Isle of Wight Vegetarians & Vegans
Some reasons why you should choose vegetarian/vegan
food
Health - A typical vegetarian/vegan diet
closely matches expert dietary recommendations for healthy eating, being low in
saturated fat and high in fibre, complex carbohydrates and fresh fruit and
vegetables. Research has shown that this type of diet can reduce the risk of
heart disease, obesity, various cancers, bowel disorders and osteoporosis when
compared to diets that include animal-derived foods.
Cruelty - Humans share a common bond with
animals - they feel pain. The rearing of animals for food cannot be separated
from the infliction of suffering. In Britain alone, 450 million animals a year
are killed for food.
The environment - 90% of Britain's farm land is
used for either grazing animals or growing food for animals. If Britain were
completely vegetarian/vegan, it is estimated that we could be self-sufficient
in food using just 25% of the land currently used. Just think of the forests
and other natural habitats that could be developed.
Fair shares - A person in the 'rich' world
consumes 5 times as much grain as a person in the 'poor' world. Most of our
grain consumption - much of it imported from countries where people are hungry
- is fed to animals to supply us with meat and dairy produce. If we grew and
ate plant based foods directly, rather than eating animals and animal products,
we could easily be self-sufficient and not need to take from the mouths of
others.
Economy - Many people think that
vegetarian/vegan food is expensive and time consuming to prepare. Like any
diet, it can be but it needn't be. Low cost and enjoyable, nutritious meals can
be prepared using wholesome and economical ingredients.
So, next time you reach for
an item in the supermarket or a fast food restaurant -
THINK BEFORE YOU EAT!
CHOOSE VEGETARIAN/VEGAN FOODS.
IWVV
is here to help - we can provide practical support such as:
Information
about nutrition. Ideas for recipes and menus.
Advice
about where to buy vegetarian/vegan foods and ingredients.
Information about where to eat out.