Trends And Benefits Of Vegetarian Cuisine Sociology Essay Example

refraining from consuming chemicals administered to animals for quick growth or reproduction, exemplified by the UK meat scandal in 2007. The preservation of wildlife on Earth also concerns ecologists and conservationists.

In my view, the definition of vegetarianism revolves around individuals' contemplation of their food choices, reasons for eating certain foods, and the anticipated impact on themselves. While there is no inherent negativity in consuming meat, personal preference ultimately determines one's food choices. Nevertheless, adopting a vegetarian lifestyle offers numerous advantages in terms of health, environmental impact, and global warming. It is well-known that people choose either vegetarian or meat-based diets for various reasons based on religion or health concerns. Some religious practices require specific dietary restrictions; for instance, Hindus consider cows sacred and worship them as deities, so they refrain from consuming beef. Similarly, Jains strictly adhere to vegetarianism and avoid root vegetables such as potatoes and onions. Islamic beliefs lead Muslims to abstain from pork consumption. From a health perspective, excessive meat consumption can result in fat accumulation and various health issues like heart problems, cancer, and diabetes. Many medical professionals discourage meat consumption due to potential risks of infection and poisoning that could ultimately be fatal.The consumption of meat does not have an immediate impact on individuals' well-being, but refraining from eating it can help prevent diseases. Raising animals for meat production has a significant environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions, chemical instability, and water pollution, which contributes to global warming. As a result, vegetarian food has become more popular in larger societies as people learn about its benefits through magazines, yoga, and other sources. Some individuals choose vegetarianism out of conscience and

to avoid harming animals, while others simply feel uncomfortable consuming meat products. In summary, this paragraph gives a brief overview of the origins and people involved in vegetarianism.

In the 19th century, Leonardo conducted extensive research and became a vegetarian due to his opposition to the inhumane treatment of animals. The vegetarian society, established on September 30, 1847, by a coalition of activists, aims to promote awareness of the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. The first publication of The Vegetarian Messenger took place on October 15, 1848.

In that year, a new group formed in London and the society grew to 478 members. It was a period of rapid growth for vegetarianism, with a total of 52 vegetarian restaurants in Britain, including 34 in London. Bernard Shaw and Mahatma Gandhi founded the vegetarian society in London from 1888 to 1891. There were concerns among vegetarians about avoiding the killing of animals and consuming their flesh, which sparked a significant debate in 1944. However, by 1909 and 1912, the vegetarian society did accept the consumption of eggs and milk products that come naturally from animals without causing harm to them. This type of support was accepted by the people and they continued to be considered vegetarians.

Developments and future tendencies in the vegetarian society
During the period from 1970 to 1980, there was a surge in participation within the vegetarian society. Individuals began showcasing the advantages of adopting a vegetarian lifestyle through various mediums such as magazines, cooking books, and guidance provided by professional chefs. Certain societies even established a national vegetarian week with the purpose of promoting vegetarian dishes and educating people about the benefits of being

vegetarian. Noteworthy occurrences include the national vegetarian Congress that took place on October 20, 1899 in Paris and the Brighton vegan menu introduced in 2009; both aimed at generating awareness regarding the advantages of embracing a vegetarian way of life.

Restaurants are diversifying their menus with a range of vegetarian choices to attract customers seeking distinctive dining experiences and contemplating adopting a vegetarian lifestyle. While consuming meat has no inherent disadvantages, people are growing more interested in exploring alternative options, which could offer a valid motive for embracing vegetarianism. Statistics reveal a rising number of individuals transitioning to vegetarianism, suggesting potential advantages. Presently, about four million people in the UK follow a vegetarian diet, comprising approximately seven percent of the population. This percentage increases to 12 percent among younger age groups.

Currently, approximately 41% of individuals in the UK are reducing their meat consumption, with around 5,000 people per week adopting a plant-based diet. The growing popularity of the vegetable movement suggests that if this trend continues, it is expected that all residents in the UK will be vegetarian by 2030. However, it is necessary to acknowledge that not everyone will embrace this lifestyle as some still derive pleasure from eating meat. Moreover, completely eliminating meat from one's diet is also unrealistic due to factors such as enhancing taste through culinary innovation, developing menus, incorporating customer feedback, organizing exhibitions, and seeking suggestions for further improvement.

Due to the aforementioned premises, there is an anticipated rise in demand for vegetarian food. Consequently, more vegan or strictly vegetarian restaurants are expected to emerge in the future. The increase in Indians and Asians relocating to the United Kingdom has generated a

requirement for vegetarian cuisine, impacting the number of individuals adopting a vegetarian diet. Vegan recipes have also seen progress similar to meat-based dishes. Thus, restaurants are modifying their menus significantly owing to the growing demand for vegetarian food within the industry.

The availability of vegetarian nutrients in supermarkets, including omega 3, is increasing. This offers people more options and boosts demand. The rise in availability is influenced by current lifestyle and dietary habits, such as increased consumption of junk food and inadequate eating patterns, which have a negative impact on health. Consequently, our bodies are becoming less resilient to various factors, leading more individuals to choose vegetarian dishes due to health issues or allergies. Ultimately, this expands the range of choices for people.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Vegetarianism

Nevertheless, being vegetarian does present its own set of challenges. For example, there is a higher demand for vegetarian foods but the labeling in supermarkets fails to specify the type of vegetarian product it is.

Lacto vegetarian individuals should be aware that certain vegetarian products may contain fungi that can cause allergies and may not always be included in their dishes. It is crucial for vegans to also consider this. Additionally, there are food items labeled as vegetarian which still incorporate meat by-products.

- Although some items contain gluten, which is an animal product, we still provide vegetarian alternatives. Moreover, individuals with food allergies may opt for a vegetarian diet, which can present its own challenges. Consuming excessive amounts of sodium and salt can have negative effects on one's health. Furthermore, the vitamin content of vegetables decreases significantly when they are cooked or cut before consumption. There are differences between vegetarian

and meat-based food products.

- The ratio of 100 gms of meat to 100 grams of vegetables, whether cooked or raw, is not equal. Additionally, the digestion process differs between meat and vegetarian options, with meat taking longer to digest. This discrepancy in digestion has an impact. The vegan food pyramid diagram below showcases and elucidates the advantages of following a vegetarian diet.

Examining the nutrient pyramid helps determine what and how much should be consumed, taking into account factors like age and physical activity level. For instance, individuals with higher calorie burn require more energy intake, while less active ones don't need as many calories. The bottom part of the pyramid suggests increasing fruit and vegetable consumption due to their fiber and vitamin content. The next section advises moderate wheat and wheat product intake for beneficial starches and carbohydrates. Dairy products and pulses are emphasized in the third section for essential vitamins, proteins, and minerals. Digestibility plays a role in choosing food that aids our digestive system. Lastly, fats should be limited as excessive consumption can lead to heart diseases.

It is essential to ensure that our actions are performed in proper proportions, and it is equally important to consume 8 to 10 glasses of water daily since our bodies are primarily composed of water. Following a vegetarian lifestyle involves more than simply eating fruits and vegetables; there are different categories within the vegetarian community.

Within this society, certain food items may be optional for some individuals. For example, eggs might be excluded from their diet due to being an animal product. To accommodate this, we have classified vegetarian individuals into six distinct groups:

Raw

Vegan/raw Food Diet

Lacto-ovo- Most vegetarians refrain from consuming meat because of the harm it causes animals but still include eggs and egg products in their diet. They avoid meat, fish, and seafood but may still consume animal products obtained without killing animals, such as dairy products.

Lacto- These individuals can consume dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter but do not eat eggs. In this case, they might opt for alternatives like gluten-free bread or gelatin-free items to avoid animal gelatin.

Vegan individuals are distinct from the other two groups because they strictly adhere to a vegetarian diet and avoid consuming any animal or animal by-products, including eggs and dairy products. Their food options are limited, so they must ensure they obtain all necessary nutrients from a restricted variety of sources. For instance, certain food companies have developed cereals or cornflakes that are enriched with vitamin B12 specifically for vegans who may lack it in their diets. Jainism shares similarities with veganism as it also refrains from consuming animals or animal by-products. Jains additionally avoid eating crops grown underground due to concerns about potential contamination from microorganisms but have no issues with consuming above-ground produce. These two groups represent variations within the realm of vegetarianism.

This article examines the nutritional value of vegetarian food in comparison to meat and meat products. It acknowledges that meat contains necessary vitamins, minerals, and fats for daily activities but emphasizes that these nutrients are also present in vegetarian alternatives. The article then focuses on identifying specific ingredients that provide these essential nutrients, particularly proteins. It advises women to aim for approximately 45g of protein per day and men to consume around 55g.

Additionally, it cautions against the potential negative effects of excessive protein intake. To address this concern, it suggests moderate consumption of soy products, milk products, wheat, pulses, cereals, and free-range eggs as sources of protein.

Protein is primarily found in meat and meat products, but it is also present in smaller amounts in non-animal products. It is important for vegetarians to ensure they obtain all types of proteins from vegetarian sources. Understanding the difference between indispensable and non-indispensable proteins is crucial. Non-indispensable proteins can be derived from indispensable proteins, but not vice versa. Insufficient protein intake can have various effects on the body, including lack of energy, obesity, hair loss, and sleep problems.
From a vegetarian standpoint, obtaining enough protein is not a major concern because there are many vegetarian foods that contain high levels of protein. However, individual dietary habits may prevent the vegetarian diet from supplying all the necessary indispensable proteins.

For example, a vegan may lack certain proteins, which is a significant issue.

Fats

Although there is a misconception that fat is detrimental to health, it is actually essential to protect our vital organs from shock and pressure. Sources of fat include oil, nuts, dairy, and dairy products. 30% of our calorie intake should come from fat, and proteins cannot be converted into fats. Unsaturated fats, which are mainly found in vegetarian products, are a combination of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

Olive and canola oil are important for good health. Triglycerides and trans fat, which are used for taste, can be harmful to our health and contribute to heart diseases. Although some fat is necessary for cooking, it should be used sparingly. In the UK, the

average consumption of linoleic acid is about 10g per day, which is equivalent to about nine teaspoons of polyunsaturated margarine or three teaspoons of sunflower oil. From a vegetarian perspective, it is easy to obtain fat from vegetarian foods such as oil, dairy, and dairy products, but it should be consumed in moderation as it can have negative effects on our health. Considering the future trends, people are increasingly concerned about their health and prefer to consume less fat. Vegetable fats are mostly unsaturated. Supermarkets also offer oil that contains omega 3, which is particularly important for vegans who cannot consume dairy products.

Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy to the body and the primary source of carbohydrates is sugar. However, excessive consumption of carbohydrates can lead to obesity. Some common sources of carbohydrates include rye bread, wheat bread, and potatoes. Foods ending in "-ose" such as lactose in milk and fructose in fruits are also considered carbohydrates, and consuming excess amounts can result in easy fat conversion.

There are two types of carbohydrates: good ones found in fruits, vegetables, and grains, and bad ones found in potatoes, pastas, pastries, and direct sugar. Consuming excessive sugar can also lead to diabetes, which is a serious problem. Therefore, it is important to consume carbohydrates in limited quantities.

From a vegetarian standpoint, carbohydrates can be found in various plant-based foods such as cereals, barley, oats, and fruits. The World Health Organization recommends that 50-70% of energy intake should come from complex carbohydrates; however, this recommendation may vary depending on individual eating habits. Minerals play a crucial role in the growth and development of our body. While beef is known for

its high iron content, we will focus on vegetarian dishes that can provide us with essential minerals.

Various types of minerals, such as Fe, Zn, I, and Ca, as well as green leafy veggies, orange juice, wheat and oats, tomatoes, banana, and oranges, play important roles in our lives. These minerals have specific benefits - Fe is beneficial for our brains and growth, Ca is good for our teeth, muscles, and bones, K is beneficial for our skin, and Zn aids in fighting illness. Calcium can be found in green leafy veggies, nuts, and seeds; Iron in dried fruits and green leafy veggies; and Zinc in cereals and green leafy veggies. Iodine is found in sea veggies. All of these critical minerals are necessary for body growth and can be obtained from vegetarian food sources. Thus, vegetables are a valuable source of minerals which should be consumed in appropriate amounts.Information about Vitamins and Minerals

• Vitamin A- beneficial for healthy skin. Sources include carrots, Spinacia oleracea, watercress, and oleo.
• Vitamin B2- aids in breaking down saccharides. Found in Brazil nuts, rice, burgoo, flour, and sunflower seeds.
• Vitamin B3- important for the nervous system. Found in peanuts, mushrooms, and benne seeds.
• Vitamin B6- helps with red blood cell formation and protein metabolism. Sources include hazelnuts, bananas, and peanuts.
• Vitamin B12- essential for red blood cell formation. Found in herbal soft drinks and breakfast cereals.
• Vitamin C- important for bones, teeth, and gums. Sources include citrus fruits, Spinacia oleracea, and berries.
• Vitamin D- aids in the absorption of minerals for healthy bones. Found in dairy products and oleo.
• Vitamin E- acts as an antioxidant, protecting vitamins A and
  

C. Sources include vegetable oil and avocadoes.

Minerals

• Iron- a component of hemoglobin. Found in green leafy vegetables.
• Sodium and Potassium- help maintain the body's water balance. Found in salt, root vegetables, and cereals.
• Calcium- important for bones and teeth. Found in green leafy vegetables and soya milks.
• Magnesium- contributes to strong bones and enzymes. Deficiency is rare and it is found in plant foods.
• Sulphur- plays a role in enzyme systems. Deficiency is rare.

Protein- Protein consumption is also one of the most important factors.Choosing to be vegetarian does not mean that we lack protein. Protein is present in many plants and vegetarian meals. Once consumed, protein is broken down into amino acids during digestion and then absorbed by the human body.

Certain amino acids are produced by the human body itself. However, some proteins are necessary to be obtained through the diet. The eight essential amino acids that humans require are leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and lysine. For children, histidine is also considered essential. Proteins are generally important for health and growth as they provide structural support for the body. Protein sources include nuts, seeds, pulses, soy milk and products, milk, cheese, and yogurt. The main objective of this project is to raise awareness among people about vegetarianism. There are no side effects to eating non-vegetarian food; it's just a matter of personal preferences regarding diet. Moreover, some people believe that consuming vegetarian food can have positive effects on both humans and animals.

The text suggests that in order to save the planet, it is necessary to stop killing animals and

start consuming vegetarian food. This choice also has an impact on our physical health and well-being. Historically, individuals who prioritize their health prefer a vegetarian diet due to its lack of negative effects on the body and eating habits. Recently, there has been a movement to restrict the production of meat-based animals, which affects society as the government has taken measures to address this issue. However, people continue to consume meat, indicating that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options.