Human system more attuned to vegetarian diet, says seer

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-02-18/allahabad/37159538_1_digestive-tract-carnivores-humans

ALLAHABAD: The Kriyayoga practice points out that mature (ripe) grains, seeds and fruits are the food best suited for human beings given their consumption and digestion needs and structure. The human eyes, ears, teeth and tongue and length of the digestive tract shows that humans are basically frugivorous (consumers of fruits and seeds) in nature. Canine teeth, very well developed in carnivores (meat-eaters and predators), are rudimentary in human beings.

Human eyes do not like to see slaughtering of animals, and ears do not like the cry of animals, neither can the tongue appreciate the taste of meat thrown on the street. They never enjoy chewing the bones scattered at the bank of rivers or in the forest whereas carnivorous animals enjoy chewing the bones as if it were delicious candy. Human beings can enjoy fruits found on the ground but would never appreciate consuming scattered decaying meat left on the side of a road. These were the insights into humans and their food habits by international spiritual leader Swami Shree Yogi Satyam who delivered his message to pilgrims attending the Kriyayoga Camp at Mukti Marg in Kumbh Mela. He stated that humans enjoy non-vegetarian food only when it is fried or mixed with certain spices to mask their taste. Carnivores enjoy even rotten and putrefied meat.

He added that the length of the digestive tract in carnivores is short compared to human beings, whereas the digestive tract of herbivores is much longer compared to carnivores and human beings.

Observation shows that herbivores are meant to eat grasses and stems of plants. Carnivores are made to eat meat while human beings are structured biologically to eat fruits and seeds. In herbivores, the longer digestive tract is suitable to digest and absorb grasses and stems. If herbivores are fed a good quantity of fruits and seeds they get sick. In the same way, the digestive tract of carnivores is fit to digest meat and animal parts.

Animal products, meat and organs should not remain in the digestive system for a long time to avoid growth of harmful bacteria and viruses. Carnivores, therefore, have a shorter digestive tract compared to herbivores and humans.

Humans have started eating wrong foods due to inhuman and unnatural thoughts. All thoughts and ideas which create segregation are unnatural thoughts. These can be erased through constant practice of Kriyayoga meditation.

The consumption of vegetarian food has been accepted more in western countries as research studies prove that eating meat and dairy products leads to illnesses in particular heart disease and cancer.

Want to adopt a vegan lifestyle?

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-09/diet/37580686_1_vegan-animal-products-mock-meat

From Natalie Portman to Beyonce and Chris Martin, several celebs are advocating veganism. Are we ready for it?

Veganism is slowly gaining ground as a lifestyle choice. It's finding strong support, notwithstanding the debate that surrounds it. Here's more on the subject...

Veganism vs vegetarianism

It's the practice of is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet. Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or poultry. Vegans, in addition to being vegetarian, do not use other animal products and by-products such as eggs, dairy products, honey, leather, fur, silk, wool, cosmetics, and soaps derived from animal products.

Does it work for everyone?

Yes, you need not have a certain body type or physicalframe to follow this diet.

Clothing is going vegan too!

Being vegan is not just in diet, but also excludes animal products from one's clothing, cosmetics, household goods and things used everyday. Of these, clothing choices is gaining ground. People opt for cotton and synthetics. Leather or silk is an absolute no-no.

What meals comprise of 

The debate:

For

Those in favour of this regime maintain that animal products are toxic for the body. They say plant foods provide adequate amounts of minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. An expert says it lowers cholesterol levels and vegans have fewer indigestion problems. The diet thus offers cardiovascular benefits. Since it includes fruit, vegetables, whole grains and unprocessed foods it is believed to be more nutritious.

Against 

Another doctor argues that the human body is designed to eat meat and underlines the importance of it. He says meat is a huge source of protein, iron, minerals and calcium. Experts also say this eating pattern allows no room for an intake of vitamin B12. Unfortunately for vegans, the only source of B12 is only via a supplement. One way out is to separate meat eating from fat on the meat. Pediatric doctors also maintain a vegan ideal is not ideal for kids as it offers less energy.

A dating site for vegans

If you're following the vegan pattern of eating and want to only meet someone who does similarly, it's now possible. Sites dedicated to vegetarians and vegans are increasingly popping up. So, if you want to find a vegan mate, chances are you can do so! Happy hunting!

Vegan weddings on the rise

Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied had a vegan wedding and recently, actress Anne Hathaway who wed jewellery designer Adam Shulman had a reception with complete vegan menu. More and more people are also choosing to go meatless and dairy-less at a

wedding. Brides are opting to wear richer cottons and synthetic silks instead of silk. The menus too, are

following vegan pattern. Will vegan style weddings overthrow the usual trend here too?

Alternatives 

Tips for going vegan:

Instead of ...

Meat: Use mock meat, tofu, soya chunks or soya mince, mushrooms or root vegetables. Mock meat such as faux chicken, mutton, fish and more can be used.

Ghee or butter: Use vegetable oils instead of ghee. Instead of butter, cook with vegetable margarines and oils.

Eggs in baking: Use self-rising flour, which is available in the market. Tofu, bananas, applesauce, pumpkin, squash, prunes and mashed potatoes are all good egg substitutes, depending on the nature of the dish.

Milk: Almond, coconut or soya milk can be used instead.

Method:

Heat the oil in and add the mushrooms to it. Sprinkle salt and pepper and cook for a few minutes. Pour the coconut cream over this. Now add the water and spring onion and cook further for a few minutes. Serve with rice.

Alicia Silverstone

The actress is a huge advocate of veganism and a site quotes her as saying, "Once I became vegan, my nails were stronger, my skin was glowing, I lost a lot of weight... Going vegan is the single best thing I've done in my life." Silverstone has also written a book on the subject and launched her own site to go with it.

Beyonce

The R n B singer is said to keep her pregnancy weight away by having one vegan meal a day. She had admitted in an interview that she avoids eating animal products to maintain her fit, post-baby body. According to a magazine, even during her pregnancy she and hubby Jay-Zboth stuck to a 'partially-vegan' diet to stay healthy.

Chris Martin

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and his actress wife Gwyneth Paltrow, are known for their love of vegan cuisine. So much so, that he apparently even provided a healthier alternative to the traditional birthday cake for his daughter Apple's first birthday in 2005. This was an apple cake made at a vegan eatery!

Natalie Portman

The Oscar-winning actress has been a vegetarian since childhood and she is said to have adopted veganism after reading the book Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. Natalie now doesn't eat or wear any animal products, and even launched her own vegan shoe line. Quite impressive!

Pamela Anderson

Model and actress Pamela Anderson who became a vegetarian as a teenager, regularly stands up for animal rights. A site quotes her having admitted that she feels better on a vegan diet. She switched to a vegan diet an and credited the plant-based eating plan for helping her stay fit.

Tobey Maguire

Actor Tobey Maguire is said to have banned all leather from his house too! He is a supporter of healthy vegetarian options for school lunches and takes a strict adherence to eating this way. Word also has it that for his role as Spiderman, he bulked up by eating lots of tofu.

3 animal rights activists from Navi Mumbai feliciated

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-08/mumbai/37560225_1_stray-animals-stray-dogs-animal-rights

MUMBAI: Three brave Navi Mumbai based women who are fighting for animal rights against all odds, were among those honoured with Women Achievers Awards at Powai on the eve of International Women's Day on Thursday.

The three activists - Aditi Lahiri, Roshni Majumdar and Rinki Banerji - were awarded for their animal welfare work in Navi Mumbai at the function organised by Young Environmentalists Programme Trust.

Lahiri has been helping stray animals in the satellite city for over 10 years despite suffering from cancer, while Majumdar is a young MBA student who was beaten up and molested by local goons in Sanpada for feeding an injured stray dog last year.

Rinki Banerji was recently assaulted by a mob of animal-haters in New Panvel where she had gone to protect the stray dogs.

Some of the other awardees at the event were theatre personality Dolly Thakore, actor and TV host Sophia Hayat, activist Abha Singh, disabled yet successful working woman Preeti Sagotra, author Kiran Manral, classical musician Sunita Bhuyan, lawyer Rita Abraham, social service person Dr Mithu Alur and Miss Universe contestant Shilpa Singh among others.

Talking to TOI, Majumdar said: "In June last year, six youngsters had attacked me and my cousin in Sanpada just because I used to feed a disabled stray dog. I got these goons arrested, but unfortunately, a false police complaint was also lodged against my cousin to harass us further."

Organiser Elsie Gabriel of YEPT added: "Along with Mazumdar, even Banerji is very brave to fight back an angry mob in New Panvel for the rights of animals. Hats off to all the three ladies."

In all, 23 women from different social spheres and activities were honoured at Rodas ecotel in Powai.

"It is tough to fight for stray dogs and cats, as many housing societies are openly hostile towards animals, and even poison them to death. We need proper animal centres to do effective sterilisations of the strays. However, compassion must be shown by all individuals towards the mute animals," added Lahiri.

Uncle had sexually abused me: Sophia Hayat

The glamorous actress and TV show host, Sophia Hayat, revealed her dark and disturbing past about child sex abuse. When I was only 10, my uncle had sexually abused me. I want to tell everyone that behind this glamour doll image of mine lurks a disturbed childhood,'' said Sophia at the function in Powai.

She later told TOI, Through my story, I want to reach out to all the young girls who may be in a similar situation; in order to help them fight back against such horrid sex pests and assaulters.''

Sophia also mentioned that this childhood incident of hers did affect her in many ways, but now she is happy to have come out of it in a positive way to contribute to the society, especially other minor girls, who can also be in a vulnerable situation.

Daniel Chatterton of Green-team Rodas, commented: It is wonderful to welcome achievers who inspire. By sharing their success more women will reach for the stars." The theme of the event was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy: 'Be the change that you would like to see'.