The word "vegetarianism" can be jokingly translated as "plant-growing" (from English vegetable or from Latin "cheerful, healthy, whole"). Within the framework of this food system there are several directions, each with its own characteristics. In Europe, unlike Asia, where this dietary method is known from time immemorial, vegetarianism appeared only at the beginning of the XIX century. A revolutionary food system interested the Europeans and began to win new supporters. In 1908, the International Vegetarian Union was even created. Today in the world, the number of those who have excluded from their menu food of animal origin, is estimated at millions. What is the secret of such popularity of "love of vegetables"?
Let me go to the Himalayas!
There lives an ancient tribe that eats only plant food. The natives bathe in the mountain rivers all year round, are distinguished by excellent health and longevity (110-120 years), and the representatives of both sexes retain their vigilance and physical activity for a long time, and women give birth to children aged 50 years. In summer they feed on what grows on their land, with vegetables and fruits eaten raw. In winter, the mountaineers' diet consists of dry apricots, ground grain cereals and sheep's cheese. There is a period in the life of the tribe when last year's reserves have already ended, and the new ones have not yet matured - it lasts more than two months. At this time, the local population lives half-starving, consuming once a day a drink from dried apricots. It is unlikely that the inhabitants of civilized countries seem to accept the traditions of the Himalayas, even if it promises them longevity and health - they are too harsh. But what prevents us from borrowing the most valuable? For this, it is not necessary to go to the Himalayas!
In search of balance
Vegetarianism does not imply total starvation and the rejection of the necessary components of nutrition - proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The use of various vegetables, fruits and nuts in the food allows "vegetables" to find some reasonable balance. Proteins supply nuts and legumes to the vegetarian diet; carbohydrates, vitamins and trace elements are abundant in vegetables, fruits, herbs and cereals; the body's essential fat includes vegetable oils (olive, sunflower, linseed, hemp, mustard, corn, nut, almond, cotton, etc.). The menu of the classic vegetarian looks like this: salads from raw hardwood vegetables and root crops (25%), fresh or soaked dried fruit (25%), green and root vegetables cooked on fire (25%), nuts, cottage cheese, dairy products, and also all kinds of cereals and bread products, sugar (10%); butter, margarine, vegetable fats (5%). Condiments and vinegar vegetarian cuisine excludes.
Advantages and disadvantages
In 1989, WHO experts recognized the vegetarian diet as adequate, although a year later the results of new studies were refined: the diet of modern man must necessarily contain protein of animal origin, and not less than 30% of the total protein. In addition, the prolonged use of orthodox vegetarianism over time leads to a sharp deficit of iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, group B. D, as well as essential amino acids, because in vegetable food, these substances are present in scant amounts or they are not there at all. Exclusion from the diet of products of animal origin is fraught with the development of dysbiosis, hypovitaminosis and protein deficiency. Strict vegetarianism is not recommended for children, adolescents, pregnant women, nursing mothers, as well as athletes and women during menopause (the risk of osteoporosis is increased). Vegetarianism can be shown in a number of diseases (in the form of fasting days or short courses): hypertension, atherosclerosis, gout, obesity, urolithiasis with urataria, pyelonephritis, chronic renal failure, acute hepatitis or cirrhosis (only plant products with a minimum amount of proteins and fats). With the help of vegetarian diets you can not only get rid of excess weight, but also improve metabolism, normalize digestion, and also cleanse the body of toxins.
The undoubted advantages
Perhaps you noticed that with this or that disease, you lose your appetite: the body saves its energy, so that they are enough to fight the disease, and spend it on processing heavy food for it is too wasteful. Recovering, you at first willingly absorb oranges and apples, all kinds of vegetables and salads, but the desire to eat a chop or a sandwich with sausage comes only after a while. And there is nothing surprising in this: the metabolism slows down during your illness and your digestive tract is much easier to digest fruits and vegetables, juices and cereals. In addition, fresh vegetables (especially cabbage and carrots) are useful not only as a source of vitamins and beneficial microelements. They like a broom "sweep" the remains of undigested food from the intestine, free it from toxins and toxins. If by virtue of your profession you do not move much during the day, you need a vegetable diet. From time to time, be sure to practice unloading days without animal food, drink freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices. And you will feel how digestion is improving. If you do not intend to become a "pure vegetable", take for yourself a useful rule: combine meat and fish not with the usual mashed potatoes or pasta, but with vegetable stew, salad and other "vegetable" dishes. So the dinner will be much better absorbed and you will not feel heaviness in the stomach, as well as lethargy and frustration after eating.
Things to remember
For all the usefulness of vegetarianism has a number of drawbacks, which you must remember. Thus, with the help of plant food, it is almost impossible to supplement the body with iron (necessary for hematopoiesis), vitamin B12 (activates cell division, is responsible for skin renewal and stable functioning of the nervous system). Therefore, in case of anemia, pregnancy and lactation, vegetarianism is not recommended, nor is it with intensive physical exertion (a protein is necessary for the structure of cells, and the muscles need it for quick recovery). A severe contraindication to "vegetables" is colitis (due to the inflamed mucous intestine, plant food is poorly digested, which causes fermentation and flatulence), pancreatic diseases (vegetarian food can provoke diarrhea). We also need to take into account the peculiarities of our climate zone: in the cold season, additional energy is needed to maintain body temperature, which, alas, can not be provided by plant food. When planning a transition to a new food system, be sure to consult a doctor. Selecting these or other products can only take into account the state of health, age, lifestyle.