Vegetarian Info

Why Should We Be Vegetarian?

The law of karma records everything we do. Karma means activity. So a karmic reaction would be a result of one’s activities. In this case, even if we don’t directly hurt a human or animal,we still partake in something that caused suffering. Thus, we will have to undergo some pain and suffering as a reaction to that activity. That reaction may come in this life or a future life which is one reason to be a vegetarian.Even the Mahabharata said, “The sins generated by violence curtail the life of the perpetrator. Therefore, even those who are anxious for their own welfare should abstain from meat-eating.” (Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva 115.33).

People always ask the question, “What about killing plants? Doesn’t that create bad karma?” Abstaining from killing is one of the foundational teachings of Hinduism. Yes, killing plants does involve some violence, but since plants lack a central nervous system and a brain to process pain, they don’t experience pain the same way humans and animals do, and thus the violence is minimized. Moreover, a lot of fruits and vegetables will fall off the tree when ripe. A cow or pig will never just drop a part of its body and grow another.

Meat is not Satvic so it will be bad for the intellect also on top of that.A vegetarian diet on top of that is good for your health, and taste is temporary, it’s not permanent, while karma is permanent and it impacts your life. Just remember we eat to live not to taste.

Some Things You May Use in Your Daily Life May Not Be Vegetarian

Toothpaste gets its texture from glycerin, which is much less expensive and more likely to be taken from extracting the fat from animal bones even though it can be obtained from plants. Eww! That’s like brushing your teeth with lard. Since most labels state “Glycerin” as an ingredient, the only way to know which type is used in a product is to do your research. Despite brushing if you are unable to experience the mintiness anymore, explore the vegan-friendly, Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste.
Fireworks bring far worse suffering to animals during the manufacturing process. They may contain stearic acid, which is derived from the fatty tissue of animals. This acid is used to coat the metal powders to prevent oxidation, further allowing the compositions to be stored for a more extended period.
Crayons contain tallow or processed beef fat, so search it up if your brand of crayons is a vegetarian one. This ingredient gives the smell to the crayons. An alternate option could be this vegan arts supply store –
https://www.colorsofnature.com/crayons.html
Wood glue may be made from the connective tissue of horses. An alternative is Elmer’s wood glue.
Numerous animal products can be found in shampoo and conditioners. When you read “Panthenol,” “Amino Acids,” or “Vitamin B,” to name a few, they can be animal or plant-derived – making it hard to determine. On top of this, there is a new trend of using products containing keratin, which is protein from hooves, horns, and animal hair. It can also be obtained from turtle shells, claws, or scales, depending on the strength or hardness desired by the manufacturer. To be certain that a product has no animal by-products; look for cruelty-free symbols, such as a rabbit. The best option is to look for vegan amazon shampoos – https://tinyurl.com/amazonveganshampoos
The “slip agent” in plastic bags allows them to separate from each other easily is because of the presence of stearic acid, which is made from beef fat. An alternative to this is reusable paper bags, also called as vegan bags.

Milk To Avoid and Use

Most modern milk comes from more recent breeds of cattle producing milk abnormally high in A1 beta casein. A1 beta casein is a slightly different milk protein than the ancestral one common to more traditional breeds of cattle, sheep, goats, and even humans, known as A2 beta casein. Mountains of scientific research have been done on the subject of A1 beta casein, the way our bodies digest it, and the slew of mental and physical disorders it can cause. (For a more complete look at the research, I highly recommend you read Devil in the Milk).

Most modern milk comes from cows fed a disproportionate amount of grains. The most nourishing milk comes from cows being fed their natural diet of grass — the greener, the better.

Most modern milk is pasteurized. For the run-down on why pasteurization isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, check out this article on Real Milk.

Is a Vegetarian Diet Sufficient Enough For Nutrients and Proteins

“Some people still worry about whether a vegetarian diet can provide all essential nutrients. However, it is very easy to have a well-balanced diet with vegetarian foods, since these foods provide plenty of protein. Careful combining of foods is not necessary. Any normal variety of plant foods provides more than enough protein for the body’s needs. Although there is somewhat less protein in a vegetarian diet than a meat-eater’s diet, this is actually an advantage. Excess protein has been linked to kidney stones, osteoporosis, and possibly heart disease and some cancers. A diet focused on beans, whole grains, and vegetables contains adequate amounts of protein without the “overdose” most meat-eaters get.

Calcium is easy to find in a vegetarian diet. Many dark green leafy vegetables and beans are loaded with calcium, and some orange juices, non-dairy “milks,” and cereals are calcium-fortified. Iron is plentiful in whole grains, beans, and fruits.”(PCRM.ORG)

Things that happen when you stop eating meat – https://www.forksoverknives.com/7-things-that-happen-when-you-stop-eating-meat/

Things That Surpisingly Are Non-Vegetarian

Cheese sometimes have animal rennet, so don’t eat cheeses with animal rennet.
Some yogurts contain gelatin so look carefully.
Some cake mixes can have beef fat so look carefully at those ingredients.
Some white sugars can contain bone char which is made from cattle bones so don’t have bone char.
Worcestershire Sauce – Anchovies, however there are vegan brands
Marshmallows – Gelatin, there are vegan brands though, thank goodness!)
Altoids – Gelatin
White Sugar – Not all sugar is processed using bone char, but some still are. Your body really doesn’t need white sugar, so you’re better finding a healthier sweetener anyway :
Jello/Jelly – Gelatin
Frosted Mini Wheats – Contains gelatin, but the Kashi brand is gelatin-free!
Apple Juice – Some apple juices are clarified using the bladder of fish, isinglass)
Some jams – Some contain gelatin
Certain gummy candies – gelatin
Paintballs – Apparently most contain gelatin

Who’s Smarter Vegetarians or Meat Eaters?

Vegetarians have the mean childhood IQ of 109.1 whereas meat eaters have the mean childhood IQ of 100.9. The difference is large and highly statistically significant. The relationship holds both among women and men separately. Among women, vegetarians have the mean childhood IQ of 108.0 while meat eaters have the mean childhood IQ of 100.7. Among men, vegetarians have the mean childhood IQ of 111.0 and meat eaters have the mean childhood IQ of 101.1, a 10-point difference!

Recent studies show that individuals with higher intelligence are more likely to become vegetarians. Using 11 different cognitive tests at three pre-16 ages researchers have found people who choose meatless diets are more intelligent than their omnivorous friends.