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World Vegetarian Day 2026: From dal and rajma to paneer, soy and chana, Indian cuisine offers several vegetarian foods that can contribute protein to a varied diet. (AI photo)
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News18•01-10-2026, 07:00
Boost Your Diet: 10 Protein-Rich Vegetarian Foods for World Vegetarian Day 2026!
  • •World Vegetarian Day, observed annually on October 1, promotes awareness of vegetarianism's nutritional, environmental, and ethical benefits.
  • •Moong dal, rajma, and chana are versatile Indian staples offering significant plant-based protein and can be easily incorporated into daily meals.
  • •Soybeans, tofu, and paneer provide excellent protein and calcium, suitable for various culinary preparations from curries to snacks.
  • •Masoor dal, green peas, and sprouted pulses contribute protein and fiber, enhancing the nutritional value and variety of vegetarian diets.
  • •Peanuts offer an affordable source of protein and healthy fats, while dairy products like curd and milk are vital for lacto-vegetarians, providing protein and calcium.

Key Questions Answered

World Vegetarian Day is observed annually on October 1 to raise awareness about vegetarianism and was established in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society.

Protein-rich vegetarian options include moong dal, rajma, chana, soybeans, tofu, paneer, masoor dal, green peas, sprouted pulses, peanuts, and dairy products like curd and milk.

According to ICMR-NIN recommendations, maintaining variety and combining cereals with pulses can significantly improve the overall protein quality of a vegetarian or vegan diet.