$JES 904 Compendium of Jainism (Jain Academic Bowl Manual 3rd Edition)

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 188

CONDUCT
C10 - Jainism in Action
C10 - Jainism in Action
01 Nutrition, Health and Spirituality Currently, the idea that spirituality plays an important role on health has become increasingly popular even among the medical community. Preventive health and wellness research has established a conclusive link between a person's spirituality and their heath. Individuals who prayed and meditated regularly got sick less frequently, recovered faster and were generally healthier and happier than those who used preventative health or wellness principles without a spiritual practice. Spiritual health can help physical health to manifest. The same way, physical health and nutrition can help spirituality to manifest. When you are poorly nourished, your emotions and mood worsen and your energy and brain functioning are significantly reduced. This in turn hinders your spiritual progress. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind, and a healthy mind is essential for spiritual progress. Nutrition and exercise are the most important things for a healthy body. As Jains, we should eat a well-balanced and cruelty-free diet. That is why Jains champion vegetarianism and veganism. Instead of meat and dairy, vegetarians have known for years that foods rich in soy protein offer a good alternative to any animal-based product. Unlike other beans, soy offers a complete protein profile, meaning they contain all the amino acids essential to human nutrition. The USDA now states that a daily diet containing 25 grams of soy protein, which is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. People who eat more generous amounts of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Keeping USDA food groups in mind, the following food groups serve our vegetarian needs and provide a balanced nutritional diet. It is important to understand the food groups and eat the right amounts of each food group - too much of any one item is not healthy. Some Jains also avoid root vegetables as an added austerity. Whole Grains
Five or more servings a day This group includes bread, rice, pasta, hot or cold cereal, corn, millet, barley, bulgur, buckwheat, and tortillas. Build each of your meals around a hearty grain dish -- grains are rich in fiber and other complex carbohydrates, as well as protein, B vitamins, and zinc.
Serving size: 1/2 cup hot cereal, 1 ounce dry cereal, 1 slice bread Vegetables
Three or more servings a day Vegetables are packed with nutrients; they provide vitamin C, beta-carotene, riboflavin, iron, calcium, fiber, and other nutrients. Dark green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, collards, kale, and turnip greens, chicory, or bok-choy are especially good sources of these nutrients. Dark yellow and orange vegetables such as winter squash and pumpkin provide extra beta-carotene. Include generous portions of a variety of vegetables in your diet.
Serving size: 1 cup raw vegetables, 1/2 cup cooked vegetables Fruits
Three or more servings a day Fruits are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Be sure to include at least one serving each day of fruits that are high in vitamin C -- citrus fruits, melons, and strawberries are all good choices. Choose whole fruit over fruit juices, which do not contain very much fiber.
Serving size: One medium piece of fruit, 1/2 cup cooked fruit, 4 ounces juice Page 188 of 398
Compendium of Jainism - 2015