The Value of Being A Vegetarian

Humans need food to live. The source of food can be classified into two groups - plants and animals. Some plant sources are grains, vegetables, fruits, and nuts and form the major part of the normal human diet. Meat from animals is eaten in less quantity in most countries. In fact, many people know that it is not necessary to eat animal meat in order for humans to live. A vegetarian diet can be nutritious and even be more suitable for humans. Moreover, it is more economical and compassionate towards animals. These are some reasons why it is beneficial to be a vegetarian.
Most people know that animals play a very important role in our lives. For example, dogs and cats are lovely pets. They can help us feel comfortable when we are tired and make good companions. Horses and cows have helped humankind survive since primitive times. Horses provided us with transportation, and cows still provide us with milk. These and other animals help people and contribute to nature's beauty. So, they are a main part of the order of nature that we should respect.

Animals have feelings and the desire to live, just as humans do. Cows, pigs and chickens that are raised for consumption live under cruel conditions. They may never see natural sunlight if they are raised in a factory farm. They are routinely pumped up with steroids which compromises their immune system, so then they must also be given antibiotics. These animals feel great stress and pain all their lives, and fear and hatred as they are slaughtered. These are what people consume when they eat meat. Therefore, for compassionate reasons, we can adopt a vegetarian diet.
Fortunately, we now have the knowledge that it is not necessary to eat animals, and that it may even be healthier not to eat them. Evidence found in human teeth and large intestines show that humans are designed to be vegetarian. The flat molars are designed to grind plants and are typical for herbivores. Carnivores, on the other hand, have canines to rip apart flesh, and they have no molars, the intestines of carnivores are straight and short so that the meat can pass quickly before it rots within them. Humans, on the other hand, have long winding intestines typical of herbivores. So, the digestive system of humans are undoubtedly made for a vegetarian diet.

Economically, it is advantageous to be a vegetarian. For example, if we buy meat for $3.00 to $6.00 a pound, then it is enough to feed two people for one day. on the other hand, if we spend $6.00 on vegetables, then it is enough to feed people for two or three days. Forty dollars worth of vegetables would be enough for a whole week such as: carrots, green beans, and some kinds of fresh fruits. But spending $40.00 on meat is hardly enough for the whole week. Moreover, fruits, vegetables and greens are not only economical but also delicious and beautiful to look at.

For health reasons, vegetarian food is also best, especially, for pregnant women. Green vegetables and fresh fruits can prevent gestational diabetes or too much sugar in the blood. Furthermore, in today's world, there are some diseases called the bird flu, mad-cow disease, etc. these diseases are the direct result of eating contaminated animals. As for eating fish, especially tuna, there is high mercury content that it is not good for children and pregnant women. Also, if meat is not carefully kept and handled, it may carry disease. There are some reasons why it is best to avoid eating animal products.

On the other hand, one may question, "What about protein and strength if we do not eat meat or fish?" It is incorrect to think this. For example, there is high concentration of protein in some vegetarian foods such as: tofu, gluten (from flour), corn, brown rice, soy beans, chick peas, lentils, almonds, walnuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, etc. tofu has 16% protein by weight, wheat gluten has 70% protein, and different kinds of beans have 10% to 40% protein. A diet of varied vegetables is definitely high in vitamins and minerals. If one is still worried, one can take supplementary vitamin tablets.

Many great intellectuals have been vegetarians. Two well-known figures are Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison. They demonstrate that being a vegetarian is healthy and the best solution for the world. We can look at great emperors and kings like King Dharmakara in India who became Buddha Shakyamuni thousands of years ago. Buddha Shakyamuni preached love for all animals, and slowly humans began turning to vegetables for food. The first chief rabbis, 'Rabbi Sha'ar Yashuv Cohen and Rabbi Shlomo Goren' considered vegetarianism to be the ideal: the ultimate peace between humankinds and the rest of the animal kingdom.

Therefore, it is wise to be a vegetarian for good health, respect for animals and the beauty of nature, and for economic reasons. Fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains supply our body with all the necessary nutrients without a lot of negative effects. We do not need to harm our fellow creatures or worry about meat - related disease. We can create peace between humankind and the animal kingdom.

Updated: September 20, 2008 by Thanh Lifson

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu