A Brief Introduction to Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism is the practice of not consuming the flesh of any animal, including sea animals. Certain vegetarians do not eat dairy goods and or eggs but other vegetarians do. There is no specific diet that vegetarian follow except the exclusion of meat and fish. Care should be taken as a vegetarian to ensure the intake of the correct mix of proteins, fats and minerals again this is also the case for non-vegetarians.

The earliest records of vegetarianism relate to peoples in ancient India and ancient Greece. Vegetarianism is mentioned in records that are over twenty five centuries old. The almost complete disappearance of vegetarianism in Europe occurred during the Christianization of the Roman Empire. During the renaissance it once again began to reappear. 1847 saw the formation in England of the world’s first Vegetarian Society, Germany , the Netherlands and other countries had societies shortly afterwards. In 1908 a union of various national vegetarian societies joined together in the International Vegetarian Union. While still a minority in the United States vegetarians are becoming more plentiful.

Beyond enjoyment of vegetarian dishes there are many other factors causing vegetarianism to be embraced these could include social, ethical and religious. Certain religions, Hinduism and Jainism teach vegetarianism as moral conduct. Vegetarian products can be grown more cheaply or more economically than the amount of meat required to replace them. Meat, despite its many forms, may not find favour among the taste buds of some of the population.

The vegetarian diet will vary from one vegetarian to the next. As in the general population some vegetarians may take care to follow a healthy diet. Vegetarians if they so desire can eat junk or fast food this might include bean burritos and veggie burgers.

Vegetarian meals are common in many countries throughout the world. Southern India has the following vegetarian dishes dosas, idlis and vadas. In Ethiopia this might include tahini, minted yogurts and falafel. Many dishes for vegetarian in China are available these can be based on noodles, string beans tofu and mushrooms.

In this day and age the number of marvellous vegetarian ideas is simply staggering. For hundreds even thousands of ideas go on the internet or get yourself some of the great cookery books out there. Vegetarian dishes from all over the world will be at your fingertips.Using the various recipes the vegetarian can utilise vegetables, fruits and nuts. You should commit to trying one new vegetarian dish each week. Expand the number of dishes you like and never have to feel that there is no choice again.