Vegetarianism is a diet and practice that does not allow the eating of fish or meat, and this can be for religious, ethical or health reasons. Vegetarians do not eat any poultry or meat, such as chicken, duck, pork, and beef, they do not eat fish, gelatin or any other products that contain animal meat. 

Veganism is like vegetarianism in that it does not allow the eating of meat, poultry or fish either, but vegans also do not eat any products from animals. For example, eggs, milk, cheese, or honey. 

A fairly common and modern type of vegetarian is a pescatarian, who avoids all meat except fish. Another type of vegetarian is ovo-vegetarian, and these people do not eat meat, fish or dairy, but do eat eggs.

Why Has Digitization Made Vegetarianism And Veganism More Prevalent?

Veganism has been on the rise in recent years, mostly due to health and ethical reasons. While these concerns have always been present, the media has made these more prevalent. If we look at how many animals are slaughtered for human consumption, there are methods such as stunning which many deem unethical and cruel to animals. 

Vegans, other than not eating meat and animal products, tend not to use or buy these products either. For example, they may avoid wearing or owning leather, wool or other materials made of animal fur or skin. They also tend to avoid make up that has been tested on animals by manufacturers. 

Veganism may also mean avoiding places in which it could be regarded as cruel to animals, such as aquariums and zoos.

Find out more about vegetarians and vegans here.

Studies Show The Health Benefits Of Vegetarianism 

Studies have shown that plant-based diets offer several health benefits. These include lower cholesterol levels, improved blood pressure, reduced stress, and steady blood sugar control, which is sometimes what attracts people with diabetes to this sort of diet. 

This diet is also a means for weight loss, or a chance at a healthier diet. 

The Consistent Demand For Meat And The Technology To Handle This

While there are benefits to going vegan or vegetarian, there is still a huge demand for meat. Over the last fifty years, meat production has more than doubled, and this shows a trend of higher meat consumption than ever before. Moreover, technology has evolved to keep up with this demand. 

Studies Show the Benefits of Eating Meat

  • Source of protein
  • Provides zinc
  • Source of iron
  • Vitamin B12
  • Fertility boosting
  • Mood improvements 

Read for more benefits of eating meat.

Importance Of Meat In Religion

In Islam, there is a huge significance in helping others and feeding the poor specifically. One religious obligation upon every able Muslims is to give Qurbani. This is where you sacrifice an animal to feed the poor. The meat is split into three equal parts; one part for yourself, one for your family, and one part given to the poor. Qurbani is given ultimately to commemorate the sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim was willing to make where he was going to sacrifice his only son for God, but God, the Most Merciful, saved Ibrahim’s son and replaced him with an animal. 

In Hinduism, it is believed that all living things have a soul and so nothing living should be killed and eaten. Most Hindus are lacto-vegetarian, which means they avoid meat and eggs, but some eat lamb, fish and chicken. 

In the New Testament of the Bible, it is stated that Christians can eat any meat they wish.

Summary

While veganism and vegetarianism are popular for their health and ethical benefits, the demand for meat is ever-increasing. Digitization plays a role in both sides of the coin here. In addition, meat has health benefits such as being a source of iron, zinc and vitamin B12, so others choose to incorporate it into their diet for this reason.