
BEING VEGETARIAN
Healthy, fresh, and unspoiled – this is the meaning of the Latin word “vegetus“ after which vegetarianism is named. Vegetarians forgo the consumption of meat and fish, as an animal must be first killed to be eaten. Those who for various reasons – be it love of animals, ecological aspects, or general thoughts as to what is healthy – no longer have an appetite for steak originating in industrialized factory farming or salmon that has been treated with antibiotics, may decide to eat vegetarian.
Vegetables, fruit, and grains, as well as products from living animals, become the main nutrition. There are then differing types of vegetarians. Some find that milk, eggs and honey are ok, whereas other so-called ovo-lacto-vegetarians abstain from milk and eggs.
The most pronounced and strict form is veganism. Vegans refuse all foods of animal origins, and this decision often includes a lifestyle without the use of any animal derived products, such as shoes or clothes made of leather.
Those who only eat vegetarian at times, and occasionally enjoy organic roast chicken or roast beef produced through animal loving husbandry, are called flexitarians.
INFLUENCE ON HEALTH
Several studies have made it an indisputable fact, that vegetarian nutrition is healthy. This could also be because vegetarians already tend to have a healthier lifestyle and exercise regularly, don’t drink alcohol, and are usually non-smokers. The fact is that they in general have a lower cholesterol level than meat eaters. High cholesterol can be a reason for heart and circulatory illnesses. Other important building blocks for a healthy diet, such as saturated and unsaturated fats, are also in a more favourable proportion in vegetarian diets, than in diets that prefer meat.
Overall, a vegetarian lifestyle can help prevent so-called civilization diseases such as diabetes, coronary heart problems and gout. As long as care is taken to consume enough protein, vitamin B12 (as a supplement, as it can only be found in meat), and iron, then a vegetarian diet is simply the healthier alternative.
Becoming a vegetarian
For these reasons both American and Canadian nutritionists recommended a vegetarian diet in a joint statement released in 2009, that points out the health benefits of this type of nutrition ADA Paper
The Australian health department has also recommended meat-less nutrition as a preventative measure since 2013. www.nhmrc.gov.au
THE CULINARY ASPECT
Eating without meat does not have to be boring at all. Combine zucchini, tomatoes, eggplants, coconut milk, and spelt flour, and you will top even some preparations of boeuf bourguignon. If you are looking for recipes, you will find them available – and plentiful.
The Google search results for “vegetarian dishes“ lies at 95,100,000 results. One can find quite a bit of inspiration here, as well as in the countless food blogs that specialize in vegetarian dishes.
We offer a good number of Recipes, that can be made with superfoods offered in our shop, such as Maca, Canihua or Acai - providing your food with additional nutrients and an extra something in taste.
Good to know: all products offered in our shop are perfect for both vegetarians and vegans.