World Vegetarian Day was established as an annual celebration to promote the joy, compassion and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism. The day was originated by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977 and endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978. A vegetarian diet presents a lot of advantages because many meat-free foods such as fruits, vegetables and legumes are high-fiber, low fat and free from harmful chemicals. In addition, a vegetarian diet can protect your heart and keep you trim in the process.
Benefits of a vegetarian diet include:
- Reduces the risk of major killers such as heart disease, stroke and cancer, while cutting exposure to food borne pathogens
- Provides a viable answer to feeding the world’s hungry through more efficient use of grains and other crops
- Saves animals from suffering in factory-farm conditions and from the pain and terror of slaughter
- Conserves vital but limited freshwater, fertile topsoil and other precious resources
- Preserves irreplaceable eco-systems such as rainforests and other wildlife habitats
- Decreases greenhouse gases that are accelerating global warming
- Mitigates the ever-expanding environmental pollution of animal agriculture
For non-vegetarians, there are still ways to celebrate World Vegetarian Day:
· Eat meat-free for the day or throughout the month
· Learn how a vegetarian diet can benefit the body
· Try the meatless options available at local restaurants and eateries
· Discuss vegetarianism with interested friends, family and co-workers
· Host a meatless meal or potluck for friends
· Eat meatless meals on a regular basis
No matter the motives for trying or adopting a vegetarian lifestyle, there’s really only good things that can come of it. With increased awareness about the environment and animal welfare, it looks like it is a movement poised for continued growth. Anyone interested in reading more about transitioning to a vegan diet will find more information at worldvegetarianday.org.
