I have been reading the messages on this interesting subject, that has cropped up again. Here is my take on the subject.
Animals have teeth that are given by nature for eating certain types of food. For instance, herbivores, which are plant eaters, have strong and flat molars that are made for grinding vegetarian food and have small or non-existent canine teeth. As against this "Carnivores", the meat eaters of the animal world, have very prominent canine teeth for tearing meat, with limited number of molars. However "Omnivores", that eat both meat and plants, have a combination of sharp front teeth and molars for grinding.
Humans are basically "herbivores", however they have been provided two sets of Canine teeth as well to adopt non vegetarian food. Thus to that extent, we may be called "Omnivores".
The choice of food depends mostly on the availability and preference of taste.
Born in a strict vegetarian family, I am a vegetarian by upbringing. I love my food and there is no necessity for me to change my food preference.
It is my understanding that all living beings live by killing another life for food. To avoid killing, the choice is limited, except fruits all others have active or dormant life, as we notice in seeds.
Advancement of medical science has shown nourishment can be extracted chemically also.
Choice of food is a vast subject, the discussion can continue for ever.
Brahmanyan
Bangalore.