Eat Your Veggies

Eat Your Vegetables

Jessica Haigler

Section 4

History of Vegetarianism:

Vegetarianism has almost always been around in some sort of way. Many religions and belief systems advocate or demand vegetarianism, including Brahminism, Buddhism, Jainism and Zoroastrianism.

Many early scholars abstained from eating meat, including Diogenes, Plato, Plotinus and Socrates.

Though the belief was practiced, it wasn’t named until 1807 by the Reverend William Cowherd

The Vegetarian Society was formed in 1849.

Many people now practice Vegetarianism, and it is still promoted widely

History of Veganism:

The term “Vegan” was coined in 1944 in the United Kingdom, along with the creation of the Vegan Society.

The consumption of dairy products had long been debated among Vegetarians, and the society began when six concurring “non-dairy vegetarians” met together.

Elsie Shigley began The Vegan Magazine in 1962, which still exists today

This magazine became a source of information for those interested in Veganism.

This eating preference is still not very prevalent, but it’s becoming more and more well-known.

Foods in Vegetarian Diet: Two Types:

Semi-Vegetarians, or Flexitarians

Foods exclude red and white meat.

Can eat birds and fish, but do so sparingly.

Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians:

The most common type of Vegetarianism

No animal is eaten, but eggs and dairy are consumed

Other Living Style Alternatives:

Raw/Living Foodists:

Eat only raw food

Do so because enzymes are destroyed by cooking processes

Fruitarians:

Eat only fruit, fruit-like vegetables (tomatoes), and some seeds and nuts

Advantages of Veganism:

Very healthy way of eating, as long as it’s balances with nutrients

No animals are harmed for the diet

No bad cholesterol

Satisfying to most people who commit

Disadvantages of Veganism:

Very, very difficult to commit to such a strict diet

It can be a more expensive way of eating since fresh foods and natural foods are usually more expensive

Many times vegan substitutes are not available, so the diet is somewhat limited, and eating out can be tough

Some vitamins are more difficult to acquire without eating meat (iron), so supplements can be necessary

Can be negative social stigma associated with it

Advantages of Vegetarianism:

Balanced diet lowers the risk of diseases and obesity

According to World Cancer Research Fund, following a veggie diet reduces the risk of cancer

Some Vegetarians develop strong immune systems

Green, leafy veggies have a good supply of calcium

Vegetarian diets include good amounts of carbs, proteins, and fats, as long as it’s eaten properly

Disadvantages of Vegetarianism:

Vitamin B-12 is not present in Vegetarianism.

Vitamin D is also missing

Finding protein sources can be difficult

Meat is a good source of amino acids not found in many plants

Supplements are necessary to stay healthy

As you can see, there are many different facets to the Vegetarian and Vegan life-styles. Neither choice should be entered into without proper information and consideration. I hope this presentation has helped if you are trying to make a decision, but in the meantime…eat your vegetables!

http://library.thinkquest.org/C004833/history_en.shtml

http://www.vegansociety.com/about_us/history/

http://www.vegsoc.org/info/developm.html

http://www.theveggietable.com/articles/whatisavegetarian.html