What foods do Vegetarians eat?
Vegetarianism is a practice where a person willingly chooses not to eat meat or fish. The reasons differ from person to person. Some may do it for religious beliefs, some for moral reasons, and some for health reasons. So Vegetarians eat plant-based foods, vegetables, dairy, fruits, oils, pulses, etc. Another thing that people still fight about is the egg. Many vegetarians call eggs ‘vegetarian,’ as they have not yet been fertilized. So you may find some vegetarians eating eggs.
Aside from eggs, vegetarians have many protein options, including tofu, soybeans (soy protein), tempeh, oat flakes, black beans, and many more. Some people confuse being vegan with being vegetarian. So let us tell you the basic difference. Veganism is when the person will not consume anything animal-related, which includes dairy and dairy products. They solely live on plant-based options. Vegetarians, however, do consume dairy and its products.
Benefits of Vegetarianism
Good for your heart health
People who don’t eat meat may be up to a third less likely to die or be hospitalized because of heart disease. Whether you are a vegetarian or not, what you eat is important.
If you want the diet’s heart-healthy benefits, make sure to choose:
- Legumes and pulses
- Nuts like walnuts, almonds etc.
- Fruits and vegetables
- alternatives that are low in sugar
- Whole grains with lots of fiber
May reduce the risk of cancer
Vegetarians might have a slight advantage in reducing cancer risk, but the benefit isn’t huge. Few studies have found that avoiding animal products may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Helps in the prevention of type 2 diabetes
A healthy vegetarian diet may help prevent and treat type 2 diabetes and the complications that come with it. It comes back to choosing low-glycemic foods like whole grains, legumes, and nuts that keep blood sugar levels steady.
Lowers blood pressure
According to studies, vegetarians and vegans in particular have lower blood pressure than people who eat meat. Most plant-based foods are lower in fat, sodium, and cholesterol, which can be good for your blood pressure. Potassium, which helps lower blood pressure, is also found in high amounts in fruits and vegetables.
Indian Vegetarian Options
In India, more than 41% of people are vegetarians. This means that there are tons of tasty and healthy vegetarian options in India. So with Shiva Shakti, let’s find out about the tasty vegetarian options India has to offer.
Pav Bhaji
This dish is somewhat close to the king of street foods. Bhaji is mixed vegetables mushed together with delicious Indian spices and served with soft bread.
Hara Bhara Kabab
This is a tasty starter option for vegetarians. Hara bhara kabab is made of veggies like peas and Potatoes, along with tasty Indian spices, and is essentially a vegetarian patty.
Paneer Tikka
This is another very tasty vegetarian starter. Paneer is marinated in Indian spices and grilled over a tandoor to give it a smoky and tasty taste. It is eaten with mint chutney.
Palak Paneer
This is a perfect main dish, full of nutrients and deliciousness. The main things in it are palak and paneer, which are mixed with fragrant spices. It tastes best with rice or flatbread.
Jeera Aloo
This is basically an easy and quick meal option, along with being super tasty. Jeera is cumin, and aloo is potato. The recipe is easy to follow, and the end result never disappoints.
Vegetable Pakora
The ones with potatoes and onions are the best. It is generally eaten with chai (tea), and people find the monsoons to be the season where it tastes the best. But hey, deep-fried goodness always tastes best to us, no matter the season.
Indian Vegetarian Recipes to Try
We will keep the recipes simple and easy to follow. Remember to adjust the spices and other condiments to fit your taste.
Jeera Aloo
This is a relatively simple recipe. Dice 5 potatoes into small cubes and set them aside. Take a pot/pan and put 2 tablespoons of oil in it. Add 2 teaspoons of cumin and 5-6 curry leaves. Saute it for a minute. Now add 1 ½ teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix it well. Now add the potatoes and ¾ cup of water. Let the potatoes fully cook and give it a nice stir. Pair this with basmati rice for a beautiful combination.
Vegetable Pakora
Generally, you can use any vegetable for this, but the best-tasting ones are potatoes, chilies, and onions. We are using potatoes for this recipe. Cut 4 potatoes in thin slices and keep aside. In in a bowl take ½ cup of gram flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, 1 teaspoon of haldi, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Add water and mix these together to form a smooth batter-like consistency that is not runny. Now start coating the slices of potatoes in this batter and deep frying them till golden. These are best when eaten with tea.
FAQ
Is a vegetarian diet healthier and better for the environment?
Yes, many researchers have found the vegetarian diet to be better.
What are the types of vegetarians?
There are five types of vegetarians
- Vegans
- Lacto vegetarianism
- Lacto-Ovo vegetarians
- Flexitarians
- Pescatarians
What is unique about a vegetarian diet?
A unique characteristic is that a purely vegetarian diet contains no animal proteins.
