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produce 450 grams of meat. A chicken processing plant uses 454 million liters per day - enough to supply the water needs of 25,000 humans. Livestock are responsible for consuming 80% of the world's water supply (A liter is 4 1⁄2 cups of liquid).
6. - VEGETARIANISM - A COMPASSIONATE APPROACH TO LIFE
Methane from cattle accelerates the global warming and the ozone layer depletion. PETA's (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal) research shows that 26 billion animals are killed for food in the U.S. alone each year (9 billion land based animals, 17 billion aquatic animals). In this way when man lives a life involving gross violence he becomes a threat to himself and to the entire planet.
But if one becomes a vegetarian he saves 2,400 animals in a lifetime thus becoming a blessing to oneself and a blessing to Mother Earth.
Today, people all over the world are slowly becoming aware of the animal abuse and torture and are becoming vegetarians. Some for religious purpose, some for ethical reasons, some for ecological reasons and some for health or an environmental point of view. The awareness is gaining momentum day by day. If one can try this way of diet for few months one can find out for themselves if there is any change in their state of mind and the body.
Let us see what vegetarianism means in today's world.
The term Vegetarian is derived from the Latin word "vegetus" meaning "whole, lively, sound, fresh." Thus, a vegetarian is one who does not eat any meat, fish, fowl or eggs. There are those who consider themselves to be vegetarians even though they eat eggs. So the vegetarians are divided into three categories:
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Lacto-ovo-vegetarians - Vegetarians diet includes milk, dairy products, and eggs
Lacto-vegetarians Vegetarian diet includes milk, dairy products but no eggs
Vegan Vegetarians A diet that does not include any animal products like milk, cheese, yogurt (curd), butter or eggs (most even eschew honey)
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A vegetarian thus can easily sustain on foods like grains, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits that are good sources of protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
THE BOOK OF COMPASSION
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