HEALTH RELATED ISSUES It is a well known fact that free radicals weaken the cells in our bodies leaving us vulnerable to disorders and diseases such as arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, emphysema, diabetes, cataracts, rheumatoid arthritis, nephritis, Alzheimer disease, cancer, AIDS, etc. Aging process is also a result of the oxidation by free radicals in the body. Free radicals are formed naturally, both internally by metabolism and externally by chemicals. Plant food contains a wide range of phytochemicals and anti-oxidants, which are protecting agents against free radicals. Common sources of Beta-carotene are dark green, yellow, orange and red vegetables and fruits such as carrots, pumpkin, tomatoes, spinach, peppers, watercress, broccoli, cherries, peaches, papaya, watermelon and apricots. Several tropical fruits and vegetables are good sources of antioxidants. Vitamin C is found in all fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits; melon, strawberries, leafy green vegetables and tomatoes. Vitamin E is found in all whole-grain cereals including brown rice, oats, whole-meal bread, wheat germ, Soya beans, cold-pressed vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, parsley, broccoli and asparagus. By controlling free radicals, we can prevent the degenerative diseases. Vegetarians have an advantage over non-vegetarians, because they eat a large variety of fresh vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
The average meat eater runs a much higher risk of premature death due to cancer and heart disease. Diabetes is an increased risk as well as increased blood pressure and obesity. Meat eaters also have to contend with gallstones, kidney stones and diverticular disease. To this we can add the proven fact that 95% of food poisoning occurs in animal products due to microorganisms like E.coli, salmonella etc. The recent spate of diseases originating from meat eating like mad cow disease, bird flu etc. are strong messages from nature that we should mend our ways. |
BE A VEGETARIAN▐ BE A VEGETARIAN
▐ SPIRITUAL REASONS ▐ HEALTH RELATED ISSUES ▐ IMPACT ON OUR ENVIRONMENT ▐ HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ▐ FAMOUS VEGETARIANS ▐ COMPASSIONATE DIET ▐ FINALLY EAT LIVE ▐ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS MORE ABOUTVEGETARIAN RALLY |