Foods Not Suitable for Vegetarian Consumption (Part 2)

Hi Jaxy, when I was studying Buddhism, I recall the mention of the path ahead of the 'Deity' being swept to ensure no ant or insect was stepped upon.

It strikes me if vegans are embracing "no creature shall be harmed" that most agricultural products are "Non Kosher Vegan" simply due to the wholesale slaughter of insects that goes hand in hand with raising Veg.

Secondly, insects that are not killed, (and many that are 'successfully chemically filled') end up crushed with the grapes, or hops, or potatoes, or barley, or sugar beet, or.... and so are; in the brew.

Does filtering out, or removing by a flocculant (PVPP an allergen at that) render the product "vegan"?

If so, then logically; "remove traces of animal death" makes Vegan Ok.

It struck me at the time (of study) that sweeping of ants was a construction to serve an elitist religious political agenda, as more ants would be maimed or killed by the sweepers steps and the process of sweeping, than the few who may be stepped on by the Deity.

Also that, the Deity's "food" was predicated on "carefully culled for life forms", but suppliers were not technically able to adhere to this production process life form policy - so it was basically: "donated food" was gobbled as 'PR represented".

Simple truth Vegan is utopianism and 'pure' = starve.

"Vegetarianism" = the "sentient excuse".

Or it ranks on convenience what is deemed 'intelligent'. This is right out of 16th century Biblical arrogance that "proved" Man's dominance by first "opposed thumb" then on that Fail, by "use of tools". I.e Oops - monkeys with straws and Galapagos finch. Arrogance based in ignorance.

However I seriously look forward to part 3 of this exploration of Religious, Elitist Politics, termed "vegetarianism".

It's no wonder Garthh questions the "rules" on Politics and Religion - as clearly they permeate everything - and discussion cannot be avoided.

Perhaps part 3 will include the role of zinc in nutrition?

Here in California agriculture is politics

the generally rural conservative omnivore farmers

vs

the generally urban liberal vegans

water for ag

vs

water for people

a balanced diet is healthier than an,extreme diet

what about the genetic engineering of plants? Soybeans being one of the staples of many veg diets

How do GMO's fit in the picture?

While everything may have a politic or religious approach, it is not always the approach of the original poster. My intent was to show how some common food condiments have animal products in them, not to talk about how religious vegetarians are about their diet. While I will accept some political spins (like how some food substances are illegal), I respect the rules of CR4 and hope that the members do the same.

As far as part 3, I didn't want to spoil it for you, but... there is none. Unless someone gives me a super idea for a future one. I think that your suggestion regarding the role of zinc in nutrition would probably make for an interesting blog entry, but perhaps not a part of a series on vegetarianism.

Jaxy, something you forgot to add was the acceptable concentrations of droppings and animal parts in processed fruit and vegetable products. How many maggots or rat dropping (or rats for that matter) is a vegan allowed to eat.

Something that I stressed is that there are different degrees of vegetarianism, just like there are degrees to how much you like something. It is based upon what you are comfortable eating.

Plus, I am not going into the amount of junk that is allowed to be in the human food supply, that is a blog about unsanitary food, not about vegetarianism. It is something that effects everyone, not just vegetarians or vegans.

Hi Jaxy,

This popped up in another thread you may or may not be following 32

It's interesting as BPA is a plasticizer previously linked to cancer. BPA has been falsely associated with PET (water bottles) but is used in polycarbonate containers and metal can linings.

Two areas if special interest are polycarbonate baby's bottles and canned liquid baby formula, where migration of BPA into the food is remarkably high. E.g. The best way for a busy mother to fill up the kid with BPA is, to dish-wash the bottle between feeding juice and canned liquid formula.

This of course is not just a vegan or vegetarian issue, but is industry response to facilitate a 'busy mother lifestyle choice' - just as industry is responding to the vegan and vegetarian markets - with things that suit the 'created parameters'.

Basically, if some image creation or ideology, creates a market sector, then facilitating higher prices and servicing only the superficial criteria, is easier and more profitable.

AND - the stronger the "loyalty" - the more the 'mantra' catch words, stop further inquiry, so the greater the scope for obfuscating poor outcomes.

As ideology is a substitute for knowledge - devotees make an ideal market.

Rather like "fitting" the busy mother image, down to "mineral based makeup" (dirt) "because you're worth it" - means 'you certainly are' - to them.

I.e vegetarians have to be inquiry smarter than average on hidden outcomes and vegans research geniuses, or be victims of 'to suit mantra' outcomes.

Knowledge, however, tends to undo ideology.

Like vegan/vegetarian wine, the vegan/vegetarian soy based canned liquid baby formula choice, comes with perils unquestioned due to ideology fit.

I would pay some head as to what is allowed into the human food supply as it is very much about money making in your market sector - and the 'solutions' devotees so easily accept are so poorly scrutinized.

there was a definition earlier fish eating vegetarians

what about bug & insect eaters?

Hi Jaxy,

I understand that every comments become religious and political. Humanity was and still dominated by politics and religions. Look around the world. Democratic countries are politically oppressed or dominated by politics. The remaining part of the world is dominated and oppressed by religions. People turn everything as said by one of the "Gods" and the president, premier or the chief of the army.

There is no other choice and we are fixed to turn any conversation into religious or political areas. This is the human way to talk, Gil.

NB: Don't react, just say what you want to say!

34.5 makes some very good points. I suppose it is a case of degrees. I agree that veganism or vegatarianism is akin to a religion to some, and for others a quest for perhaps a healthier body. Whether the practice is to assuage guilt for harvesting life forms for our benefit or simply to search for a healthier body there are varying degrees of orthodoxy just as there are different levels of observance in any of the religions of the world. Like any naturally occurring system, I expect to see some kind of Gaussian curve regarding the population and the degrees of adherence. Sure, there will be some fanatical participants on the fringes, but most will find a level that is accomodated fairly comfortably within a general framework of observance that is compatible with our society.

"It is up to the vegetarian's comfort zone to dictate what they feel comfortable eating.."

I agree and this applies to everybody, no matter what you eat or don't eat. It's a very personal thing. No one can tell you what satisfies you or not - only you can say whether it's to your taste or not, for any reason.

Nutritional decisions are affected by the individual's genetics, health concerns and physical needs at any point in time, also by environment and lifestyle. It is a fact that native peoples in the north lived on an almost exclusively meat diet for time out of memory. We adapt, biochemically, to optimize our main food sources. A high incidence of diabetes is reported nowadays, in native peoples who were switched to the imported diet high in carbs. A vegetarian diet is not suitable for everybody or at all times. Everyone should eat what they need to be healthy.

"There are so many wonderful foods that vegetarians can eat". I certainly agree with this. I am not restricted from enjoying vegetarian food, although to be honest, I think the awareness of plants is exquisite and profound. I don't really see the point of the belief systems that restrict animals from diet because of 'not taking life'. It gives animals importance over and above the plants, when the way I see it, it's the other way around.

Hi Art,

I agree with you that each individual most follow its tastes, needs, and wants. however, like I do, I eliminate the Glycemic Index 50 and plus food items like potatoes, corn, sugar, white, refined flour, and many others. Try to eat only the below 50s. It fits to my taste and needs and I am confortable to eat them.

No comments on genetic deviations. I am simple and don't try to find complicated explanation why something is good or bad. Don't eat beef because the coagulated cow blood we, humans, cannot digest and have hard time to eliminate from our body. The accumulation of these particles are the cause of many heart problems and other human sicknesses.

Are we sure that vegetarians are healthier than other eaters are? My grand-father died at 102 and he never selected food to eat. He just put in his mouth what was in the plate but never too full. My grand-mother, she eat everything in large volume and was 96 when fell down from a cart.

Eat what you like but be reasonnable, Gil.

Bless you. Different strokes for different folks / everyone has a right to eat (or not eat) whatever they wish. I personally do find odd, the extremes taken to avoid any hint of animal matter, given that we all have canine teeth in our mouths. Sounds almost like a religion or cult, although everyone is certainly free to believe as he/she wishes. Thanks for an interesting insight and best of luck with your diet. Rayzer