Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions on Vegetarianism:

1. Why would someone choose to be a vegetarian?
2. Im concerned about my health. How could a vegetarian diet benefit me?
3. What about lean meat?
4. But aren't chicken and fish healthful?
5. I've heard that certain foods and nutrition supplements can offer protective benefits. Can't I just eat more of these rather than cutting out meat?
6. A vegetarian diet may be OK for adults, but is it safe for children?
7. Aren't people physically designed to eat meat?
8. Weren't animals put here for food?
9. Why should we be concerned about animals when there's so much human suffering?
10. Aren't there more urgent concerns for animals than meat and dairy consumption?
11. Aren't farm animals raised humanely?
12. Will a vegetarian diet be more expensive?
13. Don't people tire of eating only lettuce and carrots?
14. Won't vegetarian foods take longer to prepare?
15. Is it hard to shop for vegetarian foods?
16. What about eating out?
17. How do I get started?

1. Why would someone choose to be a vegetarian?

Vegetarians have existed throughout the history and came from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. People adopt a vegetarian diet for a variety of reasons incuding concerns about personal health, animals and the environment. Some people may also be drawn to vegetarianism because of religious and spiritual beliefs or economic consideraions.

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2. I'm concerned about my health. How could a vegetarian diet benefit me?

A number of widely respected health organizations - for example, the American Heart Association the Ameican Cancer Society and the World Health Organization - as well as many physicians and health practitioners recommend reducing the consumption of animal protein and saturated fat (which is abundant in meat), and cholesterol (found only in meat and other animal products). Although illness and disease can be caused by many factors, several health problems have been postively linked to a diet high in animal products. Among these are cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.

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3. What about lean meat?

An reduction in saturated fat intake is of some benefit, but populationstudies show that eleminating meat and animal products competely reaps the greatest health benefits. Although different meats, such as beef, pork, poultry ad fish, have varying amount of fat, they all contain aout the same amount of cholesterol. In addition, animal protein can elevate cholesterol levels and thereby also raise the risk of heart disease.

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4. But aren't chicken and fish healthful?

While poultry and fish have somewhat less saturated fat than beef and pork, they are still high in fat, animal protein and cholesterol. These foods also have additional health risks. Contaminated chicken is a major source of salmonella bacteria, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Salmonella bacteria are also commonly found in eggs, even those with undamaged shells.

Fish contains subtantially more environmental pollutants than land animals. Most fish consumed by people have eaten other fish, resulting in increased toxic buildup. Shellfish also contain high leves of toxins because of their feeding habits. Toxic chemicals in fish may accumulate to several thousand times the levels present in the surrounding water.

All animal products contain considerably more concentrated levels of pesticide residue than either vegetables or grains. Many fish are high in fat and no sea animals contain carbohydrates, fiber, or pyhtochemicals. Fish is also a commom allergen.

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5. I've heard that certain foods and nutrition supplements can offer protective benefits. Can't I just eat more of these rather than cutting out meat?

While fruits and vegetables have been shown to have many health-protective qualities, there is no single "miracle food" or supplement that can prevent illness or death from diseases that often have complex and deep-rooted causes. Eating a low-fat vegetarian diet and adopting health-promoting lifestyle changes - such as regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress reduction - are a more comprehensive way to promote health.

"A well-balanced vegetarian diet provides an abundance of health-protecting nutrients, antioxidants and fiber."

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6. A vegetarian diet may be OK for adults, but is it safe for children?

A well-balanced begetarian diet provides ample nutririon for children and may actually offer pretction from a number of diet-related diseases. Center the child's diet around a variety of nutrient-dense whole foods including fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains and legumes. Children have high caloric needs and small stomachs, so five to six small meals per day are preferable to three larger ones. It is also wise to include the judicious use of some fats. Higher-fat plant foods such as tofu, avocado, nuts, seeds, and nut and seed butters are nutrient-rich choices that should be a regular part of the diet for vegetarian children.

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7. Aren't people physically designed to eat meat?

Humans can digest a wide variety of foods and this ability to adapt undoubtedly contributed to our species' survival throught history. Unlike most species, however, have more to do with tradition, culture, economics, politics and availability than with physical limitations. Scientists disagree on specific points regarding anatomy, physiology, and the most appropriate diet for humans. However, the consumption of animal products has been linked to a number of serious health problems, while a plant-based has been shown to provide considerable health-supporting and protective benefits. The ability to eat an omnivorous diet may have had survival value in the past, but it is now clear that meat-eating may threaten human health.

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8. Weren't animals put here for food?

Animals have their own lives and destinies separate from human needs. Judeo-Christian doctrine states that humans have "dominion" over animals, but many religious teachings interpret "dominion" not as "domination" but rather benevolent stewardship. This implies a loving guradship toward other species, which does not include harming or killing them. Many of the wold's maor religions embrace vegetarianism as an active expression of spiritual compassion for all creation. Furthermore, having compassion for animals doesn't contradict the teachings of any of the major religions.

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9. Why should we be concerned about animals when there's so much human suffering?

Compassion and concern can be directed to animals without diminishing efforts to help humans. Much human suffering is directly linked to animal consumtion, including heart disease, pollution, water scarcity and starvation. As we extend compassion to animals - and take steps to ensure their well-being - we also are making strides towards improvements for humans.

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10. Aren't there more urgent concerns for animals than meat and dairy consumption?

There are numerous matters involving animals that many people are concerned about - including companion animals (such as cats and dogs), endangered species, animals trapped for their fur, zoo, and circus animals, and those killed in laboratory experemiments, among others. These are important issues, but they do not preclude concern about animals raised for slaughter. Almost 10 times as many animals die for human consumption than for all other causes combined.

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11. Aren't farm animals raised humanely?

Conditions on factory farms and slaughterhouses are deplorable. Most farm animals live in cramped, filthy quarters that do not allow for even the most basic needs such as fresh air, sunshine, sanitary conditions, unrestrained environment, natural mating, suckling offspring, or developing normal social behaviors.

For example, laying hens are typically housed in bare wire cages stacked several rows deep in huge, stiffling warehouses. Four to five birds are crammed into each cage making it impossible for them to walk, stretch their wings or roost. Excrement drops onto stench that damages the hens' delicate lungs. These crowded conditions lead to stress-related fighting, pecking, cannibalism, illness and disease, including the development of harmful pathogens, such as salmonella, that infect both the chicken and her eggs. At the slaughterhouse, the chickens as either boiled alive or bled to death while fully concious.

Similar harsh treatment is pervasive among all farm animals. Hence, the rearing of animals for food can never be considered humane.

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12. Will a vegetarian diet be more expensive?

In general, it costs less to buy plant protein than the equivalent amount of animal protein. Beans and grains are among the least expensive foods available and form the basis of most traditional diets around the world. Your actual grocery bills will be the direct result of the food choices you make. For instance, some vegetarian "convenience" foods cost more than their meat - or dairy -based counterparts. Relying heavily on these foods could drive up the total food bill. Health professionals urge ALL people to eat an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, and if you are not already doing so, you may find your produce costs will be higher when you switch to a healthier diet.

In addition, price is not the only factor to consider. There are a number of hidden costs in a meat-centered diet. Among them are medical expenses for people suffering from diet -related diseases nd the growing hazards of food-borne illnesses. Everyone's tax dollars are used by the government to subsidize animal agriculture, which also takes itstoll on our environment. Hidden in cost of meat and dairy products is the cost of cleaning up extensive water, air and land pollution.

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13. Don't people tire of eating only lettuce and carrots?

There is a common misconception that vegetarians have a limited array of food choices. Just the opposite is true. Vegetarians commonly eat a wider variety of foods than most meat eaters. A vegatarian diet offers a whole new world of culinary delights.

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14. Won't vegetarian foods take longer to prepare?

Most cooking requires planning and preparation. There are many shortcuts, however, that are easy to learn and helpful when time is at a premium. Many old favorites such as stir- fried vegetables with rice, spaghetti with tomato sauce, salads and soups are familiar dishes that don't take much time or effort to prepare.

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15. Is it hard to shop for vegetarian foods?

It doesn't have to be. All the staples of a vegetarian diet can be found right on the shelves of regular supermarkets. More vegetarian products can be found in the gourmet, specialty, ethnic, and health food sections. Also, natural food stores offer a variety of vegetarian options.

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16. What about eating out?

No problem! Consumer demand has fostered the expansion of vegetarian alternatives among restaurants and airlines as well as an outpouring of vegetarian establishments. Additionally, most ethnic restaurants offer meatless options. When in doubt, ask the waitstaff. Most chefs will be happy to adjust ingredients or create something special that isn't listed on the menu.

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17. How do I get started?

Begin by assessing your current diet. Look for meat - free versions of foods you already enjoy. Look through vegetarian cookbooks or scan vegetarian or ethnic restaurant menus or ideas. Some people make a gradual switch to vegetarianism; others jump in with both feet.

New vegetarians are often excited by the information they are learning and the changes they are making and want to share their experiences Often their family and friends are supportive - but sometimed they are not. If this happens, don't let it get you down. Be cheerful about your new adventure and remember to let others come to their own dietary conclusions.

A vegetarian diet is fun, healthful and exciting, and the culinary possibilities are endless. Know that you are embarking on a compassionate, health-supporting and environmentally sound way of eating - so enjoy the experience!

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