Anda Upbhog Swasthya Ya Rog

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Anda Upbhog Swasthya ya Rog" by Sadhviratna Pushpavatiji M., extracted from the provided PDF:

The article "Anda Upbhog: Swasthya ya Rog!" (Egg Consumption: Health or Disease!) by Sadhviratna Pushpavatiji M. strongly argues against the consumption of eggs, labeling it as a detrimental and disease-causing substance. The author addresses the pervasive and misleading advertising promoting eggs as a health food, countering popular slogans like "Sunday ho ya Monday, roz khao ande" (Whether it's Sunday or Monday, eat eggs daily) with opposing ones such as "Sunday ho ya Monday, kabhi na khao ande" (Whether it's Sunday or Monday, never eat eggs).

The central arguments presented are:

1. Lack of Nutritional Superiority:

• The article debunks the long-held belief that eggs are highly nutritious. It claims that eggs are actually less nutritious than many other vegetarian foods.
• Protein Content: Eggs contain only 13.3% protein, whereas lentils (especially masoor dal) have 25%, fenugreek (methi) 26.2%, soybeans 43.2%, and peanuts 31.5%. The author asserts that eggs are a second-class source of protein, inferior to the first-class protein found in natural vegetarian products.
• Carbohydrates and Calcium: Eggs entirely lack carbohydrates, which are essential for the body. While often touted for calcium, the author states that the amount of calcium and B-2, B-12 vitamins in eggs is negligible compared to milk.
• Energy Yield: Contrary to popular belief, eggs provide less energy than other common foods. 50 grams of egg yields 86.5 kilocalories, while the same amount of wheat flour yields 176.5, coriander 144, fenugreek 156.5, and lentils 170. Peanuts provide almost four times the energy of eggs.

2. Unnatural and Unsuitable Food Source:

• The author emphasizes that eggs are fundamentally created for the purpose of animal reproduction, not for human consumption. Scientists believe their internal structure is designed for procreation.
• Consuming eggs is considered an unnatural act that disrupts the natural cycle of life. It is seen as a regression towards a primitive state and a detriment to human civilization.

3. Health Hazards and Diseases:

• Cholesterol: Eggs are described as a "treasury of deadly cholesterol." Excess cholesterol in the body leads to serious health issues like narrowing of arteries, disrupted blood flow, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The article cites a study suggesting that egg-eating heart patients have a 10% higher mortality rate than vegetarian heart patients.
• Salt Content: Eggs contain a significant amount of invisible salt (sodium), which can cause various health disturbances.
• Digestibility and Intestinal Problems: The article claims that the excess protein in eggs is indigestible and can cause muscles to stiffen. It states that egg consumption can lead to intestinal putrefaction ("putrefaction" is mentioned as a medical term for this), and potentially colon cancer.
• Vitamin and Mineral Imbalance: Beyond the lack of carbohydrates and calcium, eggs are also deficient in iron, iodine, and Vitamin A, making them unsuitable for balanced human development.
• Bacterial Contamination: Eggs can become contaminated and harmful even before consumption. The porous shell (with over 15,000 pores) allows bacteria to enter and cause spoilage. The article mentions an outbreak in Britain caused by Salmonella Enteritidis bacteria, which led to many deaths and the destruction of millions of eggs and chickens.
• Neurological Disorders: Egg consumption can lead to neurological problems like epilepsy or paralysis.

4. Societal and Ethical Concerns:

• The author expresses dismay at the propagation of egg consumption in a country like India, which is known for its principle of non-violence (ahimsa).
• The article criticizes the commercial interests that promote eggs through deceptive advertising, trapping consumers and leading them to illness.
• It calls for creating public awareness against egg consumption, suggesting that warning labels, similar to those on cigarettes, should be mandated on eggs.
• The author urges ahimsavadis (advocates of non-violence) to take on the responsibility of campaigning against egg consumption, viewing it as a crucial duty akin to preventing the "slaughter of embryos" (a metaphorical comparison to the consumption of unfertilized eggs).

In conclusion, the article "Anda Upbhog: Swasthya ya Rog!" strongly advocates for the complete abandonment of egg consumption, portraying it as a harmful, unnatural, and disease-inducing food that is detrimental to individual health and societal well-being. It calls for a collective effort to educate the public and foster a aversion towards eggs to promote a healthier and more ethical lifestyle.