Vegetarians are people who avoid eating animal products. This way of eating has both ardent adherents and staunch opponents. Supporters of vegetarianism believe that it only benefits the body, and opponents argue that the body, deprived of animal food, does not receive a number of important substances in sufficient quantities, which can cause serious harm to it. Which one is right?
How vegetarianism came about
From time immemorial, many inhabitants of countries where religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism were widespread were vegetarians. Until now, for example, about a third of the population (that is, about 400 million people) in India adhere to vegetarianism. In ancient Greece, some famous scientists were adherents of vegetarianism. Among them, the most famous was the great philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras. Therefore, when in later times vegetarianism became popular in many European countries, it was first called the "Indian diet" or "Pythagorean diet".
The first vegetarian society emerged in England in 1847, and in Russia in 1901. Vegetarianism quickly became popular, especially among the intelligentsia. A convinced adherent of vegetarianism was, for example, the great writer Leo Tolstoy.
Does the vegetarian get all the substances the body needs?
The main argument of opponents of vegetarianism is that plant foods contain less protein than animal foods. But it is proteins that are the building blocks for the cells of the body. In addition, the vital trace mineral iron is also found predominantly in animal products such as red meat and liver.
Vegetarians usually counter this argument with a counter-argument: There are a number of protein-rich plant foods. For example, these are beans, peas, beans, nuts, and mushrooms. And there is a lot of iron in some berries and fruits, especially in pomegranate. Nevertheless, it has long been established that animal proteins and iron are assimilated by the body more easily and to a much greater extent than plant proteins.
Therefore, strict vegetarianism (especially vegetarianism, which prohibits absolutely all animal products) can harm human health. Those vegetarians who at least from time to time eat some products of animal origin, such as milk and dairy products, eggs, honey, act wisely. This is especially important when it comes to children or pregnant women, or debilitated patients who need to receive a nutritious and varied diet. Athletes should refuse vegetarianism. In any case, before switching to a different diet, you should consult with a specialist, it is he who will be able to say which foods should in no case be excluded from the diet.
