The Jain 1988 07

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Samaj Europe

Page 98

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THE VALUE OF A VEGETARIAN DIET
Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats, Mineral Salts and Vitamins 1 gram of Fat produces 9 calories, while 1 gram of Carbohydrate produces approximately 4 calories.
Dietary requirements depend upon age, sex, height, weight and activity (metobolic and physical). The objective of a proper diet is to achieve and maintain the desirable composition. Diets require modification if you are suffering from a disease. For diets in different illnesses please consult your doctor. The Calorie Reckoner will help you to plan the diet.
Proteins:
Fats:
Most of the Gujarati residents in Europe have remained vegetarians, inspite of the influence of non vegetarian persons on them. All the eastern religions put emphasis on vegetarian diet and the non vegetarian food is prohibited in temples, gurudwaras and other religious places. The Jains are usually vegetarians and are also expected not to eat root foods like potatoes, carrots etc. in their diet. One may be a proud (fanatic!) Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist or Jain, but when the question of observing the fundamental principles of their faith comes, lot remains to be desired. The mere fact of being born in Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist or Jain family, does not make one a Hindu, Sikh Buddhist or Jain. It is the observance of fundamental principles makes them Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists or Jains. What we observe and expect to observe in religious places, we should observe in the outside world, if we wish to be proud about our faith. One should eat what one is supposed to as laid down in one's faith.
It is a misnomer that non vegetarian food is essential to remain healthy in the Western world. On the contrary persons taking carefully selected vegetarian diet are healthier than their non vegetarian friends. Following quotations show that one can live a healthy life on a vegetarian diet.
Flesh foods are not the best nourishment for human beings and were not the food of our primitive ancestors. There is nothing necessary or desirable for human nutrition to be found in meats or flesh which is not found in, and derived from vegetable products.
Dr. J. H. Kellogg It must be honestly admitted that, weight for weight, vegetable substances, when they are carefully selected possess the most striking advantages over animal food in nutritive value.
Sir Benjamin W. Richardson, M.D., F.R.S. There are many alternative sources of first class protein and the meatless diet can be as good as any other.
Dr. Charles Hill We have given the following charts which I am sure would be quite useful to the readers of The Jain and vegetarians in general. Whilst planning a diet one should remember that a well balanced diet is essential in supplying all the body needs to keep it fit and healthy, and must contain all the following:--
Carbohydrates:
Proteins are needed every day to provide for the growth and repair of tissues. Proteins can be used for energy too, but surplus proteins are stored as fat. The main sources of protein are dairy products, nuts, pulses, especially Soyabeans. Fats provide heat and energy and surplus is, of course, stored as fat. The main sources are known to everybody. Carbohydrates provide one of the cheapest source of energy for the body, but surplus is quickly turned into ....... you've guessed it — more fat to go into your waistline. Most of our food contains Carbohydrates. (Including calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium and colbolt). Present in varying quantities in many foods and essential for the regulation of certain body processes and growth. Fruits, Vegetables, Milk and Cheese give us necessary minerals. Necessary to maintain health and to protect against specific dietary disorders The main sources are carrots, green vegetables, cheese, butter (Vit. A), margarine, green peas, oatmeal, marmite and cabbage, sprouts, cauliflower, watercress, lemons, oranges, blackcurrants (Vit. C).
Minerals:
Vitamins:
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