In every discussion about healthy diet and life style arguing to have only vegetarian food has become the latest trend. In Europe and America, vegetarian food is gaining a lot of popularity nowadays. When whole world try to ape the west, we Indians are also not far behind. Though hot discussions are going on everywhere to give preference to fruits and vegetables, non-vegetarian food consumption is increasing day by day.
Everyone agrees the fact that man is neither herbivorous nor carnivorous, but an omnivorous social being. Yet arguments are still going on! Some people want to place him under herbivorous while others argue that he can eat both. When vegetarian food lovers say, molars are for chewing fruits and vegetables while opponents say, man’s canines make him a carnivorous animal. When vegetarian group says his lengthy intestine is only for digesting plant food, non-vegetarian group says eye convergence of man says he is an animal hunter by birth. Once Bernard Shah told that his stomach is not a grave yard to cremate dead bodies. When vegetarians quote his words, non-vegetarians will argue that our stomach is not a compost plant to decompose dead leaves and stems.

Science says man is omnivorous

Many may argue on or against non-vegetarian food. But according to science man is omnivorous. Early men were nomads eating fruits and grains. But later they began to use weapons and fire which indicates he is a carnivorous as well. This culture was followed in western culture from ancient period while Indians were vegetarians in ancient period. When Buddhism and Jainism had great influence on Indian culture preference was given to vegetarian food. But according to Hindu mythology saints and Rama used non-vegetarian diet also. Ayurveda books also say that we need not be pure vegetarians. It’s healthy to eat fresh meat of young and active animals. But including ‘hormone’ chicken in our daily diet is really dangerous.

Vegetarian is a fashion

Just to imitate west, completely switching to vegetarian food is nothing but foolishness. In many countries, non-vegetarian items form the major part of their diet while Indians include grains and vegetables. According to recent reports, an American intakes 114 kg of meat every year. It means he is taking around 300gram non-vegetarian item everyday. Non-vegetarian is normally preferred by those who do a lot of physical work. It’s good to include non-vegetarian meals. But he should do regular exercise to burn off those excess calories. It makes his healthy to fight against diseases and gives some mental and physical power as well.

According to statistics, an Indian takes only 3.26 kg meat every year. But meat consumption of an average person in China is 52.2 kg. Record goes to America where each person consume 114 kg pr year on an average, almost 35 times greater than Indians! As they are non-vegetarians most, they need some awareness. But it’s not the case of Indians. So, before blindly following Americans just have a look at this statistics report.

Fish is everyone’s favourite

Indians consume almost every type of flesh -Nagaland people eating dogs, Manipuris eating insects and bees and Rajasthan people eating camels. Yet, fish is everyone’s favourite – from north to south. Among all types of meat, chicken is the hot favourite. Mutton and beef are given second place. A few people consume pork too! Nowadays chicken has become a part of everyone’s kitchen. Convenience, taste and variety are the reasons why people prefer chicken most.

In case of milk production and consumption, India is still world no.1. Milk is not a vegetarian food. Yet even pure vegetarians prefer milk and milk products in their daily diet. Every Indian gives an extra care to milk and milk products. Yet visions are changing! Doctors instruct mothers not to feed their kids below 2 years with any milk products except breast milk.

Let us have non-vegetarian food in alternative days

All vitamins and proteins needed by a human body are found in vegetarian food; so no need of non-vegetarian food –says pure vegetarians. It’s true! But it’s different in quantity and quality. To equalize proteins and vitamins from an egg or a chicken piece through vegetarian products, it may need a week. So, it’s better to use a combination diet consisting of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items – particularly in the case of growing children. But excess use of meat, fish or eggs may lead to obesity, cholesterol, diabetics etc. It’s not a bad idea to include meat once or twice a week, but in a controlled manner. You can use fish daily, but in curry form. Avoid fried items as much as possible. But it’s to be noted that while including fish and meat in your diet, never exclude fruits or vegetables. Keep a well-balanced diet.

Days have passed since people eat just to keep themselves alive. Now, food is a form of enjoyment as well. So, in today’s busy life, make diets enjoyable as well. For that make food colourful, tasty and nutritious. So, it’s better to choose non-vegetarian items wisely and use them in a controlled manner. Always keep in mind its calories.

• Better physique and power are most attained by those who include non-vegetarian items in their diet. Proteins abundantly found in eggs and meat is the main reason behind this.
• Those who eat non-vegetarian food and take regular exercise resist diseases more.
• Joint point, arthritis etc can be get rid off by including selenium in the diet which is abundantly found in non-vegetarian food.
• Calcium and phosphorous needed to make our bones strong are found abundant in non-vegetarian food.
• Eggs and meat are rich in Vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic acid. It helps to reduce mental stress a lot.
• Magnesium rich non-vegetarian items, if included in woman’s diet can help to reduce pain during menstrual periods.
• Potassium, playing a vital role in controlling blood pressure is seen a lot in non-vegetarian food.

Yet, it can’t be neglected that non-vegetarian items contain a lot of fats and calories. Also that, whole grains, fruits and vegetables should form the major part of our diet. So, it’s better to use non-vegetarian items in a healthy manner making use of its nutrients wisely!