Madeleine Hull
Religious dietary laws are a set of food-related behaviours that are codified in the written religious texts and holy scriptures of a particular religion. Religious dietary laws are prevalent in almost every religion, with about 85% of people around the world identifying with a religion. While the percentage of people following religious diets varies depending on the religion and region, it is safe to say that a significant number of people base their dietary choices on their religious beliefs and teachings. For example, in India, majorities among all major religious groups follow some form of dietary restriction on meat, with Jains being the most likely to restrict meat in their diet (97%) and Muslims and Christians being the least likely (67% and 66% respectively). In another example, a study found that religious attendance and non-Christian religious affiliation were associated with higher 'health-conscious' dietary pattern scores. This indicates that religious beliefs and attendance can influence an individual's dietary choices and patterns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of people who follow a religion | 85% |
| Number of distinct religions in the world | 10,000 |
| Number of people who follow one of the four largest religions | 77% |
| Largest religion | Christianity (31%) |
| Second-largest religion | Islam (24%) |
| Third-largest religion | Hinduism (15%) |
| Fourth-largest religion | Buddhism (7%) |
| Percentage of people who follow folk or traditional religions | 6% |
| Percentage of people with no religious affiliation | 16% |
| Country with the largest Christian population | United States (11.3%) |
| Country with the largest Muslim population | Indonesia (13.1%) |
| Country with the fastest-growing population and highest fertility rate | Niger |
| Country with the least religious population | Japan |
| Religion with dietary laws prohibiting all animal foods | Hinduism and Buddhism |
| Religion with dietary laws prohibiting pork | Judaism and Islam |
| Religion with dietary guidelines for a simple and balanced diet | Sikhism |
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What You'll Learn
Religious dietary laws
Different religions have varying dietary laws and guidelines, and these can include prohibitions on specific types of meat, as well as restrictions on alcohol and other intoxicants. For example, Hindus generally avoid foods that are believed to hinder spiritual development, such as garlic and onion, and eating beef is prohibited due to the sacred status of cows. Buddhists' dietary practices vary, but many choose to be vegetarian. Seventh-Day Adventists follow a strict lacto-ovo vegetarian diet, avoiding meat, fish, poultry, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.
In Judaism and Islam, the consumption of pork is forbidden, and there are also prohibitions against eating dog and cat meat. Jewish and Islamic dietary laws also forbid the consumption of any animal products if the animal has not been properly slaughtered. In addition, Jewish dietary laws prohibit the consumption of birds of prey, while Islamic dietary rules permit the consumption of ostrich. Some Islamic scholars have also ruled that it is forbidden to eat elephants due to their classification as predatory animals.
While religious dietary laws can be a source of debate among scholars, some theories suggest that these laws are based on health and sanitation, ethnic identity, or ecological considerations. For example, the prohibition of pork in Judaism and Islam may be related to health concerns, as pigs are known to eat carrion and can be carriers of disease.
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Religious fasting
Fasting is often observed during religious festivals and significant days in the religious calendar. For example, in Christianity, Lent is a well-known period of fasting, and some Christians also fast on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year, as well as extended fasts before Christmas and Easter. In Judaism, Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day of the year, and fasting is practised as a means of repentance. Other significant fast days in the Jewish calendar include Tisha B'av, the Fast of Esther, and the Tenth of Tevet. In Islam, Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, from dawn until sunset.
Fasting is also practised in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Hindus may fast during festivals such as Maha Shivaratri, Navratri, and Karwa Chauth, as well as during the month of Shravan Maas. In Buddhism, some adherents follow a vegetarian diet, though this varies depending on the individual, sect, and country. In Jainism, the laity may fast for six days each month and three months each year.
The Baháʼí Faith also includes a Nineteen-Day Fast in March, from sunrise to sunset, during which adherents completely abstain from food and drink during daylight hours. Indigenous groups in Mesoamerica have also practised fasting as part of their ceremonial life for centuries.
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Spirituality and diet
In India, for example, majorities among all major religious groups say they follow some restrictions on meat in their diet. Jains (97%) are the most likely to restrict meat, while Muslims (67%) and Christians (66%) are the least likely. Many Hindus and Jains also say they won't eat food in places where the rules around diet are different from their own. However, Buddhists (37%), Muslims (33%) and Christians (28%) are much less likely to avoid eating in these circumstances.
In general, religious dietary laws can have an impact on nutritional status and health. For example, the prohibition of pork in Judaism and Islam, or the restriction of all animal foods in Hinduism and Buddhism, can have chronic long-term effects. The Mediterranean diet, which consists of healthy foods and is rooted in ancient traditions, overlaps with the dietary practices of various religions in the region. For instance, the classical Mediterranean triad of olive oil, wine, and bread was combined with legumes and goat milk cheeses, while meat was consumed infrequently on special occasions.
Specific spiritual or religious beliefs can also influence dietary patterns. For instance, a study in Southwest England found that religious attendance was associated with increased micronutrient intake and following recommended micronutrient intake guidelines. Pregnant women with religious beliefs were more likely to follow a traditional 'meat and two veg' diet and less likely to follow a vegetarian diet. In another example, Hindus generally avoid foods that stimulate the senses, such as garlic and onion, and believe that eating beef is prohibited as cows are sacred.
Overall, spirituality and diet are interconnected for many people, with religious beliefs and practices influencing dietary choices and potentially impacting health and nutritional outcomes.
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Religious dietary restrictions
Hinduism
Hinduism, practised by about 15% of the world's population, has dietary restrictions that vary based on region and level of religious observance. A large percentage of Hindus avoid eating beef as cows are considered sacred, but dairy products are consumed. Many Hindus also avoid garlic and onions, which are believed to stimulate the senses and hinder spiritual development. Vegetarianism is common among Hindus, especially in Northern, Central, and Western India, with regional variations, as only 18-30% of Hindus in the East, Northeast, and South follow a vegetarian diet.
Islam
Islam, the second-largest religion globally with approximately 24% of the world's population as adherents, prohibits the consumption of pork. The dietary restrictions vary based on the sect and individual interpretation, with some Muslims abstaining from certain meats or eating meat less frequently.
Christianity
Christianity, the largest religion in the world with 31% of the global population, does not have uniform dietary restrictions. Some Christian sects, like the Seventh-Day Adventists, follow a strict lacto-ovo vegetarian diet, abstaining from meat, fish, poultry, alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. However, overall, Christians are among the least likely to abide by strict dietary restrictions, with many choosing to abstain from certain meats or eating meat less frequently.
Buddhism
Buddhism, with around 7% of the world's population as followers, does not have a uniform dietary rule. Many Buddhists are vegetarian, but this varies based on individual choice, sect, and country of residence. For example, vegetarianism is rare among Tibetan and Japanese Buddhists.
Sikhism
Sikhism does not impose strict dietary laws but encourages followers to maintain a simple and balanced diet, including abstaining from intoxicants like tobacco and alcohol.
It is important to note that these descriptions are general overviews, and specific practices can vary widely within each religion. Additionally, the intersection of religion and diet is complex, with cultural, traditional, and historical factors also influencing dietary patterns.
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Religious dietary patterns
Christianity
Christianity is the most followed religion in the world, with 2.4 billion adherents. Christians in India are the least likely to abide by dietary restrictions, with about two-thirds of this group abstaining from certain meats, and 66% restricting their meat consumption in some way. In a study of pregnant women in Southwest England, religious attendance was associated with higher traditional ("meat and two veg") dietary pattern scores.
Islam
Islam is the second-largest religion, with nearly 2 billion followers. Muslims in India are more likely to restrict their meat consumption, with 67% abstaining from certain meats, and 53% abstaining from meat altogether. The prohibition of pork is a well-known example of a religious dietary law in Islam.
Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions, with 15% of the world's population identifying as Hindu. It is closely tied to dietary restrictions, with 83% of Hindus saying they are vegetarians or have restrictions on the kinds of meat they eat. Eating beef is prohibited, as cows are sacred, but dairy products are considered spiritually pure. Highly religious Hindus are more likely to be vegetarians, and vegetarianism is more common among Hindus in Northern, Central, and Western India.
Buddhism
Buddhism is the fourth-largest religion, with 7% of the world's population practising this faith. While many Buddhists are vegetarian, it is not a requirement, and it depends on individual choice, the sect they belong to, and the country they are from. Buddhists in India are less likely to restrict their meat consumption, with only 37% saying they would avoid eating in a home with different religious dietary rules.
Sikhism
Sikhism does not have strict dietary laws, but Sikhs are encouraged to maintain a simple and balanced diet, avoiding intoxicants like tobacco and alcohol.
Other Religions
Other religions with adherents following religious dietary patterns include Judaism, with its prohibition of pork, and Jainism, with 97% of Jains in India abstaining from meat either fully or partially, and 67% abstaining from root vegetables.
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Frequently asked questions
80% of Indian adults limit their meat consumption in some manner, with Jains (97%) being the most likely to restrict meat in their diet, and Muslims and Christians (66-67%) being the least likely. 44% of Hindus follow a vegetarian diet, with regional variation: 71% of Hindus in Northern India say they are vegetarian, compared to 18% in the East.
It is estimated that 85% of people around the world identify with a religion, with Christianity (31%), Islam (24%), Hinduism (15%), and Buddhism (7%) being the most common. It is unclear what percentage of these groups follow religious diets, but it is likely that a significant number do, as dietary practices are often tied to religious beliefs.
Hinduism and Buddhism are two religions that prohibit all animal foods, with Hindus abstaining from eating beef and Buddhists often choosing to be vegetarian. Seventh-Day Adventists also follow a strict vegetarian diet, with no meat, fish, poultry, alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine.
Religious dietary laws or periodic customs such as fasting can potentially alter a group's nutritional status, especially when certain food groups are prohibited. For example, the long-term effects of a vegetarian diet on health are likely to be chronic. However, data on the relationship between religious diets and nutritional status are limited.
