Mahatma Gandhi. Albert Einstein. Carl Lewis. Alicia Silverstone. They are personalities from different generations. But they all have one thing in common—they are all vegetarians. 

Prevention of overall poor health and the many lifestyle diseases is of primary importance to­day. Cancers, heart diseases, stroke, hypertension and diabetes do not appear overnight. They develop gradually. Their incidence can be reduced and slowed. The choice of our food today can make a great difference in our health tomorrow.

Atherosclerosis (hardening/narrowing of arteries), which contributes to heart disease and stroke, is a gradual build-up of plaque caused by a diet high in saturated fat and high cholester­ol. Meat consumption is a major contributor.

Researchers have had success in reversing some heart diseases with a low-fat vegetarian diet as part of an overall lifestyle program. For instance, without drugs or surgery, the amount of plaque in patients’ arteries was reduced. Colorectal cancer is linked to meat consumption and a diet high in fats. Some studies suggest links between meat consumption and other cancers as well.

A study in the U.S. found that vegetarians and vegan (Vegetarians who do not consume eggs or dairy products) had significantly lower cholesterol levels than meat eaters. The Nurses Health Study in the US, with over 121,000 women, has shown that high protein intake, especially from animal foods – including fish – between 86 – 150 gm per day, can cause further decline of kidney function in women with existing kidney impairments. Increased liver problems are also attributed to high levels of animal protein intake.

Our human immune system is our best weapon against disease. However, it requires the appro­priate raw materials and a supportive environment to function optimally. Our diet and lifestyle can strengthen or weaken our immune system. Unleash the self-healing potential present in every one of us with a healthy vegetarian diet.