World Vegetarian Day is observed on October 1 every year. It was started by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977. The goal of this day is “To promote the joy, compassion and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism.”. The day was made to create awareness regarding a vegetarian lifestyle and how it could impact the world. The day starts the Vegetarian Awareness Month. The month ends with World Vegan Day on November 1. Fun fact! About 10 percent of the world’s population is vegetarian and has the lowest consumption of meat. World Vegetarian Day 2018: Why A Plant-Based, Vegetarian Diet May Be Healthier According to Ayurveda.

People might make fun of a vegetarian friend but a meatless lifestyle is not bad. Every day, more people vow to turn vegetarian for the benefits vegetarianism brings. International Meatless Day 2018: 9 Reasons Why Vegetarian Diet Is Healthier.

Date

Every year, October 1 is celebrated as World Vegetarian Day. The North American Vegetarian Society started the day’s celebration in the year 1977 to raise awareness on the health and environmental benefits of meatless life. Humans are capable of surviving on a diet with no meat. The NAVS focuses on educating people that living a vegetarian lifestyle is not only possible, but it is also healthier.

Significance

The day is celebrated to let people know the benefits of a vegetarian life. This is great for the environment and also the one going for vegetarianism. With just vegetarian food, the fat intake is low and this can help a person escape the risks of cardiovascular diseases. Vegetarian food is also packed with fibre and anti-oxidants properties which help fight cancer. The Academy of nutrition and diabetics believe a vegetarian diet can reduce the risk of diabetes. Vegetarians also have lower blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and lower rates of hypertension. With low cholesterol level and blood pressure, a vegetarian heart 32 percent healthier than a meat lover's heart.

So this World Vegetarian Day, drop the chicken nugget and go for broccoli instead. Celebrate this day with minor changes like, eat all vegetarian for a day, order everything from the vegetarian menu and share it with your friends and family. This is great for you, as well as the animals.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 30, 2019 04:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).