CULTURE, RELIGION, DIET AND NUTRITION



Culture, Religion, Diet And Nutrition

Culture, Religion, Diet And Nutrition

Introduction

Diet is a part of religious principles and practice. The link between body, mind and spirit differs largely amongst religions. Some doctrines prescribe food and drink, while others offer choice. Some religious ceremonies and observances may require fasting or communal meals.

The typical n diet is affected by several factors. The climate of is generally harsh, which has greatly shaped the kinds of foods that can be obtained, limiting many healthy choices. Traditional cooking appliances, which often double as a source for heat, have an influence on the type of foods that are prepared. Religion has also impacted the choices of what is consumed and when.

Fasting and Food Deprivation

Physical denial can be seen as a path to enlightenment. Ascetics limit themselves to basic foods and few or charitable meals. Many Native Americans fast during vision quests, to induce visions and commune with the spirit world. Sikhs fast only for medical reasons. Some religious practitioners fast to transform the body (Hinduism), purify or cleanse (Hatha Yoga), live simply and non-selfishly (Taoism) or for self-discipline and health (Vinaya Buddhism). Fasting on holidays and observances brings one closer to Allah (Muslim Ramadan) or God (Bahá'í Ala), offers repentance (Jewish Yom Kippur) or purgation, penitence and self-denial (Christian Lent). In Jainist Santhara, starving to death is a process of surrendering earthly desire.

Vegetarian and Vegan

Some religions restrict or prohibit meat and dairy products. Many Hindus practice vegetarianism to prevent harming living creatures and for karmic reasons. Jainists are vegan as an expression of non-violence. Orthodox Christians often abstain from eating "impure" meat, dairy, oil, alcohol and fish.Some religions prescribe vegetarian diets for health. According to the German Cancer Research Center, vegetarians tend to live longer, have fewer health problems, better digestion and enjoy greater energy than meat eaters. Vegetarian diet are also common in areas where resources and refrigeration are scarce.Almost all religions have vegetarian sects. Pagans and some New Age sects eat in accordance with the natural world to sustain the environment, to protect animal rights, improve local ecology and encourage a peaceful lifestyle. They prefer fresh, seasonal fare and farm-raised meat, but are increasingly vegan.

Pure Diet

Some religions mandate pure diet: nourishment created for pure use. Food is prepared without artificial additives and eaten in natural forms (raw or lightly cooked). Meals are light and portions moderate. Food ...