30 September 2016
World Vegetarian Day is celebrated annually on October 1th. The day brings global attention to the health and environmental benefits of vegetarianism and focuses on the ethics of following a vegetarian lifestyle.
In many cultures, vegetarianism is an integral part of religion. Religious vegetarianism tends to be rooted in a philosophy of non-violence and compassion towards the natural world.
Many other people follow vegetarianism as a way to protect the environment – they believe that raising and killing of animals for food negatively affects the environment, creates pollution, and contributes to climate change.
Many follow vegetarianism out of concern for animals and their treatment at farms where they are being raised for food.
Others on the hand adopt the vegetarian diet for its health benefits. Research has shown that a plant-based diet can help reduce the risks of heart disease, diabetes, and some kinds of cancer.
