| Our society is set up to regard meat eating as the | | | | In fact, a varied and well-balanced vegetarian diet |
| 'norm'. Those people who choose a vegetarian diet | | | | actually provides all the protein the body needs, |
| are often thought of as difficut, 'trying to be | | | | obtained by eating such things as whole grains, |
| different' or just odd. A common nutritional fallacy is | | | | beans, nuts and soy products. |
| that meat and animal products must be consumed in | | | | In fact, meat-based diets typically provide an excess |
| order to maintain a well-balanced, healthy diet. | | | | of protein, which may actually be harmful. High |
| Many people these days are finding out the many | | | | protein levels can put more strain on the kidneys. A |
| health benefits of a vegetarian diet. Additionally, | | | | leading gerontological journal reports that too much |
| many physicians and nutritionalists are prescribing and | | | | protein can cause a person to lose about 30% of |
| endorsing plant-based meals in order to promote | | | | their kidney function by the time they reach old age. |
| health, prevent and treat certain diseases, and even | | | | It can also cause systemic acidity, which the body |
| to reduce weight. There are many products now | | | | attempts to counter by leeching calcium out of the |
| becoming available in shops and supermarkets that | | | | bones, which can lead to osteoporosis. |
| contain health enhancing plant extracts.These are | | | | Becoming a vegetarian does not mean you are |
| mixed in yoghurts,spreads and cheeses, to specifically | | | | limited to eating carrots, fruit and nuts. There are |
| lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, | | | | many types of vegetarians that eat meatless diets in |
| enhance energy levels and boost immune systems. | | | | a variety of combinations. Some of the more |
| Who knows what other benefits are just around the | | | | common types include; |
| corner in plant extracts. | | | | Lacto vegetarians, who do not eat meat or eggs, |
| Although vegetarianism may seem like a modern idea, | | | | but do eat dairy products such as milk and cheese. |
| in reality, its health benefits have been known for | | | | Lacto-ovo vegetarians do not eat meat, but will eat |
| many years in cultures around the world. India and | | | | dairy products and eggs. |
| the far east make up the largest percentage of the | | | | Ovo vegetarians do not eat meat or dairy products, |
| world's vegetarians, both for health and spiritual | | | | but will eat eggs. |
| reasons. One group of people, the Hunza, who live | | | | Vegans do not eat meat, dairy products, eggs, or |
| near the Himalaya's have a diet which is exclusively | | | | any animal products at all. |
| vegetarian. Members of their community reportedly | | | | There are many medical and health organizations that |
| often live to be over 100 years of age. | | | | promote, endorse, and support people on a path |
| The American Dietetic Association say that the | | | | toward changing their dietary lifestyle to one that |
| benefits of a vegetarian diet can include; | | | | includes more plant-based foods. There is a lot of |
| Lower cholesterol levels | | | | information on the internet, as well as through |
| Lower levels of saturated fats | | | | medical providers and vegetarian organizations. |
| Lower body fat | | | | Numerous books and articles are easily found. |
| Reduced rates of heart disease | | | | Many restaurants, grocery stores and supermarkets |
| Lower blood pressure | | | | now provide meals and products to vegetarians, |
| Lower incidence of type-2 diabetes | | | | making it simpler to choose this healthy lifestyle. |
| Lower instances of certain cancers | | | | Remember that at the end of the day it is your |
| Higher levels of important minerals and antioxidant | | | | decision. If you want to simply keep eating a little |
| vitamins | | | | meat, while exploring deeper into the vegetarian side, |
| Obesity is one of the major health concerns in the | | | | then do that. Don't worry about the 'purists'. There is |
| western world. It can be addressed with a vegetarian | | | | no law to say you cannot eat a little meat, fish or |
| diet, one that eliminates excess protein and animal | | | | chicken along the way - it's your life and your choice. |
| fat consumption, and increases fiber in the form of | | | | Once you start eating more vegetarian food though, |
| fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Those who | | | | many people find they start to lose their taste for |
| consume a vegetarian diet tend to maintain a lower | | | | meat. The main thing is to enjoy the food and feel |
| body mass index (BMI), which significantly aids in the | | | | healthier by doing so. |
| treatment and management of other chronic illnesses | | | | On a final note, consider using either all organic |
| such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure | | | | vegetables and fruit, or at least as much as you can |
| and diabetes. A lower BMI is an aim of anyone | | | | source. Organic produce really makes a great deal of |
| looking to improve their general health, whether by | | | | difference to the taste and texture, and you have |
| diet, exercise, or preferably both. | | | | the security of mind that what you are eating is free |
| One question often asked by those considering a | | | | of pesticides and other chemicals. More information |
| vegetarian diet is; "Will I get enough protein? This is | | | | on this will be found in the next article, or on our |
| certainly a valid question, as protein is necessary for | | | | web site. |
| the building, maintenance and function of all body cells. | | | | |