To celebrate World Vegetarian Day here are 10 facts about vegetarianism:
- There are many different types of vegetarians. Here are a few:
- A vegan is a vegetarian who avoids eating or using all animal products, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, any foods containing by-products of these ingredients, wool, silk, leather, and any nonfood items made with animal byproducts. Some vegans avoid honey.
- Lacto vegetarian: A lacto vegetarian diet excludes meat, fish, and poultry, as well as eggs and any foods containing eggs.A lacto vegetarian would, however, eat dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.
- Lacto ovo vegetarian: A lacto ovo vegetarian diet excludes meat, fish, and poultry but includes dairy products and eggs. Most vegetarians in the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe fall into this category. Lacto ovo vegetarians eat such foods as cheese, ice cream, yogurt, milk, and eggs, as well as foods made with these ingredients.
- Vegetarian foods are a major source of nutrition for most people in the world.
- According to the American Dietetic Association (ADA), people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet tend to display lower blood cholesterol, lower blood pressure, less chance of getting colon and prostate cancer, and a decreased rate of Ischemic Heart Disease.
- There are records of vegetarianism from as early as ancient Greece and ancient India. In fact, one of the first famous vegetarians was the Greek philosopher Pythagoras who lived at the end of the 6th century B.C. In fact, the term “Pythagorean diet” was commonly used for a plant-based diet until the term “vegetarian” was coined in the 19th century.
- British research shows that a child’s IQ predicts his likelihood of becoming a vegetarian as a young adult. It can thus be argued: the smarter the child, the more likely he’ll eventually shun meat.
- In its 2006 report, the United Nations said raising animals for food generates more greenhouse gases than all the cars and trucks in the world combined.
- Plants yield 10 times more protein per acre than meat. Along with acres, it takes less water to grow plants than it does to produce healthy meat. Approximately 25 gallons of water is needed to produce one pound of wheat. Around 2,500 gallons of water is needed to produce one pound of meat.
- The oldest Vegetarian Society in the world was formed in 1847 in the UK.
- Vegans have a longer expected lifespan.
- A recent study has been made which proves that people who have a vegetarian diet and eat tofu or other soy-related products have a better sexual life than people who are meat-lovers. It is said that plants can have a high influence on the hormone levels and sex life. Time to eat some tofu, people!!!
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