Vegetarianism

This research paper is a study on vegetarianism. Vegetarianism is a deliberate diet which is derived from plants. Vegetarianism is the exclusion of animal products from the diet. This paper consists of the introduction to vegetarianism, its thesis and claims, initial research questions, reliable sources and arguments for and against vegetarianism.

Introduction

Vegetarianism is a deliberate choice of diet for humans. This paper seeks to study the nature of vegetarianism. Many factors determine the vegetarian diet. According to the numerous studies, vegetarianism has a lot of benefits and disadvantages, as well.

The study has come up with many effective ways to improve the vegetarian diet and give essential information on it. The study of vegetarianism entails the different concerns on nutritional adequacies.

The initial questions from the study that has been carried out on this topic, include questions such as: why do people become vegetarians, are vegetarian diets ok for people of all ages including teens, what are the nutritional values and benefits of the vegetarian diet? The potential sources and areas of exploration on this topic are countless. Some of the sources include 2010 version of dietary guidelines for American issued by the Department of Veterinary & the Department of Health, the American deistic association and the dieticians in Canada among many other sources.

Overview

 The overview of this paper is to outline and try to answer the numerous questions on vegetarianism. This topic has attracted many reviews, views, suggestions, different stance and controversial statements on the same. This research paper tries to answer and analyze the different aspects of vegetarianism. It concerns the positive as well as the negative aspects of vegetarianism. This will not only help to set the record straight on this topic but also come up with analytic points and ideas that can help to improve and shade light on the vegetarian diet. The basis of this study comes from the statement, "love thy animals, but not in thy burger."

Why this topic?

This topic has raised many different opinions, arguments and suggestions on the same. Thus, a study of this topic will help to clear the air on many different points and aspects of vegetarianism. One potential question has always been ‘why become a vegetarian?’ Well, there are many different reasons why people choose to be vegetarians (Grogan). These reasons range from ethnic, religious, political, cultural, health reasons and concerns over animal rights and the environment. From the many studies carried out on this topic, it has been discovered that vegetarianism has not only nutritional adequacies, but many, several benefits plus disease prevention too. The American Disease association and the Dieticians of Canada, state that the vegetarian diet is healthy, nutritional and can provide many other benefits. However, the diet has to be properly planned at the different stages in life. This means that, in order to enjoy the many benefits of the vegetarian diet, it has to be planned properly for all ages and stages of life. The studies have shown great difference between the health, nutrition and lifestyle of vegetarians as compared to non-vegetarians. The study has also shown that heart diseases such as the Ischemic heart disease, was lower by 20 % among vegetarian women than in non-vegetarian women. Why this is so? Well, this is because of the consumption of nutrients, proteins and amino acids which can help in lowering the risk of heart disorders. This is for the well being and sustenance of the body. The nutrients, proteins and amino acids can be found in vegetables, grains, nuts, soymilk, eggs and dairy products (Havala). Most of these foods are included in the vegetarian diet. The study has also shown that the vegetarian diets offer lower levels of saturated fats, cholesterol and animal protein, and higher level of carbohydrates. Thus, it helps improve health and prevent the diseases. The studies also show that vegetarian diets contain fibers, magnesium, potassium, and fluorite and antioxidants.

The antioxidants include vitamins C, vitamin E and phytochemicals which help in the prevention of diseases. The other studies show the vegetarian diets have lower cholesterol level causing lower blood pressure and lower weight. The low weight, low cholesterol level and low blood pressure are very essential and help prevent and control heart diseases. On the other hand, meat, especially non-lean meat has been associated with increased risks of diseases such as cancer of different parts of the body. These include cancer of the liver, colon and lungs. The studies have also shown and stated that mortality from breast cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, and cancers of other parts of the body are significantly different between the vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Thus, these studies have clearly shown and outlined the variety of the characteristics, attributes and the basic lifestyles associated with the strict vegetarian diet. The strict diet has a positive impact on good health and many other benefits that have been identified among the vegetarians. However, the vegetarian diet is more likely to lack some of the nutrients that are found in animal products. For example, vitamin B12, the deficiency of which, together with other animal products nutrients leads to or can cause increased incidents of osteoporosis and depression.

What are the main forms of vegetarianism?

The main forms of vegetarianism are various for different people. This is because of many reasons why people choose to become vegetarians. Note that a lot of the reasons many people choose to become vegetarians are because of economic conditions. This is because of the rising prices on animal products. Many people from different countries end up not being able to afford animal products and thus settle for the vegetarian diets. The vegetarian diet includes grains, nuts and vegetables which are cheaper and, therefore, more affordable. Another reason why people choose to be vegetarians is because of parental preference (Langley). This involves introduction of children to a vegetarian diet by parents, among many other reasons that are mentioned in the overview. There are many forms of vegetarianism. They include lacto vegetarian, ovo vegetarian, lacto-ovo vegetarian, semi vegetarian and vegan. Lacto vegetarian is a vegetarianism form, as the diet includes eggs but does not include animal products. Ovo vegetarian form includes dairy products but does not include eggs. Ovo–lacto vegetarian diet excludes all animal products including eggs and dairy products. Semi vegetarian is a vegetarian diet which consists of fish and poultry. Pesceterian vegetarian is a vegetarian diet which consists of fish, but not meat. Veganism is a very strict vegetarian diet that excludes eggs, animal products and dairy products. All the vegetarian forms are determined by the reasons, beliefs and religious beliefs on the same.

Can one enjoy vegetarianism as a lifestyle?

It is possible to enjoy good, delicious food and live a healthy and happy life as a vegetarian. The vegetarian societies offer news, recipes and important information on healthy vegetarian diets. This is because when it comes to issues about vegetarianism, the big question non-vegetarians ask is ’what do you eat then?’’ Many non-vegetarians wonder what vegetarians eat. However, there are many vegetarian alternatives to any animal products. These alternatives include soy sausages, mock lobsters and vegetarian burgers among many others. These alternative foods have flavors that give them a taste and look that is close to animal products.

For example, soy sausages taste like beef or chicken sausages. There are also many alternative products to dairy products such as soy ice cream, silk chocolate with soy milk. Vegetarian cook books can help a vegetarian to cook the best and delicious vegetarian dishes. Therefore, it is not so bad to be a vegetarian. However, some people argue that man is a flesh eater by nature, and the deprivation of it affects him negatively. The question is,’ is it in man’s nature to eat meat or flesh?’This question has raised many controversies between the vegetarians and non-vegetarians. It is like a football match, every side is ready and willing to defend their sides and their course (Langley). Vegetarians argue that the animal cruelty and animal compassion are an important factor to consider. They suggest that animals are like humans have feeling and thus should be treated as sensitive beings. On the other hand, non-vegetarians argue that animals are kept and raised for meat and their products, so that it is not a sin to eat meat and animal products. In view of this, vegetarians and non vegetarians have important points to defend their diet. Therefore, it is important to live a healthy life. A healthy and balanced diet will help to keep the body healthy. A healthy diet will also prevent infections and diseases. However, vegetarians should eat a wide variety of foods to get the important nutrients required or needed in the body. Non-vegetarians should also keep a balanced diet to prevent food related with diseases and disorders. Non-vegetarian diet should also include vegetables and other non-animal products.

Is there a vegetarian diet for people with Diabetes?

A person who is suffering from diabetes or any other heart disease can follow a vegetarian diet. This is because a vegetarian diet is low in saturated fats, as well as in cholesterol, it contains a lot of fiber and phytochemicals. These features will not only help reduce the progressing of diabetes, but also reduce the risk of heart ailments. A diabetes diet should include proteins, carbohydrates, fats vitamins and minerals (Melina). This simply means that the diet should be a balanced diet. The balanced vegetarian diet will, therefore, help reducing diabetes development and heart diseases including heart attacks.

Conclusion

The importance of this paper is in analyzing and clearing the air on the many different views, reviews and a suggestion about vegetarianism. It is an understatement to believe that vegetarianism is not important. It is also an overstatement to state that vegetarianism is a basic need in every human being. This is because there are advantages and disadvantages of a vegetarian diet at the same time. It is important to note that not everyone will be able to enjoy the same benefits from the same diet. The inclusion of vegetables into a diet is very essential, but the total removal of animal products from one’s diet is also a bit over board. This paper asks to inform and suggest many different attributes from which one can get the informed and make a decision alone.