Life Cases Against Vegetarianism. Vegetarianism: to be or not to be. Objective view. Decrease in brain mass

As before, and now, the controversy about the benefits of vegetarianism continues. Having considered the arguments from different angles, everyone can decide for himself which idea he likes best.

Is it beneficial to be a vegetarian

Vegetarianism pros and cons - research work many pundits. Here are all the available arguments about the rejection of meat food.

The benefits of vegetarianism

To begin with, we present the most common types of vegetarianism, which are summarized in the table for convenience, and what they are based on.

Vegetarianism table

Types of food	Meat	Bird	A fish	Eggs	Dairy products	Grain sprouts, raw foods	Fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries	Honey
Sprautarianism	—	—	—	—	—	+	—	—
Veganism	—	—	—	—	—	+	+	—
Frutorianism	—	—	—	—	—	+	+	—
Lacto vegetarianism	—	—	—	—	+	+	+	+
Ovo-lacto vegetarianism	—	—	—	+	+	+	+	+

Since meat contains a large amount of carcinogens, then avoiding it will clearly have a good effect on health. After all, fried or smoked meat products are considered one of the causes of cancer of the stomach and other digestive organs. Lovers of plant foods are less likely to have problems with the endocrine system, they are less sick with hypertension and myocardial infarction.

Vegetarian food can help you lose weight. Since plants have much fewer calories, but more vitamins. True, this does not mean at all that becoming a vegetarian can be thin all the time. Sumo wrestlers, for example, do not eat meat, but they are not skinny at all.

Yoga people eat a plant-based diet. Because in yoga, refusing to eat meat is considered a proper diet. All of her styles practice non-violence, that is, oppose the killing of animals.

The harm of vegetarianism

Supporters of this diet argue that with such a diet, life expectancy increases. But this is not entirely true. So, for example, among the inhabitants of the Caucasus there are many people who have reached the centenary. However, meat is definitely present in their diet. The peoples of the far north have to eat almost only meat, since in the conditions low temperatures a lot of energy is wasted. And besides, the usual vegetables and fruits do not grow there. However, this does not prevent them from living long.

Vegetarian diets, according to the researchers, are poor in some vitamins. So, for example, vitamin B12 and iron. If a person does not eat red meat, then there may be problems with the formation of blood cells. Iron deficiency gives brittle nails, impaired hair growth, imbalance in the intestines, a failure in the female menstrual cycle.

Plant foods are also poor in vitamin D, calcium and iodine. The lack of these elements causes problems with the skeleton, teeth and thyroid gland. This state of the body is especially dangerous in old age.

Vegetarianism and digestion

According to research, humans are between carnivores and herbivores in terms of the way they digest. Since its intestines are shorter than that of cows, but longer than that of a dog and a wolf. And the stomach also has an intermediate size. That is, herbivorous animals must have a large stomach and long intestines in order to digest tough food. And the meat gives off energy faster and if it lingers in the body, then the process of decay and poisoning will begin. Hence the conclusion that a person can eat both plant and animal food.

Vegetables and fruits have a cleansing effect on the intestines, as they contain a lot of indigestible fiber. The constant intake of fiber into the body begins to act like emery and this will not always be useful. That's why attitudes of doctors towards vegetarianism positive only if you are not a child, not an elderly person and not suffering from gastrointestinal diseases.

Energy and vegetarianism

Throughout the day, in addition to calories, a person spends emotions and feelings. And there is food that affects life energy.

Here's what is meant by foods that replenish life energy:

1. Environmentally friendly vegetables, fruits, herbs, as well as berries. They can be either fresh or stewed. This also includes dried fruits.
2. Nuts and various seeds.
3. Dairy products.
4. Legumes.
5. Spices and herbs.

If you use these products, then they will take away vital energy:

1. Any meat, as well as fish. Since they are regarded as the consequences of violence and murder. Eggs are also included in this.
2. Narcotic substances and stimulants (tobacco, tea, coffee and chocolate).
3. GMO products and chemical additives.

There is still benefit

It turns out that life without meat is not so sad. There are products that can easily replace it. So here how to replace meat with vegetarianism:

• legumes, including soy and soy products;
• cereals;
• lettuce and seaweed;
• nuts;
• coconut milk.

All these products contain protein plus those vitamins and minerals that are present in meat. So if year of vegetarianism brought only positive results, it will be natural to continue it.

Image copyright iStock

Avoiding meat will be good for both our health and our planet, but at the same time it can harm millions of people, the observer found out.

People become vegetarians for a variety of reasons. Someone does this because they feel sorry for the animals, and someone simply adheres to a healthy lifestyle. There are also those who are in favor of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

As much as opponents of vegetarians try to deny it, there are many benefits to avoiding meat. And the more people exclude it from their diet, the more positive effect we will be able to observe on a global scale.

But if everyone becomes committed vegetarians, millions, if not billions, of people will face severe negative consequences.

"There are pros and cons to this scenario," says Andrew Jarvis of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Columbia.

"In developed countries, the transition to vegetarianism will improve the environment and health of citizens. But in developing countries, this will only lead to deepening poverty."

Together with other experts from the center, Jarvis tried to simulate the situation that would develop on the planet if all people suddenly stopped eating meat.

Image copyright iStock Image caption If by 2050 we all become vegetarians, there will be 7 million fewer deaths on the planet every year, and if we become vegans, then by 8 million.

First of all, they paid attention to climate change. Food production accounts for a quarter to a third of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, and most of this comes from the livestock industry.

Despite this, we often underestimate the impact of our food preferences on environment.

For example, in the United States, producing enough meat for an average family of four emits more greenhouse gases than when a family member uses two cars.

However, when we discuss global warming, we are constantly talking about cars, not steaks.

Most people don't think about the link between food and climate change Tim Benton, expert

"Most people don't think about the link between food and climate change," says Tim Benton, a food security expert at the University of Leeds. "But if we start eating a little less meat today, our children and grandchildren will thank us."

Marko Springman, Research Fellow research center The Oxford Martin School at Oxford University is currently working on the Future of Food program.

He decided to find out what real benefits it could bring. Together with colleagues, he created computer models to predict what would happen if all of humanity completely abandoned meat by 2050.

The results of the study showed that emissions from the food industry will decrease by about 60%, mainly due to the elimination of red meat.

And if all the inhabitants of the Earth become vegans (that is, complete vegetarians - Ed.), the volume of emissions will be reduced by about 70%.

“We tried to find out how to slow the pace of climate change, and we found that achieving a sustainable balance between food emissions and all other emissions can only be achieved if the entire population of the Earth eats only plant foods,” says Springman.

Image copyright iStock Image caption Farmers in developing countries will be hardest hit by global vegetarianism

"It is unlikely that this is possible, but this conclusion once again indicates that the emissions of greenhouse gases arising from the activities of the food industry will have a serious impact on the future of the planet," - he clarifies.

For food production, and especially for livestock, extensive agricultural land is required, and land conversion and biodiversity loss are driving up greenhouse gas emissions.

There are about 5 billion hectares of agricultural land worldwide, and 68% of this is used as pasture for livestock.

If we all become vegetarians, at least 80% of these pastures will be converted back to grasslands and forests, which will capture carbon and help us halt climate change.

If by 2050 the whole of humanity completely abandons meat, then the volume of emissions associated with the activities of the food industry will decrease by about 60%

Returning pastures to their natural state will also have a beneficial effect on biodiversity. Large herbivores will return to their habitat, such as buffaloes, displaced by humans for the sake of raising livestock, as well as wolves, which are often killed due to attacks on domestic animals.

The remaining 10-20% of the former pastures can be used to grow crops that will help fill the food shortage.

This relatively small increase in agricultural land will be more than enough to compensate for the lack of meat, because a third of the arable land is grown for fodder crops that are not intended for humans.

Restoring the environment and moving to a purely plant-based food production will require careful planning and substantial investment, as most of this land has already fallen into disrepair.

“You can't just take the cows off the ground and wait for a virgin forest to grow on its own,” Jarvis notes.

Employment options

People who have worked in the livestock industry will need help finding employment.

They will be able to engage in agriculture, reforestation or the production of clean energy from plant waste, which is now used as feed for livestock.

In addition, farmers will be able to generate income by raising livestock for environmental purposes.

“Scotland is characterized by mountainous terrain, which is very much influenced by humans, or rather, the herds of sheep grazing here,” says Peter Alexander, an expert on socio-ecological systems at the University of Edinburgh. will affect biodiversity. "

Image copyright iStock Image caption The disappearance of meat from the menu will have a colossal impact on the entire global economy.

If we are unable to offer new employment options and subsidies to those previously employed in industrial livestock production, we are likely to face rising unemployment and mass unrest, especially in rural areas, which are closely associated with this industry.

“There are now over 3.5 billion domestic ruminants on earth and we consume tens of billions of chickens every year,” says Ben Phalan of the University of Cambridge, who studies the balance between food demand and biodiversity.

"This means that the economy will be hit hard," he said.

But even the best plan cannot provide for the creation of alternative sources of income for everyone.

About a third of the world's land is arid and semi-arid pastures that are not suitable for growing crops.

Attempts to convert parts of the Sahel, an African region south of the Sahara and north of the equator, from livestock grazing land to arable land have failed to achieve anything other than desertification and loss of fertility.

"Without livestock, life for people living in certain natural conditions will be impossible," says Falan.

This is especially the case for Mongolian and Berber nomads, who, due to the lack of livestock, will have to settle permanently in the cities, which will lead to the loss of their cultural identity.

If everyone on Earth becomes vegetarian by 2050, the global mortality rate could drop by 10%

In addition, those for whom meat is not a source of livelihood may also suffer. After all, meat is an important part of history, traditions and culture.

It is customary for many peoples around the world to give livestock at weddings, and some people simply cannot imagine festive dinner no turkey or roast beef.

Meat dishes have become a manifestation of the cultural identity of certain regions and peoples.

"Avoiding meat completely will have a huge impact on the culture, which is why measures to reduce meat consumption are often ineffective," Falan says.

The health consequences of a vegetarian diet are also controversial.

According to Springman's computer model, if everyone on Earth becomes vegetarians by 2050, the global mortality rate will decrease by 6-10%, thanks to a decrease in the number of diseases of the cardiovascular system, diabetes, heart attacks and some types of cancer.

This will be equally influenced by avoiding red meat and the associated reduction in calorie intake, as well as consuming more fruits and vegetables.

If the entire population of the planet switches to veganism, the positive effect will only increase: a vegetarian diet can save 7 million lives a year, while a vegan diet can save about 8 million.

Reducing the number of chronic diseases caused by poor nutrition will also lead to lower spending on health services, which will save about 2-3% of global GDP.

Image copyright iStock Image caption But even the best plan will fail to create alternative sources of income for everyone.

But for all this to become a reality, you need to not only give up meat, but also replace it with products with equal nutritional value.

Animal foods have more nutrients per calorie than vegetarian foods. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right diet, especially for the more than two billion people suffering from malnutrition.

"The shift to a vegetarian diet on a global scale can lead to a dramatic deterioration in the health of people in developing countries, because they will not receive vital nutrients," says Benton.

Everything needs a measure

Fortunately, you don't need to be vegetarian to the full world to reap the full benefits and minimize negative effects. The most important thing is to eat meat less often and in smaller portions.

One study found that people in the UK only need to adhere to the WHO dietary guidelines to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 17%.

And if you abandon animal products and harmful "snacks", this figure will decrease by another 40%.

"These changes in diet will not be painful for people. All that is needed is just a little less meat," says Jarvis. "This is not a complete transition to vegetarianism."

According to Springman, due to certain changes in the food system, we will choose healthy foods food, the production of which does not cause such harm to the environment.

For example, you can increase the price of meat while making fresh fruits and vegetables cheaper and more affordable.

In addition, we need to be more responsible about the food we eat, because today only 50% of the calories we produce are effectively used. This is due to the loss of food, food waste and overeating.

"There are systems with low performance to provide good conditions keeping animals and minimizing the impact on the environment, but at the same time generating high profits, ”says Benton.

“Farmers can earn the same income by producing meat as a delicacy rather than as a daily product. This is done with completely different ways of raising animals,” he explains.

In fact, clear measures already exist to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production. All that is lacking is the desire to put them into practice.

The topic sooner or later becomes relevant for anyone who practices yoga in any serious way. For some it is a matter of healthy eating, for others it is a matter of morality. Some people refuse meat (or even any food of animal origin) quite easily. Others put themselves on a vegetarian diet by an effort of will - because it is necessary, because the principle of nonviolence, or ahimsa, is one of the main principles in yoga. Some are making vegetarian or vegan a lifestyle and even propaganda, like Sharon Gannon and David Life. And someone, with passion giving up meat at the beginning of the yogic path, a few years later begins to introduce fish or, say, mutton into their diet. There are a lot of options, and it can be difficult to choose your own path, especially if your eating habits do not change in the "right" direction over the course of practice (which also happens).

So should a yogi be a vegetarian? And most importantly, should a domestic yogi be a vegetarian, living in latitudes, where most of the time it is dark and cold outside the window, and the variety in vegetables, fruits and cereals compared to hot countries, to put it mildly, is small?

Classics of the genre*

The history of vegetarianism in India dates back to the Vedic period, which dates back to various origins, usually between the fourth and second millennia BC. The four sacred texts known as the Vedas are considered the cornerstone of early Hinduism. The thought that gave impetus to the ideas of vegetarianism in subsequent centuries, arises in Vedic songs and hymns, praising the miraculous forces of natural elements. “The concept of soul transmigration is first introduced, albeit in passing, in the Rig Veda,” explains British journalist and writer Colin Spencer in his book A History of Vegetarianism. “The totemistic culture of the ancient Indian civilization was already characterized by a sense of the unity of the entire Creation”. Adherence to these views, according to Spencer, further inspired the development of vegetarianism.

In later texts, including the Upanishads, the concept of rebirth comes to the fore. According to the editors of the anthology "Religious Vegetarianism" Kerry Walters and Lise Portmess, "the gods take the form of animals, people in past births can be animals, and animals - people." In all beings there is a divine principle, while life is considered not as a single given, but as a stream that changes forms. Specifically, Spencer notes that the cow was revered as Kamadhenu, a sacred creature inhabited by 330 million deities, and killing her was tantamount to killing a mother or a brahmana. In general, the idea that meat on a plate has a history of past births and could once walk on two legs did not at all contribute to the popularization of meat-eating.

As Walters and Portmess point out, later in The Laws of Manu, a text written between 200 BC. and A.D. 100, a clearer approach to the ethical standards of vegetarianism was formulated. The ancient sage Manu denounces not only those who eat meat. “Those who allowed and committed the act of murder, butchered, sold, cooked, served and devoured the meat of an animal - they are all guilty of its death,” he writes.

The Bhagavad Gita is perhaps the most authoritative scripture in Hinduism, written between the 6th and 1st centuries. BC, contains practical nutritional guidelines that tip the scales in favor of vegetarianism. In the Bhagavad-Gita, food is subdivided into sattvic (milk, butter, fruits, vegetables and cereals) - “which strengthens vitality and endurance, strengthens health, gives pleasure and ensures longevity”; bitter, salty and sour rajasic (including meat, fish and alcohol), "causing pain, disease and various ailments," and tamasic, which includes "stale, over-processed and unclean" foods. This interpretation determines the eating habits of yogis to this day.

Life after death

Oleg Torsunov, the most famous interpreter of the Vedas in our country, speaks about the unconditional, not even benefit - the need for vegetarianism - and not only for yogis, but for everyone in general. However, he focuses not so much on karmic consequences as on the mental aspects of nutrition and how food affects the subtle body. “In medicine, the theory that meat is the healthiest food has been established,” says Torsunov. - But doctors study food from the standpoint of chemical composition, they have not even tried to approach this issue from the standpoint of the psyche. They do not understand that it is important that a person's mental state ultimately affects health more than chemical composition products ". How does meat affect the psyche? “According to the Vedic scripture,” explains Torsunov, “after death, in the subtle body of the mind, a person is next to his gross body, because he is very strongly attached to it - just like to relatives, children, home, - and for about forty days is next to his body, until the process of decomposition begins. " “The same happens with animals,” Torsunov develops. - As long as the meat is fresh (and in this case it is considered fresh until it starts to rot), the animal in the subtle body is very strongly attached to it, that is, attached to its body. An animal, like a person, in a subtle body can be both there and here. It doesn't matter how many honors his physical body is divided into - in the thin body it is always next to the piece of meat that lies in your refrigerator. And when you cook this piece of meat, when you eat it, the animal experiences terrible suffering because you eat what belongs to it. This can be compared to eating next to someone who dislikes you a lot. It is for this reason that meat is considered food that brings misfortune - it destroys our psyche. "

Science

Of course, not everyone is ready to accept such a radical point of view. If only because it is very closely correlated with religious beliefs. Actually, for the same reason, doctors, whom Torsunov accuses of narrow-mindedness, do not consider such aspects of food in their practice. For science, after all, only what can be tested matters. scientific methods... Moreover, this is true even for the ancient sciences, including Ayurveda, whose postulates do not cause doubts among yoga practitioners.

“Ayurveda is often associated with vegetarianism, because beef is not eaten in India - everyone knows that a cow is considered a sacred animal. But these are all religious concepts. Ayurveda is a science, a logically built medical system. Religion and science have different approaches. Science always chooses the middle path, there are no categorical judgments and radical views. Any extreme path is unhealthy. " It was with this arrangement of dots over the "i" that Dr. Naushad, the Ayurvedic doctor, to whom I came to talk about "Vegetarianism: pros and cons"... However, we talked more about the benefits of animal food - Dr. Naushad literally refuted with every phrase the stereotypical notion “Ayurveda is equal to vegetarianism” prevailing in the West.

“There are many Ayurvedic medicines based on animal substances. Some of them are based on broth. Horns, hooves, etc. are used. These ingredients are found in any ancient medicine - in Chinese, for example. This is due to the fact that animal products are a rich source of minerals and neurotransmitters that improve metabolism, explains Naushad. - In the ancient texts on Ayurveda, such as Ashtanga Hrdayam or Sushruta Samhita, all types of food are described in great detail, including meat, their beneficial features and how these properties change depending on processing. At the same time, you will not find any prescriptions for vegetarianism there.

In Ayurveda, we say that any kind of food brings certain benefits. healthy person... But before we give recommendations on nutrition, we take into account a lot of nuances. Including geographical location: where the person lives now and where he lived before; we are definitely interested in his food preferences. In Russia, for example, people eat a lot of meat. These preferences are habit, and habits cannot be changed abruptly and radically. They appear for a reason - for each there are certain reasons. Of course, human body, our tissues are arranged in such a way that we don't need a lot of meat. In India, even if a person eats meat, he does it quite rarely - about once a week. But there are a lot of vegetables and other products. In Russia, the choice is much more scarce. "

Of course, a ban on meat in Ayurveda is possible, especially in cases when it comes to health disorders or deep cleansing procedures such as pancha-karma. According to Naushad, for certain diseases, some types of meat, and sometimes all, must be excluded from the diet. For example, people with diseases caused by imbalance of kapha, as well as those who tend to increase this dosha, are strongly discouraged from eating pork. And those who suffer from skin diseases like psoriasis are prescribed a vegetarian diet, and first of all it is necessary to exclude eggs, fish, seafood and chicken. “But if it’s hard to do without animal food, you can eat turkey or rabbit - these types of meat do not increase any of the doshas,” says Naushad. Lamb, which has recently been considered the healthiest type of meat, actually increases all three doshas, ​​especially kapha and pitta. And if you eat it more often than once every 10 days, it will lead to illness. In general, lamb and pork are types of meat, the effect on the body of which is so intense that it is better to exclude them from the diet altogether. At the same time, says Naushad, cases when they can be useful are possible - there are no strict prohibitions in Ayurveda.

But goat meat (which, however, does not exist in Russia) is considered very useful in Ayurveda. Moreover, many Ayurvedic preparations are based on goat broth. It reduces vata, normalizes metabolism and is especially effective for female diseases. Beef also has beneficial properties - it has a very beneficial effect on chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, and chronic rhinitis. Another type of meat that is extremely common in the West is chicken. From the point of view of Ayurveda, it has hot properties and can be useful in winter, as it gives the body energy. In addition, it increases libido in both men and women.

“But meat is not the food that Ayurveda recommends to eat every day,” warns Dr. Naushad. - When we eat meat, like any other food, it goes through a certain cycle in our body, which must be taken into account. When we say that Ayurveda is the middle way, we mean that one should not go to extremes. "

In this case, meat every day is the same extreme. The optimal frequency, according to Naushad, depends on the weather conditions. In winter, if you are used to meat, you can eat it more often. Three to four times a week - in winter you need energy, you need to keep the body warm. In summer - maximum once a week. Meat should not be full. “You should only feel half full. This rule applies to any heavy food. If you follow it, food will be digested normally, ”explains Naushad.

The meat eaters must have breathed a sigh of relief now. Rejoice early - bad news lies ahead.

But first, for the sake of completeness, it is worth mentioning fish, which is often viewed by health advocates as a healthy alternative to meat-based diets. “It is considered to be healthier and easier,” the Ayurveda doctor agrees with me, “because it is an easily digestible protein, an easily digestible food, it is very good for the heart, rich in Omega-3 and so on. Of course, fish has benefits, as well as other foods, but if it is eaten often, it unbalances pitta and kapha. " According to Naushad, fish is more beneficial in winter because we need kapha in winter. At the same time, according to Ayurveda, fish has hot properties, so it is undesirable to eat it in hot summer and autumn, when pitta is active. It is also worth refraining from fish in spring because of kapha.

Well, now the promised fly in the ointment. All of the listed beneficial properties apply to meat produced according to the rules, which are also described in Ayurveda texts in some detail. Some of them are now vigorously discussed in society: for example, an animal should graze on the grass and eat grass, and not mixed feed with antibiotics and hormones. And it must be put to death quickly - it must not be frightened or tormented, and all the blood must be released from it. All this, I repeat, is the point of view of Ayurveda.

It is clear that it is impossible to find such meat in the store. “Ideally, you should look for farmers who produce meat according to all the rules and who can be trusted,” says Naushad. - But people still eat meat pumped with hormones, even knowing about its dangers. And that's why they get sick. If the meat is correct, there should be no diseases. " It is interesting that many of the Ayurvedic rules voiced by Naushad have been observed in Russia since ancient times. “In Russian villages, they never ate meat every day,” says Elena Ulmasbaeva. - First, there were posts. Secondly, the cattle were fed and slaughtered in the fall. There were special people who could kill an animal quickly and with prayer. Meat dishes were prepared for festive table, and for daily nutrition, cereals, dairy, vegetables were used. In general, the ethnography of food is an extremely interesting thing, it helps to understand a lot. " Not everything is unambiguous with vegetarianism in the context of health, according to the founder of the Yoga Station studio and the rector of the Institute of Traditional Health Systems Sergei Agapkin.

“The notorious vitamin B12, the deficiency of which leads to severe forms of anemia, is found mainly in animal products, and quite often its deficiency is found among vegetarians, and especially among vegans,” explains Sergey. - Iron, despite its large amount in plant products, is absorbed much worse than heme iron from liver or red meat. In most cases, this problem is hushed up, but India, where about 30% of the population adhere to a vegetarian diet, is actually affected by an epidemic of anemia - 80% of pregnant women, 90% of teenage girls, 50% of children of both sexes suffer from this disease. Vitamin D and calcium are also problematic nutritional components, which is why numerous studies show lower bone density in vegetarians. Deficit essential amino acids may not have the best effect on mental health, especially in childhood... However, speaking about the disadvantages of vegetarianism, one cannot fail to mention its positive aspects, namely, the normalization of fat metabolism and a decrease in the level cardiovascular disease... True, this is mainly due to the enrichment of the diet with raw vegetables, fruits and nuts, and not the exclusion of animal products, as is often believed. Examples of the Mediterranean countries or Japan vividly confirm this fact, ”Agapkin concludes.

On duty

Let's return, however, directly to yoga and to our main question: is vegetarianism a prerequisite for practice?

“Ayurveda has a concept of mental doshas, ​​or gunas - these are sattva, rajas and tamas,” explains Naushad. - Sattva is the purest guna, this is awareness; rajas - fire and movement; tamas - inertia. Dairy products and vegetables, of course, increase sattva. Meat is rajas, aggression. A fish, an animal of water that lives where there is little light, increases tamas. Of course, all the gunas play an important role in human life and functioning. However, for someone who strives to achieve more and more heights in yoga, to samadhi, the development of sattva is important. To achieve his goal, such a person must be only a vegetarian. ” It is worth noting here that not all experts are inclined to consider vegetarianism as a yogi's duty. Most consider the elimination of animal products to be a natural consequence of the practice rather than a mandatory austerity. “It should be borne in mind that by doing yoga, you may become a vegetarian. Let this happen gradually, after the practice of yoga will help you to become aware of your body and habits, including in nutrition, as well as psychological reasons that force you to choose certain foods, one or another taste, - Elena Ulmasbaeva admonishes. "As you practice, the need for more sattvic food increases, but if this does not happen, then something is wrong with the practice."

To Sergei Agapkin, the formulation “a yogi should” also seems dubious. “Yoga is liberation from conventions, not the formation of new ones. It would be correct to talk not about vegetarianism, but about a low-protein diet, which was attributed to a yogi practicing pranayama in India. The fact is that during the practice of pranayama, the metabolism is sharply accelerated and this leads to active heat production, which in India is fraught with banal overheating - the ambient temperature and air humidity impede normal heat transfer. Under these conditions, a completely adequate option is to reduce the amount of protein in food, because a protein diet can increase metabolism by 40%! Moreover, according to classical sources, we are talking not only about fish and meat, but also about fermented milk products and legumes. It should be noted that in neighboring Tibet, due to climatic conditions, there were no such problems, and until the end of the 20th century, the use of animal products was common even in the monastery kitchen. "

And here is what Charles Eisenstein writes about this in his book The Yoga of Nutrition: “There is one serious flaw in the logic of spiritual elevation with the help of sublime nutrition. It is indicated by the proverb: "Change one thing - everything will change." To meet our needs and provide health, our diet must match our lifestyle in the world. [...] The diet of monks and the righteous is not a conscious decision, but the result of changed tastes and appetites. " And one more quote from the same book, which does not need comments: “Strict and clean diets are primarily for people who are isolated from our world of huckstering and profit. To enjoy life in the world we are accustomed to, we need a less exalted diet. A hermit who chants God all day requires a completely different amount of energy and different vibrations than people who live in the thick of worldly life. "

Approximately the same thought is voiced by a psychotherapist, a full member of the Professional Psychotherapeutic League Stanislav Viktorovich Potekhin: “The need for meat can gradually disappear as a result of certain practices. This happens because the level of energy changes, it becomes more. But first, these practices lead to the disappearance of the need for sweets. "

The first principle

Well, what about ahimsa, you ask? With her, too, not everything is so simple. “The unconscious fear of one's own death often manifests itself as pity for animals, which in turn becomes the reason for refusing meat,” explains Stanislav Viktorovich. - The source of such compassion is attachment to one's own earthly life, to the temporary, material. And such attachments, as you know, are destructive for those who strive for eternity. "

“Pity is essentially greed,” Potekhin develops the idea. - After all, we pity those who lose something that is valuable for us. We understand that being in the place of the other is not sweet, because we ourselves are afraid of losing the same or something similar. " Such compassion, according to Stanislav Viktorovich, does not raise the spiritual level, but defends and protects the existing attachment, in this case, attachment to one's own material life. At the same time, he says, pity for animals can help develop mental gentleness, love - but only if you understand the true reason for your pity.

The choice is made

What is the conclusion? I think a dear reader will do it himself. Someone may become a vegetarian. Another will decide that he is in a hurry to exclude animal products from his menu. The third will remain the same. The main thing, in my opinion, is to be honest with yourself, to learn to listen and hear yourself and, of course, not to judge those whose diet is different from yours.

* The text uses an excerpt from the article "The Roots of Vegetarianism"
(The Roots of Vegetarianism) Jennifer Barrett translated by Ksenia Stepanenko

Perhaps no food or lifestyle issue has been discussed with such fervor as vegetarianism. There are millions of vegetarians in the world, these are both young and very respectable people. Studies are regularly conducted, the results of which prove that the consumption of food of animal origin is necessary for a person, and problems are inevitable in case of refusal from it, others, on the contrary, testify to the benefits of plant foods. So is avoiding animal products harmful or is the benefits of vegetarianism grossly exaggerated?

Vegetarianism is a way of eating in which the consumption of animal products is excluded, it is believed that meat, fish, dairy products or eggs are harmful to the body. If you eat only plant foods, you can improve your health, normalize weight, etc. It turns out that not everything is so simple.

After all, nature itself implies that a person is an omnivorous creature, no matter how they try to refute some dependent sources. For example, as an argument - the work of digestion. Undigested meat in the intestines is subject to decomposition, food residues must be quickly removed from the body, so a short intestine is ideal for a predator; it is usually 2-3 body lengths.

As for plant foods, herbivores need long intestines, tens of times larger than their growth, since plant foods are digested slowly. In humans, the length of the intestine exceeds growth by an average of 2.5 times, the body quite successfully digests both plant foods and small portions of meat. It would seem that nature gave us the right to choose which food to prefer. So is the rejection of food of animal origin justified?

Pros of vegetarianism

Less risk of cancer

A vegetarian diet is said to contain fewer carcinogens and harmful substances, which are beneficial for health. Indeed, the incidence of cancer in the aggregate is lower, however, according to the results of a survey of 63 thousand patients under the EPIC-Oxford, colon cancer is more common in vegetarians. However, it is no secret that the meat of farm animals contains a large amount of harmful substances that are used on farms to prevent diseases or increase the weight of animals. According to some reports, vegetarians get 30 times less chemicals from food than people who eat meat.

Vegetarians have less heart disease

Vegetarians suffer less from heart disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. Indeed, a low-fat, calorie-restricted diet increases insulin sensitivity. According to the results of large studies, the mortality rate of vegetarians from cardiovascular diseases is 24% lower than that of meat-eaters. A plant-based diet is lower in saturated fat and so-called "bad" cholesterol. Moreover, there are dietary fibers and biologically active substances of plant nature, which contribute to the prevention of ischemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis.

Reduces weight - is it so?

A plant-based diet reduces weight - this statement is only partly true. Of course, low-calorie food helps to get rid of excess weight. But the abrupt transition to vegetarianism among beginners is accompanied by a feeling of "empty stomach", absorbing everything, but plant origin, it is not difficult to get a problem with weight; dietitian advice will help resolve the issue.

Cons of vegetarianism

Long life expectancy is a myth

Life expectancy for vegetarians is longer only in theory. Of course, adherents of a plant-based diet are less susceptible to disease, however, as studies have shown, in practice, more than 20-year-old vegetarianism increases life expectancy by only 3.5 years. But how to explain the fact when the inhabitants of the Caucasus are considered centenarians? However, some northern peoples generally consume only food of animal origin, and live no less than others.

Insufficient amount of vitamins and minerals

A vegetarian diet lacks vitamins and minerals. For the life of the human body, a large amount of proteins, consisting of amino acids, are needed, some of them are irreplaceable. This means that only part of the amino acids is synthesized in the body, the rest must be obtained from the outside. But some of them are found only in animal proteins.

In addition, refusal of food of animal origin can lead to a lack of vitamin B, as well as potassium, phosphorus, iodine. Also, it does not contain B12, vegetarians have lower absorption of zinc and iron.

For example, a B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, a disorder nervous system, impaired coordination of movements. Lack of D and calcium is fraught with frequent fractures, will affect the condition of the skin, nails, hair. A vegetarian diet lacks the omega-3 fatty acids necessary for normal growth, brain function, immune and circulatory system function, etc. Unfortunately, the body is unable to synthesize these acids.

Vegan Nutrition Issues

However, it is worth noting that most of the problems described are not associated with vegetarianism, but with its radical direction - veganism, in which not only meat, but also dairy products and eggs are excluded from food. Most of the negative aspects of vegetarianism affect vegans. Indeed, for example, vitamin D or B12, albeit in small quantities, is found in milk and eggs, and the absorption of zinc or iron can be increased by introducing sufficient quantities of legumes and grains into the diet.

Thus, according to modern nutritionists, if the diet of a vegetarian is diverse, eggs, milk and fish are present on the menu, then it is considered balanced; such people can easily do without meat for decades.

Who is contraindicated in vegetarianism?

However, there are categories that should still abandon dietary restrictions. A vegetarian diet is contraindicated for children, since a growing body needs all the elements without exception. Such a nutritional system is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women - there is a real threat of miscarriage, and a baby who is on breastfeeding, must receive the whole complex of necessary elements from mother's milk.

Vegetarianism is not recommended for the elderly or those who have certain diseases, for example, osteoporosis, anemia, etc. For people weakened by the disease, rejection of animal proteins is not always justified, and sometimes even risky.

Better without fanaticism

Everyone wants to stay healthy until a ripe old age, and vegetarianism offers a solution. But, when refusing to eat meat, make your decision carefully. If we are guided by the principle “like everyone else”, then after a time when curiosity is satisfied, disappointment cannot be avoided. In addition, take into account the nuances, because you must agree that the transition to plant foods is good in warm countries, but it is difficult to imagine a vegetarian - a resident of, for example, Yakutia. In addition, you will have to think three times if, by the nature of your activity, you are engaged in hard physical labor.

By the way, in Orthodoxy there is a system of fasting, there are about 178-212 fast days a year, so almost every second day is fast. Perhaps observing the fast for an Orthodox person will be more acceptable and correct, because our traditions are taken into account, and not the range of products in the store, seasonality or climate.

Vegetarianism was not invented yesterday, but controversy continues to this day. Fans of plant foods sometimes argue with intolerance that humans are not a predator, and the human body is not adapted for animal products. "Meat eaters" call vegetarians almost crazy. What style of food to choose - let everyone decide for themselves. The main thing is that there is no desire for others. Otherwise, it looks like the arguments are an attempt to convince not others, but themselves of the correct choice.

Oksana Matiash, general practitioner

Vegetarianism is a nutritional system whose adherents are opposed to the use of animal products.

The benefits of this lifestyle are still being actively discussed, therefore there are many arguments both confirming the positive effects of vegetarianism on the body, and refuting the exceptional benefits of such a food system, pointing out its disadvantages.

Vegetarianism is a diet based on avoiding the consumption of animal products. The history of this lifestyle begins in ancient times, in Ancient Greece... It is believed that one of the first adherents of the principles of vegetarianism was the ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras.

His views were similar to the traditions of Ancient Egypt, which called for abstaining from eating meat and wearing leather and fur clothing.

In the East, vegetarianism became widespread thanks to the numerous supporters of such religious and philosophical movements as, for example, Buddhism and Hinduism, which called for respect for all living beings and non-violent behavior towards them. The industrial stage in the development of society increasingly separated man from nature.

With the emergence of a developed industry, meat products became available to a wide range of consumers, and at the same time, the term "vegetarianism" was born and began to actively spread, popularized by the non-governmental organization British Vegetarian Society.

Since the 1900s. vegetarianism was actively spread thanks to the created communities, published books and other materials, and with the arrival of the Soviet regime in the country, an unspoken ban was imposed on vegetarianism; vegetarian societies began to close due to the fact that the idea of ​​giving up meat was contrary to the Soviet economy and industry.

There are over 1 billion vegetarians in the world today who profess their views by spreading their message of nonviolence towards animals.

Basic principles of vegetarians:

• the principle of non-violence. This principle sees it as unacceptable to kill living beings for the sake of obtaining food. He also denies the use of items of clothing, decor and other products that use leather or animal fur. The modern vegetarian movement also does not support cosmetics and chemical manufacturers who test their products on animals;
• the principle of health. This principle calls for treating food as a way to maintain a healthy state of the body and compose your diet in accordance with the rules of a balanced diet. The principle correlates with Socrates' idea that you need to eat in order to live, and not live in order to eat.

Vegetarian rules include:

• fractional meals;
• taking into account the quality of plant products when choosing them;
• preference for less chopped dishes, which is associated with the content of more nutrients in whole plant foods;
• avoiding long-term storage of the dish, which can somewhat spoil the initial benefits of freshly prepared products;
• a leisurely meal that excludes haste and quick chewing; the process of eating food should be deliberate and thorough;
• compliance with the drinking regime;
• an active lifestyle, which may include fitness, stretching, or yoga.

The moral side of vegetarianism

Vegetarians consider ethical considerations to be an important argument in favor of their views. Opponents of any manifestation of violence against animals, the followers of the movement do not recognize the moral right of a person to take the life of someone to satisfy his needs.

Considering the killing of animals as a manifestation of a low moral level, vegetarianism indicates the development of the ethical views of mankind with the expansion of the circle of those to whom his moral duty is manifested, with the development of a person's ability to empathize.

It is the development of spirituality and the ability for compassion, according to the followers of vegetarianism, that leads a person to a feeling of shame before harming a living being, regardless of whether this is legitimate from the side of law or religion.

Vegetarians consider it hypocritical to eat meat products, while having no idea what happens in slaughterhouses and in what cruel conditions the animals are kept there. Referring to the ancient mathematician Pythagoras, vegetarianism indicates that a person who can kill an animal will also be able to kill a person.

In addition, many prominent people have spoken about this lifestyle:

• Leonardo da Vinci, the great Italian artist and inventor, was a vegetarian and condemned the indifference and cruelty of humans towards animals.
• L. N. Tolstoy also considered meat-eating to be barbaric. His work "The First Stage" explores the inner world of a person, the moral foundations of the individual and touches upon the issues of vegetarianism, which played a significant role in the development of this movement in Europe and Russia;
• Mahatma Gandhi, Indian political and public figure, one of the leaders and ideologists of the movement for the independence of India from Great Britain, was an adherent of the philosophy of non-violence. As one of the Indian journalists stated, Gandhi once tasted meat and could not sleep that very night; it seemed to him as if the cries of suffering animals were coming from his belly.

Followers of a non-violent lifestyle see an alternative in a moral and humane life based on respect for animals. Humanity will be able to achieve the highest spiritual development only when it becomes merciful to the weakest living beings.

Types of vegetarianism, their benefits and harms to health

Types of vegetarianism:

Type of vegetarianism	Short description
Veganism	The strictest type of vegetarianism involves avoiding: all types of meat; honey; substances and additives produced with the use of animals. The movement has a negative attitude towards recreational activities that use animals, and opposes clothing made from wool and skin of animals and other objects for the sake of which animals were subjected to violence.
Lacto vegetarianism	The food system that allows the use of dairy products, honey. Eggs are prohibited for supporters of lacto-vegetarianism, along with meat and fish.
Ovolact Vegetarianism	Supporters of this type of vegetarianism are allowed to eat vegetable and dairy products, eggs.
Young vegetarianism	The food system, along with vegetables and fruits, allows the occasional use of white meat, poultry and fish.
Fruitarianism	Nutrition involves eating mostly raw fruits of plants, vegetables, berries. The principle of frutorianism is to use plants for consumption that do not need to be destroyed.

Veganism

Vegetarianism, which has been argued against by reference to harm to health, is actually beneficial for the prevention of a number of diseases. Strict vegetarianism is a food system that restricts supporters from using animal products, natural leather items, and animal fur as food.

Vegetarianism. Pros and cons.

Nutritionists have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes, which is associated with avoiding foods that these diseases provoke. Despite this, many vegans are deficient in vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids, so a vegan diet should include vitamins and supplements.

A strict vegetarian diet should be formulated with a balance of nutrients; lack of awareness of the rules for drawing up a diet can harm the body in the future.

Lacto vegetarianism

Lacto-vegetarianism believes that it is forbidden for a person to eat only those products that were produced by violence against animals.

Therefore, the followers of the nutritional system include in their diet:

• milk;
• cottage cheese;
• butter;
• other similar products.

Lacto-vegetarianism can be classified as an ethical movement that is consistent with the principles of non-violence. The lacto-vegetarianism gained the greatest popularity among the followers of Eastern religious traditions, for example, Hinduism and Buddhism.

Dairy products in this type of vegetarianism help supporters to get the necessary vitamins and fats and amino acids, and due to the refusal to eat eggs, it will be possible to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. There are no negative consequences of switching to lacto-vegetarianism if you follow a balanced diet.

Ovolact Vegetarianism

This type of vegetarianism allows the inclusion of both eggs and dairy products in the diet. This assumption is due to the fact that eggs can be grown in an incubator and intended solely for consumption. Proponents of the food system do not consider eggs to be products obtained in the same violent way as, for example, meat.

This type of vegetarianism allows you to get enough protein for the body and avoid problems with the cardiovascular system, but still limits the intake of amino acids found in meat and fish.

Also, the danger of the diet lies in the possible lack of vitamin B12 and iron, therefore, supporters of ovolactic vegetarianism need to use in their diet nutritional supplements.

Young vegetarianism

Young vegetarianism is the least restrictive dietary system that is suitable for vegetarian beginners.

She allows you to eat:

• milk;
• eggs;
• butter.

Sometimes adherents of this type consume white poultry meat and fish.

Fruitarianism

Fruitarianism should be understood not only as a diet, but also as a way of life. Supporters of the food system deny the human right to determine who to use for their own purposes, therefore, adherents of fruitarianism consider the destruction of animals and plants unacceptable.

Fruitarianism means a raw food diet, when a person is allowed to eat fresh fruits and berries, so a sudden transition to this diet can be dangerous for the body.

At correct diet Fruitarianism is capable of:

• restore the work of body systems;
• have a positive effect on mental health;
• learn to consciously take food, treat it only as a source of energy.

Fruitarianism is a stage on the path to veganism (strict vegetarianism), therefore, this diet also requires vitamins and nutritional supplements and a responsible diet.

Contraindications to vegetarianism

Vegetarianism is a nutritional system for which the body must be prepared.

There are a number of contraindications that limit the range of those for whom this diet can be dangerous:

• a growing body needs a full set of nutrients, therefore, it is not recommended for children and adolescents to eat according to the vegetarian system;
• pregnant and lactating women can also put their children at risk if they follow a strict diet;
• vegetarianism is contraindicated in colitis, when the human intestine cannot digest plant foods; practicing vegetarianism can lead to fermentation and problems with digestive system;
• athletes are not advised to deprive themselves of important proteins, vitamins and amino acids that are found only in meat and fish. Vegetarianism will negatively affect the stamina and energy reserves of people involved in sports;
• people suffering from anemia are contraindicated to reject animal products, which is associated with a lack of iron in the patient's body, which can only be replenished by meat products;
• many diseases gastrointestinal tract prevent people from switching to a vegetarian diet; vegetable food, as well as a raw food diet, creates a great burden on the body, therefore, a vegetarian diet is contraindicated for those suffering from gastritis, ulcers and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Arguments for vegetarianism

Vegetarianism, the arguments against which point to the danger to the body, is actually beneficial, but subject to a properly designed diet. A sharp transition to vegetarianism can lead to serious consequences for the body, therefore it is necessary to try this food system gradually.

Diet advocates make the following arguments for vegetarianism:

• vegetarianism reduces the risk of developing cancer, problems with the cardiovascular system, diabetes mellitus and other problems with the body;
• a vegetarian diet helps to avoid cholesterol problems by avoiding eggs;
• diet allows you to control your weight and get rid of obesity;
• immunity due to this diet is strengthened over time; diet supporters rarely get colds;
• This type of diet, according to research, contributes to a longer life expectancy;
• vegetarianism is an ecological way of eating, which is associated with the harmful effects of meat-eating on the environment (deforestation to increase pastures for livestock; meat production accounts for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere);
• vegetarian dishes contain little salt, which relieves swelling and improves well-being;
• vegetarianism is ethical, which allows you to show respect and compassion for all living things.

Arguments against vegetarianism

Vegetarianism, against which scientific research backs it up, has many opponents. Some of their arguments do not have any scientific evidence, but point to scientifically based problems of strict eating habits.

Deficiency of nutrients

Restrictions on the use of animal products often lead to deficiencies:

Unproven benefits of a vegetarian diet

Despite the fact that the benefits of a vegetarian diet as a preventive measure against diseases and the likelihood of longevity have been scientifically proven, its opponents cite as an example the long-livers of the Caucasus (Georgians, Armenians) who eat fried meat all their lives. Also cited as an example of centenarians from the northern peoples, whose diet consists almost entirely of meat products.

Psychological and moral aspects

Opponents of vegetarianism argue that dieters in order to win people over to their side, try to distort the facts to use psychological methods of intimidation on people who do not know anything about vegetarianism.

Tactics based on intimidation and the use of evidence that have no scientific basis, according to opponents of vegetarians, are often used by supporters of strict diets.

Long-term uselessness of dieting

This argument recognizes the benefits of a vegetarian diet, but only in the short term. This is due to the fact that a long absence in the body essential vitamins, proteins, fats and amino acids can lead to their deficiency, which negatively affects the body.

Also, opponents of the diet note that vegetarianism provides for the rejection not only of animal products, but also of bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol). The movement calls for a healthy lifestyle, which is why many consider this rule to be the reason for the health of vegetarians, and not their system of refusing meat.

Lack of objective reasons for avoiding animal products

Proponents of non-vegetarianism consider the moral side of the issue or religious beliefs the only reasons why you can stop eating animal products. In their opinion, meat products are particularly nutritious, and real meat, not processed with chemicals, has no negative effect on the body.

Decrease in brain mass

Prolonged deprivation of protein food can lead to a decrease in the size of the brain. This conclusion was reached by Oxford experts, studying over a hundred patients for six months who have excluded animal products from their diet. The risk of a decrease in brain volume was several times higher for those with small amounts of vitamin B12 in their blood.

Also in elderly patients it was noted:

• memory impairment;
• decreased brain activity;
• decrease in the mass and volume of the brain.

Vegetarianism and sports

Vegetarianism, argued against by athletes, may actually be compatible with exercise. Despite the fact that for professional athletes, this diet will only complicate the task of building muscle and building energy reserves, supporters of the nutrition system suggest that athletes make up for the lack of protein in foods.

Such as:

• cottage cheese;
• nuts;
• legumes and cereals.

Iron is an important energy source found in meat products, but you can also get it in:

• citrus fruits;
• cabbage;
• nuts;
• raisins;
• legumes.

There are also substances that athletes need that a vegetarian diet cannot provide.

These include:

• vitamin B12, a natural source of which is found only in meat products;
• carbohydrates needed to build muscle. During the diet, eating a lot of carbohydrate foods is not allowed;
• insulin, thanks to which muscles gain stability and volume. Insulin is produced from amino acids found only in meat products.

Vegetarianism and digestion

Digestive disorders often appear during the transition to a vegetarian diet. This is due to the fact that an unsuccessful combination of new products and the unavailability of the gastrointestinal tract to digest it provokes an exacerbation of existing diseases or contributes to the emergence of new ones.

Also, the mistake of many vegetarians is the substitution of meat products for baked goods, sweets and raw vegetable fiber. This diet puts a lot of stress on the intestines, so a vegetarian diet must be balanced, and the digestive tract must be prepared to change the nutritional system.

Energy and vegetarianism

Some vegetarians believe that nonviolently produced foods energize a person.

These products include:

• organic vegetables, fruits, berries;
• nuts;
• legumes;
• dairy products.

Products that artificially affect the mental state of a person, as well as obtained through violent actions in relation to animals, negatively affect human energy.

Such products include:

• any meat products;
• fish;
• eggs;
• chemical additives
• psychoactive substances.

Vegetarianism for beauty

The beauty of the human body is expressed in its healthy appearance. Heavy food causes swelling, negatively affects the body's systems and, in general, negatively affects the appearance, making the skin unhealthy, provoking inflammation, and also increasing the risk of obesity. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with important vitamins that have a positive effect on human health and appearance.

The correct approach to vegetarianism can affect the external state of the body:

• even out skin tone;
• strengthening hair and nails;
• elimination of skin rashes and other diseases associated with hormonal changes;
• getting rid of excess weight;
• getting rid of cellulite and skin irregularities.

Vegetarianism is not only a food system, but also a way of life and an attitude towards the world in general. There are many arguments that prove the benefits of avoiding meat products, but there are also opponents of the movement who consider vegetarianism to be harmful to the body.

In order not to spoil own health, it is necessary to compose a dietary diet correctly and in a balanced manner, and then vegetarianism will be beneficial both for the internal state of the body and for a healthy appearance.

Article design: Ilchenko Oksana

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