Many religions around the world stress the importance of showing mercy to animals and respect for the planet.
Here are just a few religions that have made statements in support of what we now call avegetarian diet.
But it is interesting to consider how plant-based eating has long appealed across time periods and ideologies.
Vegetarianism has a strong tradition in Judaism, as the original design for the Garden of Eden.
TheBook of Danielis also viewed as showing religious support for vegetarianism.
Of the many branches of Christianity, the strongest support for vegetarianism comes from the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Founder Ellen White was vegetarian, andlacto-ovo-vegetarianism1is promoted in this denomination.
Research on followers of this religion has been helpful in demonstrating betterhealth and lifespanin those adhering to plant-based diets.
Islam stresses kindness, mercy and compassion for animals.
Vegetarianism is viewed as a dailysadhana, or spiritual practice, by manyHindus.
There is also a strong tradition of vegetarianism in Buddhism.
In some Sutras, Buddha stressed that followers should not eat meat or fish.
Many Buddhist monks are strict vegetarians.
Jains believe in abstaining from meat and honey and avoiding harming harming any living creaturesincluding insects.
Dr. Joel Kahnis the founder of theKahn Center for Cardiac Longevity.
He is owner ofGreenSpace Cafein Ferndale, Michigan.
