High on Health: More usable protein is found in a teaspoon of Tofu or soyabean than in an average meat serving! Contrary to popular belief every necessary nutrient for your optimal functioning can be obtained from plant food without need for extra supplements.

Damage control: ‘No meat' means no low-saturated fat and cholesterol. With stress and strain adding to heart risks in today's world, it makes better sense to stick to veggies. Animal foods, high in sodium, make the body retain water in blood and lead to a build up of plaque in arteries-a perfect recipe for high blood pressure. Cancer incidence too is significantly lower in groups that omit meat, suggest studies. ‘Go green' also to keep kidney stones, gall stones, diabetes and multiple sclerosis at bay. Excess protein in diet leaches calcium from bones and research indicates average bone loss for a non-vegetarian is double that of a veggie!

Elixir of youth: High in phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre, a diet rich in vegetable and fruits strengthens the immune system and keeps you strong. An anti-ageing diet is high in complex carbohydrates, low in protein and fat. Green leafy vegetables and wheat grass help minimise free radical load in body, decelerating the ageing process. Garlic and ginseng abound in anti-ageing properties.

Flab fighter: Veggies increase their fibre intake manifold. Not only does this prevent absorption of fat, it also helps you fill up faster so scope for binge-ing on high cal stuff decreases.

De-tox: The best way to detox is to replace meat and dairy produce with fresh fruit and veggies. Giving up meat helps purge the body of toxins.

Eco friendly: Go green and be planet friendly. On an average 10 kg of vegetable protein goes into the production of one kg of meat. If everybody converts to vegetarianism, hunger can be entirely wiped off from the globe,feel some!

Live longer: According to William Castelli, Director of the Framingham Heart Study vegetarians outlive other people by six years. The China Health Study also supports these findings.

Satisfaction Guaranteed: Healthy and wholesome, most vegetarians confess to feeling content and energetic, not stuffed, sluggish and sleepy post meals.

Body care: Naturopaths say the animal instinct becomes more powerful in humans each time they eat meat. It is believed the process undergone by the body to digest meat robs it of more energy than it contributes. Our hands, teeth, feet, intestinal tract, even our body chemistry is closer to herbivores, admit anthropologists.

Clear conscience: This is the best payback. Animal cruelty is the best reason to turn vegetarian. The only remaining justification for killing animals for food is convenience and pleasure. In a sensitive society, are these vacant excuses cause enough to continue?