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Vegetarianism

Feeling healthy and vital – without meat

There is plenty of medical evidence indicating that a balanced vegetarian diet is extremely healthy. It supplies the body with the proteins, minerals and vitamins it needs. Statistically speaking, the rate of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and cancer is lower among vegetarians. Their immune system is stronger and they are less likely to become obese than meat eaters.

Yoga recommends a lacto-vegetarian diet. Consuming small amounts of dairy products covers the body’s requirements of vitamin D, vitamin B12 and calcium.

Besides health considerations, there are also ethical, economic and spiritual reasons for becoming a vegetarian.

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Why yogis don’t eat meat

  • Meat contains a high percentage of toxins.
  • It lacks vital minerals and vitamins.
  • Meat contains more proteins than we need.
  • Animal protein contains too much uric acid. When consumed in high quantities, the uric acid cannot be eliminated properly and is deposited in the joints. The result: stiffening of the joints, gout, rheumatism, headaches, cramps and nervousness.
  • Meat can be infested with dangerous pathogens such as trichinae and intestinal worms.
  • Ahimsa, or non-violence, is one of the highest tenets of yoga philosophy. For the yogi all life is sacred. Every creature is a living, breathing entity with thoughts and feelings.
  • A yogi knows that when a person consumes meat, they are also absorbing the fear and pain of the slaughtered animal. Hence they will have a more difficult time gaining control over their emotions.