National Vegetarian Week

In the midst of the recent food production crises (foot-and-mouth and BSE), more people are turning to vegetarianism for health reasons as well as taking a stand against cruelty.

The rewards of vegetarianism are many. Vegetarians are usually slim (but not always), and certainly have low cholesterol.

They have fewer menopausal symptoms, reduction in cancers, diabetes, diverticulitus, and other diseases, and rarely get food poisoning.

Vegetarians basically replace meat, fish, and poultry with nuts, lentils, and beans (including soya/tofu). Everything else is eaten, including milk, cheese, eggs, and desserts.

Butter is usually replaced with vegetable margarines and olive oil, and more focus is place on wholegrains, pastas, herbs, spices, and seeds.

Nowadays, supermarkets stock readymade vegetarian meals and a variety of tinned beans and pulses.

Vegetarian food is healthy, varied, and tasty, and doesn't need to cost a fortune. If you'd like to learn more, or are interested in joining a group, contact Worcester & Herefordshire Vegetarian Info Centre (part of the Vegetarian Society), Martley, 01886-888433, or email johnandapril@skinner99.fsnet.co.uk

APRIL SKINNER,

Martley,

Worcester.