Everyday Vegetarian for Health

Everyday Vegetarian for Health

You probably have friends or someone you know that are vegetarian, or maybe you are too. But what exactly is Vegetarian and why you should become one? In this article, we will talk about vegetarianism according to Ayurveda.

By definition, a vegetarian is someone who doesn't eat meat, and mostly eats food that comes from plants; like grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Vegetarians generally eat eggs and dairy products like milk and butter. Some vegetarians don't eat eggs, but the majority do consume milk and butter. Vegetarians are not the same as Vegans, where they are strict when it comes to egg, milk, or other foods and any ingredients that came from animals.

Vegetarians tend to be a bit more lenient when it comes to using products derived from animals and you may find preference varies from person to person.

Anyone familiar with Ayurveda would know that it promotes a vegetarian diet.

Over 5,000 years old, this science of life recognizes fresh, organic and plant-based foods as the best. However, milk products from happy, healthy cows also have a very special place in the Ayurvedic diet. 

Ahimsa means nonviolence to all living being including all animals. In ancient Indian religions. and most popularly, Mahatma Gandhi who strongly believed in the principle of ahimsa. Ahimsa's precept of 'cause no injury' includes one's deeds, words, and thoughts.

Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet - 

1. It Brings Lightness.

Most vegetarian food classifies as ‘sattvic’. Meat, on the other hand, has ‘rajasic’ and ‘tamasic’ qualities. 

As mentioned in ancient Indian scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, sattvic food promotes lightness in the body as well as the mind. Unlike meat which loads the digestive system, vegetarian food is easy to digest and therefore takes up lesser energy. It is believed to support weight loss and prevent obesity.

2. It Supports Spiritual Growth.

Amongst the benefits of a vegetarian diet is spiritual growth. Sattvic vegetarian food is the best for spiritual development. It promotes qualities that support one’s journey towards higher states of wellness and spiritual development.

Such qualities are purity, lightness, nobility, strength, clarity of mind, compassion, alertness, and calmness. Vegetarian food increases such qualities in human beings.

That’s why it’s the best kind of food to eat for those who do yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices.

3. It Provides Immense Nourishment.

Most people believe that vegetarians miss out on important nutrients. But this isn’t true.

Ayurveda takes eating a complete diet very seriously since it believes that food is medicine. So, it lays out specific and detailed guidelines about how to get complete nourishment from vegetarian foods, according to one’s own dosha.

Fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, grains provide the body with a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And let’s not forget the many herbs and spices that boost immunity, support detoxification, and elevate moods among many other things.

4. It Maintains A Healthy Heart.

Vegetarian food is better for your cardiovascular system. Studies link a plant-based diet to lower levels of cholesterol, inflammation, obesity, as well as high blood pressure.

Meat, on the other hand, increases the chances for weight gain and can cause spikes in bad cholesterol as well as blood pressure.

Ancient Indian scriptures also link vegetarian foods to lower stress levels – this also affects the functioning of the heart.

However, eating deep-fried, heavily spiced, stale, or processed vegetarian foods can also be rather harmful to the heart. So it’s important to also keep in mind the manner in which the food is cooked; the ancient Indian scriptures lay significant emphasis on this.

Final Thoughts

While there are considerable benefits of following an Ayurvedic diet based on vegetarian foods, it’s a good idea to make the change slowly. Generally, it’s healthiest to slowly cut down on meat products so that your body has enough time to adjust to the change.