All about vegetarian
Definition of Vegetarian
In this day of inclusive definitions the term vegetarian has drifted from its original definition. Originally, the term vegetarian meant, “with or without eggs or dairy products”, which is the definition the Vegetarian Society still holds to today. However, under the umbrella term vegetarian there are different types of vegetarians with their own personal reasons for eliminating certain foods from their diet.
History and Origins of Vegetarianism
The promotion of a vegetarian diet or a diet devoid of meat and flesh can be traced back to the 1st millennium BC in India. Also in the eastern Mediterranean, the concept of vegetarianism was being preached as a part of the teachings of the philosopher Pythagoras of Samos (c. 530 BC). Thereafter, the concept of vegetarianism has been an integral part of many belief systems, religions and cultures. Some of the prominent religions and cultures that believe in vegetarianism include Brahmanism, Buddhism, Jainism and Zoroastrianism. The First Vegetarian Society was founded in England in the year 1847, which was later embraced by countries and by 1853 the Society already had 889 members. Soon, the concept of Vegetarianism was spread on the global scenario, which perhaps led to the formation of the International Vegetarian Union in 1908, which was a union of several national vegetarian societies. However it is only in the twentieth century that the popularity of vegetarianism increased in the western world, due to nutritional, ethical, and also environmental and economic concerns.
Types of Vegetarians
Vegetarianism as a concept encourages the inclusion of plants and plant based products from the diet and discourages the consumption of animal flesh of any sort. However, with time vegetarianism has evolved to become a concept, which is pursued and practiced according to individual preferences of nutrition as well as tastes. Vegetarianism has thus evolved to contain several branches or different types of vegetarians.
Some people eat eggs but claim to be vegetarians. Some of them love the vegetarian cuisine but cannot give up the non-vegetarian delicacies. There exists a name for all sorts of vegetarians. Read on to find out which type of a vegetarian you are:
Strict vegetarianism:
Vegans: Strict vegetarians who do not eat meat of any kind, eggs, dairy products, other animal-derived products like honey or even do not consume processed foods containing any animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin are termed as vegans. Vegans may also avoid products in which animal products are used in the production, but might not actually remain in the finished food - this includes sugar and some wines. Not just food, vegans also abhor the use of animals for clothing (such as leather, wool, down and silk) or any other purpose of mankind. (Veganism - Known as strict-vegetarianism or pure vegetarianism - Veganism is perhaps a concept that is far more stringent than all the other variations about the use of animals and animal related products for consumption.)
There also includes a subset of vegans who call themselves as ‘raw vegans’ or ‘raw foodists’ who only consume unprocessed vegan foods. A raw vegan diet consists of unprocessed vegan foods that have not been heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius). “Raw foodists” believe that foods cooked above this temperature have lost a significant amount of their nutritional value (enzymes are destroyed by normal cooking processes) and are harmful to the body. Their diet consistst mostly of: fruits, raw vegetables, nuts and seeds.
Fruitarians: Some people have carried the concept of vegetarianism to another extreme wherein the people only eat fresh fruits, these people are called fruitarians. Fruitarians are people who consume a diet that is limited to consumption of fruits, nuts, seeds and any other plant material that can be obtained without causing any harm to the plants as well.
Partial or Psuedo-Vegetarianism:
Lacto-ovo-Vegetarians (“lacto” comes from the Latin for milk, and “ovo” for egg): Vegetarians who do not eat pork, beef, poultry, fish, or animal flesh of any kind, but do consume eggs, dairy products and honey are called lacto-ovo vegetarians. Lacto-Ovo vegetarians believe in consumption of animal products that are given by the animals by will. This is the most common type of vegetarian.
Subcategories:
a) Lacto Vegetarians: Vegetarians who do not eat any type of animal meat or even poultry and eggs but consume milk (dairy), dairy products and honey are called lacto vegetarians. Lacto-vegetarians do not include eggs in their diet due to their belief that consumption of eggs is synonymous with the murder of an unborn young one.
b) Ovo Vegetarians: Vegetarians who do not eat any kind of animal flesh or meat, and do not even consume milk (dairy) and dairy products derived from animal milk, but eat eggs and honey are called ovo vegetarians.
Flexitarians (Semi-vegetarian): Flexitarians are those who mostly stick to a vegetarian diet but occasionally eat meat.
Subcategories:
a.) Pescatarian (also spelled Pescetarian): Pescatarians are those who refrain from eating all types of meat with the exception of fish. Although the word is not commonly used, more and more people are adopting this kind of diet, usually for health reasons or as a stepping stone to a fully vegetarian diet.
b.) Pollo-Vegetarians: People who eat poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and wild fowl but no other type of animal flesh and meat and the regular vegetarian ingredients are termed as pollo vegetarians.
Macrobiotic: The macrobiotic diet, revered by some for its healthy and healing qualities, includes unprocessed vegan foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and allows the occasional consumption of fish. Sugar and refined oils are avoided. Perhaps the most unique qualifier of the macrobiotic diet is its emphasis on the consumption of Asian vegetables, such as daikon, and sea vegetables, such as seaweed.
Factors that Result in Different Types of Vegetarians
Vegetarianism is accepted and practiced by a majority of people, but each one has his or her own way of practicing it. Some of the important factors that decide the types of vegetarians are:
I. Vegetarianism for Better Health
Doctors, dietitians and several health specialists are increasingly advocating the health benefits of vegetarianism. Owing to the increased awareness about health concerns associated with the non-vegetarian diet and health benefits of a vegetarian diet, a large number of people have switched to vegetarianism for health reasons. Vegetarianism offers lower cholesterol levels, lower risks of heart diseases, cancer and higher life expectancy, which seems like a smarter and healthier way of life for many people.
Benefits of Vegetarianism
Wondering why people are increasingly advocating vegetarianism? Read on to find out the benefits of vegetarianism…
Being a vegetarian is no longer frowned upon as the world takes note of the benefits of vegetarianism. Vegetarian diet is not only adequate to fulfill all the standard dietary requirements but also has additional health benefits including prevention of several diseases and harmful health conditions. Discussed below are some of the most important benefits of vegetarianism:
a.) Effect on Body Mass Index
A strict vegetarian diet contains relatively less fat as compared to the non-vegetarian diet owing to the negligible fat content in most of the vegetables. However the only case where the fat content in a vegetarian diet would increase is the inclusion of excessive amounts of butter, fat or other fat-rich dairy products. Research says that average vegetarians eat 25% less fat than a typical meat-eater. This results in a Body Mass Index that is closest to the standard values or at least closer than those of the non-vegetarians. Eating fresh vegetables and fruits and other staple vegetarian foods like whole grains or pulses help over accumulation of fat and when supplemented with a regular fitness regime, can help to maintain a healthy body weight.
b.)Benefits of Dietary Fiber
A vegetarian diet primarily constitutes fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains and pulses. Vegetables and fruits contain high amounts of dietary fiber. Fiber binds to the cholesterol molecules and prevents its absorption in the blood circulation. It also eliminates these cholesterol molecules via stools. Thus a vegetarian diet results into lower cholesterol levels. Since cholesterol is considered as one of the reasons, which can lead to blockage of arteries, lower cholesterol levels indicate lower risks of arteriosclerosis as well as heart attacks. In addition to this dietary fibers also help to improve the process of digestion and thus help the body rid of toxic waste products.
c.) Higher Life Expectancy
Wondering what good can broccoli and Brussels sprouts do to you? Well for one, they can make you live longer than your non-vegetarian counterparts. Yes, don’t be surprised! One of the most important benefits of vegetarianism is perhaps its effect on life expectancy. Several research and studies have found out that vegetarianism offers higher life expectancy than a non-vegetarian diet. On an average, vegetarians live longer than non-vegetarians.
d.) Cancer Protection
Vegetarianism can also reduce your risks for cancer. In 1997 a survey report aided by the World Cancer Research Fund stated that we lower our risk of cancer by choosing plant-based diets including a variety of vegetables, fruits, legumes and avoid the intake of grilled, cured and smoked meats and fish. Grilling, curing and smoking meat produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines, which are carcinogenic. It has been established that people who consume higher amounts of fruits and vegetables have about one-half the risk of cancer.
II. Vegetarianism to Save Animals (Animal rights issues)
Many of the people think it is cruel or inhuman for human beings to slaughter animals for their nutrition when vegetarian options are available. Thus people who believe in animal rights are vegetarians owing to their concern about animals. There exist several animal rights organizations that are constantly promoting the benefits of the vegetarian diet and educating human beings about the ruthless practices carried out in slaughterhouses where animals are massacred on a large scale. Also in case you are a non-believer in animal rights, then its time you read and educate yourself about the inhuman practices involved in slaughterhouses.
III. Vegetarianism for Religious Beliefs (Religious Restrictions)
Many people practice vegetarianism owing to their religious beliefs (includes Brahmanism and Zoroastrianism). There are some religions, which do not allow their practitioners to consume non-vegetarian food and encourage consumption of vegetarian food. Hinduism and Buddhism hold vegetarianism as an ideal way to promote nonviolence and spiritual fulfillment. If Kosher or Halal meat isn’t available, observant Jews and Muslims keep a vegetarian diet. Other religious groups that avoid meat include Seventh Day Adventists and Jains. Jainism is a religion that advocates for a vegetarian diet and also does not allow killing of animals and their consumption.
IV. Vegetarians against environmental degradation
Many environmentalists assert that the large-scale meat and poultry production is environmentally unsustainable. They point to issues with water quality, waste disposal, overuse of antibiotics, and other concerns. Many scientists have also stated that vegetarianism also contributes to reducing the effects of global warming.
Myths About Vegetarianism
Myth: A Vegetarian Diet will result in weakness and nutritional deficiency.
Truth: It is established and certified by the American Dietetic Association that all nutrients, proteins, and amino acids necessary to the human body can be found in a vegetarian diet that includes green leafy vegetables, grains, nuts, and fortified juices or soymilk.
Myth: A vegetarian diet will create a deficiency of Omega-3 Fatty acid that is found only in fish.
Truth: Plant-based sources of Omega-3 Fatty acid do exist. These include soy, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, canola oil and also hempseed and flaxseed.
Myth: A vegetarian diet can lead to weak bones.
Truth: A vegetarian diet has a calcium diet that is similar to non-vegetarians. Impaired bone mineralization is found in vegans due to exclusion of milk and eggs, but can easily be combated with the use of calcium supplements.
Myth: A vegetarian diet cannot provide sufficient amounts of Vitamin D.
Truth: A vegetarian diet has sufficient Vitamin D sources. Vitamin D course in a vegetarian diet include milk, soymilk and cereal grains which are very rich in Vitamin D.
Myth: A vegetarian diet does not have enough proteins.
Truth: The protein intake in a vegetarian diet might be lesser than the in a omnivorous diet but the amount of proteins in a vegetarian diet are sufficient to satisfy all the daily requirements.
Disadvantage to Being Vegetarian
Becoming a vegetarian isn’t necessarily as easy as giving up meat. Not all these types of vegetarian diets are deemed healthy, so do your research. Talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian to help plan and monitor your diet.
One other disadvantage to eating vegetarian that’s worth mentioning is that eating vegetarian is often misunderstood. Trying to help the people in your life to understand that you don’t eat meat—can’t eat meat, and that you don’t eat things cooked with meat can be quite a challenge.
For the list of famous vegetarians, please check wikipedia.org and ivu.org
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/vegetarianism.html
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/different-types-of-vegetarians.html
http://vegetarian.about.com/od/vegetarianvegan101/tp/TypesofVeg.htm
https://www.msu.edu/user/daenzerr/rd491/types.htm
http://www.theveggietable.com/articles/whatisavegetarian.html
http://www.veggievisitors.com/why-become-vegetarian.htm
http://vegetarian.lovetoknow.com/Types_of_Vegetarians
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_different_types_of_vegetarian
http://www.ivu.org/history/index.html
August 27th, 2009 at 10:21 am
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