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