Introduction
Types
Deficiencies
How to find an outlet
Vegetarian population estimate by country
References:
I am a strict Vegetarian and I thought of sharing my thoughts on Vegetarianism here because every time when I say that I'm a Vegetarian, many people down here in Malaysia tend to look at me like some GOAT (I mean, I know that I'm a herbivore, but that doesn't mean I eat RAW VEGETABLES!! ). Some would even ridicule me by saying I won't be healthy or will be undernourished because of my diet.
In Pic: Paneer Salsa Wrap from McD India
Vegetarianism is all about abstaining yourself from consuming food from animal origin (except for milk and egg for some Vegetarians) and I can firmly say Vegetarians live a better lifestyle compared to any non-Vegetarian.
In Pic: Paneer Salsa Wrap from McD IndiaTypes
- Vegan => Do not consume any food of animal origin
- Lacto Vegetarian=> Do not consume any food of animal origin except for milk
- Ovo Vegetarian=> Do not consume any food of animal origin except for egg
- Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian=> Do not consume any food of animal origin except for milk and egg
Most of the
vegetarians by religion such as Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism are Lacto vegetarians. India with the highest number of Hindu population in the world holds the highest number of Vegetarians on earth as well. Pic at the left shows symbol used to identify a vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal in India. Green reflects Vegetarian
Benefits
vegetarians by religion such as Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism are Lacto vegetarians. India with the highest number of Hindu population in the world holds the highest number of Vegetarians on earth as well. Pic at the left shows symbol used to identify a vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal in India. Green reflects Vegetarian- Vegetarians are 50 percent less likely to develop heart disease, and they have a 40 percent lower cancer rate of meat-eaters.
- Meat-eaters are nine times more likely to be obese than vegans (who don't eat any animal products) are.
- Vegetarians have stronger immune systems than meat-eaters.
- Vegetarians and vegans live, on average, six to 10 years longer than meat-eaters.
- Vegetarians develop strong immunity in them.
- Vegetarian diets have a good proportion of three macronutrients that are needed for maintaining good health. These include carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
- Vegetables and fruits are good sources of micronutrients.
- Green leafy vegetables have ample supply of calcium.
- A vegetarian diet helps maintain perfect weight. Chances of becoming overweight are very less, if you follow a plant-based diet.
Deficiencies
- A plant-based diet may lack some vitamins and minerals, unless a wide variety of fruits and vegetables are included in it.
- Vitamin B12, largely found in meat, is not present in a vegetarian diet. This vitamin is essential for converting protein, fats and carbohydrates into energy. (For lacto or ovo vegetarians, B12 won’t be an issue because it can be derived from dairy products and egg).
- A plant-based diet lacks Vitamin D, a very essential nutrient. (Products including milk, soy milk and cereal grains may be fortified to provide a good source of Vitamin D)
- Meat is a good source of essential amino acids. A plant-based diet cannot provide as much amino acids as found in non-veg. (Problems faced by Vegans)
- Each of the 9 essential amino acids is not found in vegetarian diets. Inadequacy of this may result in tiredness, moodiness - due to the fluctuation in blood sugar levels, lack of motivation and poor performance at work or during exercise. (Problems faced by Vegans)
- Finding a good source of protein in plant-based diet is difficult. (Problems faced by Vegans)
- Vegetarian diets typically contain similar levels of iron to non-vegetarian diets, but this has lower bioavailability than iron from meat sources, and its absorption can sometimes be inhibited by other dietary constituents
How to find an outlet
http://www.happycow.net/ - Is a Vegetarian food outlet search engine. This site will come in handy when you are going to an alien nation.
Vegetarian population estimate by country
County
|
Percentage (%)
|
Population
|
India
|
40
|
399,000,000
|
Taiwan
|
10
|
2,300,000
|
Israel
|
8.5
|
595,000
|
England
|
6
|
3,600,000
|
Austria
|
3
|
243,000
|
Belgium
|
2
|
204,000
|
Netherlands
|
4.3
|
700,900
|
Croatia
|
3.7
|
166,500
|
USA
|
3.2
|
7,300,000
|
France
|
>2
|
1,200,000
|
Norway
|
2
|
92,000
|
Czech Republic
|
1.5
|
153,000
|
Denmark
|
1.5
|
81,000
|
Poland
|
>1
|
386,000
|
Portugal
|
0.3
|
30,000
|
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