The Truth

Author(s): O P Jain
Publisher: Veer Nirvan Granth Prakashan Samiti

Page 82

OTHER ALLIED QUESTIONS
73
that plant food units contain alli elements of food in correct proportions and will not upset the body systems. They have enough proteins and are a complete food. Excess of protein is not digested and cannot be stored in the body and causes over-acidity. The lever and kidneys have. to work harder to convert it into Urea and then eliminate it. These organs therefore get damaged early if flesh and eggs are eaten. Our protein requirement is very small e. g., 1/3 gm. per lb. of body weight and it is no use eating animal food in the hope of a high protein content. It is dangerous to health.
In animal food, the various food elements are not balanced and it contains other poisonous matter which adversely affects our health.
By a suitable choice of vegetable foods, one can maintain excellent health, with the additional advantage of longer life and pleasant behaviour to others. .
But the real question is not whether flesh food is healthier than vegetarian food; but whether it is right to eat flesh. The answer is that no one who has the least regard for the future welfare of his soul, would ever think of eating flesh.
General : There are certain animals who cannot live without flesh because they have no physiological adaptibility. But fortunately man is endowed with the twin bliss of a conscience and high degree of physiological adaptibility. Therefore he can change his habits and food to suit his conscience. Why should be have food, which though may be alright from health point of view but which comes in his way in moral and spiritual development. Theft cannot be condoned because it can bring you wealth. Hence, himsa in the name of health cannot be permitted if it is immoral otherwise and specially when man can have better alternative foods-the vegetable food. It is said that man can grow more vegetable food on a given land than animal food. Hence it is economically more desirable to depend on vegetarian diet. Young people sometimes have a misconception that non-veg. food is essential for people joining the army. It arises out of a feeling that meat eating gives rise to brute strength in a man, which may perhaps be needed for a soldier. This false belief will atonce vanish if we see that in our own armed forces, we have regiments which are pure vegetarians, like the jat regiment and yet they are famous for their valour throughout the World. Bravery is an attitude of mind