Famous Vegetarians Throughout History

 Famous Vegetarians Throughout History

Being a vegetarian is not a modern lifestyle choice, in fact it has its roots stretching right back through the ages and across many cultures. Some of the most famous and influential people throughout history have been known to follow a meat-free diet, and it is projected that by 2050 the number of vegetarians in the world could reach 146 million. In this article, we will chronicle some of the more renowned individuals from the past who, for whatever reason, chose to be vegan or vegetarian.

Who are the Most Famous Vegetarians of All Time?

At the top of the list of the most famous vegetarians of all time is arguably Mahatma Gandhi. The iconic figure of Indian nationalism spent much of his life promoting non-violent action and he firmly believed that “the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated”. A peaceful, vegetarian lifestyle also brought him closer to his spiritual faith and as such, a meat-free diet was strictly adhered to.

Asclepius, a Macedonian doctor who lived during the ancient Greek empire, was another eminent vegetarian. He was a celebrated healer who advocated for treatments that promoted a healthy body and mind, most notably dietary choices. It was believed that by By abstaining from animal food, Asclepius laid the foundations for Hippocrates’ later dietary teachings. Additional famous vegetarians from history include:

• Plato – an ancient Greek philosopher who believed that meat eaters had poorer memories than vegetarians.
• Leonardo da Vinci – believed that abstaining from eating meat was the key to creativity, and even distributed his works with a note to the reader saying that they should try a vegetarian diet.
• Pythagoras – a famous Greek mathematician and philosopher who was so committed to a meat-free diet that he refused to wear fur or wool.
• Robert Greene – the Elizabethan playwright who argued that those who eat meat are “corporeal, dull, and vicious”.
• Charles Darwin – the celebrated scientist and evolutionary theorist who followed a vegetarian diet and believed that animals should have rights.

Why Should We Follow Vegetarianism?

The effects of following a vegetarian diet are widely documented and there are many reasons why individuals choose to do so. Here are a few benefits to choosing a meat-free lifestyle:

• Consumption of fewer calories – vegetarian diets generally contain fewer calories than diets that contain meat, so it could be a great way to lose weight. Furthermore, the fiber content in vegetarian food makes you feel fuller for longer.

• Healthier choices – vegetarian diets are naturally higher in carbohydrates and fiber, but lower in saturated fats and cholesterol.

• Reduce your risk of certain illnesses – research suggests that vegetarians have a lower risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer.

• Animal welfare – by adopting a vegetarian lifestyle, you are doing your bit to stop animal suffering. It’s well known that farmed animals are kept in abhorrent conditions, and by declining to purchase meat you are contributing to their freedom.

• Environmental impact – Going vegetarian has a big impact on the environment. Livestock farming has been linked to high levels of carbon dioxide emissions, water pollution, and deforestation. What’s more, vegetarian food requires fewer resources to produce than meat and fish.

• Other positive effects – Eating a diet rich in plant-based foods has great knock-on effects in terms of nutrition, physical activity, and cost.

Examples of Vegetarianism Throughout History

1. Ancient Egypt – The Ancient Egyptians were noted for their vegetarianism, especially in the confines of religious life. Ingredients such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, fruits and vegetables were staples of their diet, as was clarified butter.

2. Ancient Greece – Various writings from this period suggest that the Greek gods and goddesses ate a diet that was completely free from animal products, with legumes and grain being their main source of sustenance.

3. Ancient Rome – The vegetables that were imported to Ancient Rome from Egypt, Greece, Africa and later, India, were the main foods eaten by the Romans. It was said that in the Roman aristocracy, it was not considered fashionable to eat animal products, as it was more in line with their philosophy of harmony between man and nature.

4. India – Gandhi famously championed a vegetarian lifestyle for religious reasons, and it is estimated that there are over 374 million vegetarians in India at this time. Vegetarianism is a major part of Hinduism, with the gods being said to favor those who follow a diet of fruit, vegetables and nuts over those who consume animal products.

5. China – Chinese Buddhism has a long history of vegetarianism and the practice of abstaining from all animal products is observed by many Buddhists, especially during religious festivals.

It is clear that vegetarianism has a long-standing history in many cultures, and continues to be an important part of many spiritual and philosophical beliefs. Many famous figures throughout history have chosen to adopt a vegetarian diet, and the reasons for this are numerous. The health and environmental benefits are becoming more and more profound, and with the projected rise in the number of vegetarians, it looks like this centuries-old lifestyle choice is here to stay.