A vegetarian lifestyle

AS a member of homo sapiens, we have total control over our actions: what we eat, what we wear, choice of religion, career and so much more… not like the fish in the sea or the cows in the pasture.

Vegetarianism is a choice usually determined by religious beliefs or the search for a healthier lifestyle and for some, it is the passion for saving animals from being slaughtered or using the byproducts, such as milk, which they believe should be used as nature intended to suckle the young.

However, we are born as omnivores which means that we can eat meat as well as vegetables and fruits thereby obtaining all the minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and proteins needed by our bodies.

Pros and cons of vegetarianism

By concentrating on only one component in a diet, albeit a seemingly healthy choice of eating fruits and vegetables, one runs an extremely serious risk of not obtaining all the nutrients one’s body needs to function properly.

On the positive side, lower cholesterol is an absolute plus as the risk of heart disease is diminished, however, should your diet not be properly balanced, fainting due to anaemia is one of the most common results.

This can, for instance, be remedied by eating iron-rich veggies.

Another consideration, of course, is fibre… and constipation causes enormous problems (which are not under discussion in this article).

Supplements can provide the missing elements, but we advise that you visit a dietician or naturopath for a suggested diet.

However, this isn’t a health page – that follows next week, rather providing our readers with the choice of an alternative lifestyle.

Types of vegetarians Vegans/ Total vegetarians: People who exclude all kinds of meat and animal-based products such as milk, butter and eggs.

Lacto-vegetarian: People who do not consume meat, chicken or fish, but utilise milk and milk-based products in their diet.

Lacto-ovo-vegetarian: People who only exclude meat from their diet, but include eggs, milk and milk-based products such as cheese, yogurt etc.

For more recipes read the ZO Weekender edition.

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