Vegetarianism Scientific And Spiritual Basis

Author(s): Jashwant B Mehta
Publisher: Jashwant B Mehta

Page 20

A diet that consists too much of root vegetables, which are mainly starch, can cause the serious condition of kwashiorkor (lack of protein), which prevents proper growth in children. It should be noted that some vegetables must be cooked first as they are difficult to digest. Examples are the starchy root and seed vegetables. Some must be peeled, too, because the skins contain poisons, examples are the bitter cassava and green-skinned potatoes.
Increasing trend towards vegetarianism Apart from the ethical and the spiritual considerations, the health aspect of the diet is also playing its part in the increasing trend towards vegetarianism. It is estimated that in US alone where meat eating is among the highest, every year nearly 2 million people are switching over to vegetarian diet, most of them due to the health factor. "Vegetarian food sales are savoring doubledigit growth. Top restaurants have added more meatless dishes. Trendy "living foods" or "raw" restaurants are sprouting up".! In the last three decades, large number of Indian restaurants have come up in many parts of the World. They offer abundant varieties of delectable vegetable cuisine and are becoming increasingly popular with the local population especially for those who prefer vegetarian diet.
Time magazine, ibid