Why Ayurveda Recommends Vegetarianism

There is a strong misconception that Ayurveda advocates vegetarianism based on its religious or ethical beliefs. But that’s not true. There are various reasons why it considers a vegetarian diet a better option of the physical as well as the spiritual development of man.

• Charaka - the father of Ayurveda - believed a meat-based diet led to the production of ama (toxins), which disrupted the body’s natural harmony and resulted in a variety of ailments.

• He also believed that a balanced intake of vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes, and seeds provided sufficient nutrients (iron, protein, calcium, and all the required vitamins and minerals) for the production of ojas (immunity), prana (vitality), and bala (strength).

• According to Ayurveda, animal protein is not required for human growth and development. The nourishment obtained from a pure vegetarian diet is adequate to achieve total health.

• A plant-based diet helps prevents a majority of all cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and degenerative illnesses, giving you a longer lifespan. This belief is also supported by general science.

• A sattvic lifestyle includes meditation, yoga, regular sleeping habits, ethical behaviour, and a vegetarian diet. For this reason, those pursuing spiritual growth adopt a vegetarian diet to its sattvik quality.

As you can see, Ayurveda makes a strong case for vegetarianism, and all of it doesn’t deal with religious or ethical beliefs. For more advice on a healthy and clean Ayurvedic lifestyle, consult a Jiva doctor today. Dial 0129-4040404 from your mobile phone or click on ‘Speak to a Doctor’ under the CONNECT tab in the Jiva Health App.