of spirituality adopt a 'Satwik' vegetarian diet.

Which foods come under vegetarian ‘Satwik’ food:

Milk and Milk products,      All types of fruits.

Vegetables,                        Wheat, Rice, Grams and lentils etc.

All types of sprouts,           Sweets like Jaggery, Honey, sugar.

Swami Vivekananda saying on Satwik food: Chandogya Upanishad “आहारशुद्धौ सत्त्वशुद्धिः” It says from pure food purity of human being and quality of life increases.

There is instruction in Vedas and also in Ayurveda that “मा हिंस्यात् सर्वभूतानि” It means humans should not harm any living beings for the purpose of food if they have alternative sources available.

If we need complete nutrition for our body a vegetarian diet is all capable of providing you all types of nutritional values that your body needs.

For example, Lentils and sprouts are incredible sources of protein that come under the category of a vegetarian diet.

Also, vegetables and fruits are incredible sources of vitamins and minerals it which need nutrition for the human body.

Some people think that in a veg diet, there can be a deficiency of vitamin B12 but it’s really not true there are lots of vegan sources that have good quantities of vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 is found in mushrooms, skimmed paneer, and milk.

Adding to it, if you want to know the source of vitamin B12 in a vegan diet then that is – oranges, Blueberries, Spinach, beetroot, sprouts, Apples, and Bananas.

Therefore, a vegetarian diet can offer all the nutritional values that the body requires.

Benefits of a vegan diet:

Plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of incidents of cardiovascular diseases.

Reduces risk of chronic diseases.

Fills you with positivity and a good mood.

Research has proven that a vegan diet is extremely useful for athletes as they need a lean body.

It helps you to avoid overeating, fibre and other nutritional content in it improves your digestion process.

Helps you to boost your metabolism.

Glycogen is the main energy source for the body which is specially found in natural plant-based resources like grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits.

What are the different classifications of a vegetarian diet?

Lacto-ovo vegetarian diet: In this type of diet there is no space for meats, like chicken, fish, beef, and pork but what is included is eggs and dairy products.

Lacto-vegetarian diet: It includes dairy products made from milk and in this type of diet all types of meat are prohibited.

Ovo-vegetarian diet: In this diet, eggs are included in all forms but don’t include dairy products, meat, or fish.

Flexitarian diet: This diet is designed to emphasize plant foods while also being flexible by occasionally incorporating meat and animal products in small amounts according to need.

Pescatarian diet: This diet includes fish and excludes all other types of meat like beef, pork, or chicken. This diet can include dairy products and eggs, but this depends on personal preference.

Vegan Diet: A vegan diet is entirely plant-based foods, excluding all animal-derived ingredients. It also excludes products which use animal ingredients.

Does a non-vegetarian diet provide all the required nutritional values?

If we think about the pros of a non-veg diet it is great for athletes and gym freaks for muscle growth and it can be a great easy source of protein.

It includes products such as poultry, seafood, and meats such as red meat.

Lots of research has proven that if we consider protein, non-veg is a great source compared with dairy products.

Dairy – 10gm Protein/100gm

Non Veg diet – 25gm Protein/100gm.

Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine Amino acids which are responsible for muscle growth and muscle building are easy to get from a nonveg diet.

Non-veg diet can be considered full of nutrients including Vitamin B12.

But, there is only a lack of nutrients and that is fibre which can lead to constipation and poor digestion.

To overcome this issue it is advised to consume plant-based vegetarian food which is high in fibre and relieves issues with digestion and constipation.

It is essential to acknowledge that while a non-vegetarian diet is filled with nutrition, ignoring its deficiencies can harm one's health.

And hence, it is recommended not to turn completely towards a Non-veg diet.

Challenges in the non-vegetarian type of diet.

Nowadays, it appears that no one is prioritizing their health as everyone is focused on earning money. The non-vegetarian and meat industry is a vast business sector that is driven by profit.

Unfortunately, multiple diseases and new types of diseases are emerging from non-vegetarian diets. 

This is because, during the growth process, poultry, chicken, and other meats are injected with a lot of steroids and chemical compounds to increase their weight and generate more income. 

Even in small-scale poultry and goat farms, farmers are using modified feeds that contain chemicals and steroids, making it difficult to ascertain whether the chicken or any type of meat from larger-scale operations is 100% pure and healthy for human consumption. 

These are the challenges that human beings are currently facing due to the meat and non-veg industries.

Vegan Diet

Which diet should we prefer?

By looking at the current health of the environment and industries everyone is turning towards a vegan diet. 

It is a safe and healthier alternative to a non-vegetarian diet, providing all the required vital nutrients.

Adopting a vegan Satwik diet is particularly beneficial for human beings because, in addition to providing essential nutrition, it also generates positive energy and vibes over time.

In the bottom line:

We should understand the pros and cons of vegetarian and nonvegetarian diets and have to spread this awareness among people. Being vegetarian or non-vegetarian is completely based on the choice of individuals. However, adding complete nutrition to your plate is necessary for the overall health of your body.