In the world of nutrition, there is no debate as fierce as one between the vegetarians and the non-vegetarians, but which one is better?
Is it a vegetarian diet or a non-vegetarian diet or recently popularized vegan diet. Let us find out what modern science and Ayurveda has to say about veg and non-veg foods.
I will also share with you my perspective on it.
So if you are confused if you should eat non-veg or not, this is the article for you. So, stay tuned and read till the end.
You will be surprised to know that in the 19th century, over 75% of the Indians were vegetarians, and only 20 to 25% of the Indians were non-vegetarians.
However, today, the numbers are entirely different, with 71% of the Indians being non-vegetarians and only about 28% of the people being vegetarian.
And there are less than 1% vegans in India who completely abstained from animal-based products like eggs, milk, milk products, and even honey.
The rise of veganism is likely because of the reports that have come in for the torture of animals and adulteration in milk.
Even with such a massive paradigm shift, India is still the country with the most vegetarians in the world, but what could be the reason for such a sudden change? Is it Western influence, or is it backed by science?
What is best for our health Non-Veg, Veg, or Vegan diet? Let us find out.
What Modern Science Has to Say?
According to modern science, eggs, chicken, mutton, and other meat sources are essential parts of the diet as they are rich in protein.
Of course, a majority of people who eat non-veg for health eat it because it has protein in it. That’s because animal protein is considered a complete protein that contains all the nine essential amino acids.
9 Essentials Amino Acids: Histidine Isoleucine Leucine Lycine Methionine Phenylalanine Threonine Tryptophan Valine
According to RDI (Reference Daily Intake), an average person who has a sedentary lifestyle requires about 0.8 grams of protein per kg body weight daily. (0.8gm/kg, for an adult 60kg = 48kg Protein)
However, if your goal is to improve muscle mass and lose fat modern science recommends more protein in your diet. (approx. 1.5gm/kg, for an adult 60kg = 90gm protein)
Apart from protein, Animal flesh is found to be rich in several vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B12, Niacin, and Selenium.
But the opinion of modern science is not unanimous on this theory, and that’s a problem. Every now and then, reports come up regarding the ill effects of meat-eating.
Numerous studies point out that processed meat is harmful to health, then there are other reports pointing out that red meat is cancer-causing (WHO says) while the white meat is healthy.
Some studies are against this as well. Some latest reports have even suggested that meat in any form reduces longevity and increases the risk of cancer and heart diseases.
T. Colin Campbell, an American biochemist who published his famous China study book [THE CHINA STUDY, WHOLE & THE LOW-CARB FRAUD] in 2005, examined the link between animal products, including milk and diseases, for 20 years. It was concluded that a plant-based wholesome diet is the best.
“I know nothing else in medicine that can come close to what a plant-based diet can do”
“[A] pattern was beginning to emerge: nutrients from animal-based foods increased tumor development while nutrients from plant-based foods decreased tumor development.”
“..those who consume the most dairy [have] up to double or quadruple the risk.”
Dr. T. Colin Campbell
Dr. Campbell pressed that protein derived from animal products, including dairy, is cancer-causing; many more researchers are in tune with this theory.
Also, it’s no hidden fact now that the greenhouse gas emissions by the slaughterhouse animals lead to 25% of the climate change. [25X more potent than CO2]
80% of the world’s farmlands are used for animals, which produce only 18% of the world’s calories.
The living conditions of these animals are disgusting. It turns out that what we put on our plate matters a lot.
MODERN SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE: In conclusion, the modern science viewpoint keeps on changing. However, the general view is that lean white meat is safe and rich in protein and other vitamin nutrients like vitamin B12.
What Ayurveda Says?
Talking about what Ayurveda has to say, well, our scriptures do not have a stern tone, whether you should eat meat or not.
They have clearly mentioned the consequences of eating meat, and then the choice rests on the individual.
Our scripture suggests that food should not just be considered as a source of nourishment for the body but also as a vibration for the mind.
There are foods in the mode of goodness; there are foods in the mode of passion, and then there are foods in the mode of ignorance.
When an animal is about to get slaughtered, imagine the emotions that it must go through.
That becomes the vibration of the meat, and when we eat it, the same wave resides within our mind, then these vibrations show up in the form of Anger, lethargy, depression, and ignorance.
The same has been perpetuated in the Shrimad Bhagwad Gita, Ch 17 Verse 10.
यातयामं गतरसं पूति पर्युषितं च यत् |
उच्छिष्टमपि चामेध्यं भोजनं तामसप्रियम् || 10||
Translation: Foods that are overcooked, stale, putrid, polluted, and impure are dear to persons in the mode of ignorance.
Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 17, Verse 10
Chapter 6 of Astanga Hrdayam does talk about meat-eating. However, it specifies the meat which has been freshly hunted in the jungles and that too for particular sets of people who do not have access to regular food, mainly Adivasis (Tribals).
Our scriptures also suggest that since man is the highest evolved animal on earth, it should eat food that involves the least amount of violence, fruits, and vegetables.
Ayurveda recommends getting protein from living foods like Dals (Pulses) and sprouts and not dead weight.
Moreover, our saints and sages have propounded that Mother Nature has not designed human beings to eat meat.
Physiologically our teeth resemble more like herbivorous animals. Our digestive tract is also longer in tune with the leaf-eating animals.
Meat gets rotten quickly; perhaps that is why predatory animals have shorter intestines.
Moreover, the structure of nails the way of drinking water and vision suggests that we are better-eating plant-based.
What about dairy products? Well, Indian cow has been revered like a mother since long in this culture.
Our scriptures highly recommend drinking pure Indian cow milk. Its ghee or clarified butter is compared to Nectar.
So Ayurveda is clear that man who is the most evolved animal on earth should eat consciously, creating the least amount of violence. For optimum physical and mental health, non-veg food should be abstained from. However, the choice rests on the person, and he shall bear the consequence.
My Opinion
In my opinion, one should eat holistically. A diet should not just benefit your body and mind but should also be conducive to other creatures as well as the environment we live in.
If you want to achieve the highest level of mental clarity and physical health, be vegetarian.
And if you think it will hinder your fitness goals, then let me tell you that there are so many examples to show that the best of the physical body can also be achieved living on a vegetarian diet.
And when it comes to milk and milk products, my stance is that you should get desi cow milk probably from a Gao Shala(Cow Dairy) near you.
If you are not ready to put in much effort, you should at least try to keep non-vegetarian food to a minimum, consuming packaged milk products focused mostly on vegetarian meals. The choice is yours.
So, friends, that’s all I hope you found it to be helpful if yes then please show me your support by sharing this article and what next would you like to see in this series comment below.