Primarily, the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) that originates from the teachings of the Vedas is important for humans to follow, as well as the health benefits of a purely vegetarian lifestyle.
At Ojas we serve a pure vegetarian menu, with options for vegans and those with a gluten intolerance.
We also source the best traditional ingredients available including many organic, and avoid the use of refined sugars, flours and oils – which are poor for a healthy diet.
What about dairy?
Traditionally Ayurveda recommends the use of dairy such as cow’s milk and ghee (clarified butter) in appropriate proportions, but the quality of that milk is important. Modern commercial dairy has many hormones present, and is pasteurised by extreme heat treatment and often homogenised which is bad for digestion – whereas traditionally milk would be boiled to eliminate bacteria and served warm and spiced with turmeric and similar spices aiding digestion.
The reason many people are turning away from dairy is from the adulterated milk we now mostly have available that’s the cause of many health problems, and the often cruel methods of obtaining the milk from mother cow. Ideally the milk should be ‘ahimsa’ or as cruelty free as possible, and although rare to find in modern society we endeavour to bring the closest produce to that standard that we can.
By creating a demand for ethical dairy the cows can be benefitted by living peaceful lives in what are sanctuaries for loved and cared for animals – and allow them to offer their service alongside their fellow humans.
Mother Cow is considered extremely sacred in Vedic culture