World Vegetarian Day is dedicated to all who do not eat meat! Many people around the world care deeply about the lives of animals and hope that society will follow their example. Currently, there are an estimated 1.5 billion vegetarians on the planet, If their beliefs and values resonate with you, consider joining the movement on October 1st!
History
World Vegetarian Day was founded by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS) in 1971. Since then, the number of vegetarians has grown exponentially. Vegetarian diets are not only considered to be much healthier than those that include animal products, they are also proven to be beneficial in preventing the formation of cancer cells, improving metabolism, and eliminating cardiovascular diseases. Studies have even shown that a vegetarian diet can add 13 years of healthy life to your lifespan – with the largest concentration of centenarians being found on the islands of Okinawa, who are all vegetarians, consuming mainly fish and, in some cases, pork.
Interesting facts
I’m sure you didn’t know that:
- Pythagoras was one of the most famous vegetarians.
- Leonardo da Vinci advocated for the rejection of animal food, stating that man is not God and does not have the right to kill.
- Scientific studies have found that vegetarians get almost the same amount of protein as people who consume meat.
- In India, more than 80% of people do not eat meat.
- Vegetarian diets are known to reduce the risk of cataracts by 40%.
- Most people believe vegetarian diets to be tasteless. This is not the case – there are plenty of delicious dishes that you can try!
How to take part
On World Vegetarian Day, you don’t have to commit to becoming a vegetarian right away. Take time to do your research – read scientific papers, chat with vegetarians, and even conduct your own experiment. Try giving up meat for a month and take notes on your feelings – this can help you make an informed decision.
When is World Vegetarian Day in 2023?
World Vegetarian Day is observed on October 1 each year.
Observations
| Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
| Sunday | October | 1 | 2023 |
| Tuesday | October | 1 | 2024 |
| Wednesday | October | 1 | 2025 |
| Thursday | October | 1 | 2026 |
