| Today we are finding that more and more people | | | | When it comes to following a healthy vegetarian diet |
| are choosing a vegetarian lifestyle. With so much | | | | many have benefited from lower cholesterol levels, |
| information available on the internet, television and | | | | blood pressure and weight loss. It can also lessen the |
| magazines advocating the health benefits of a | | | | risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. |
| vegetarian lifestyle, and with more people becoming | | | | The high intake of fibre associated with being a |
| concerned over chemicals and preservatives being | | | | vegetarian can also reduce the risk of colon cancer, |
| added to chicken, beef and lamb, more people are | | | | diabetes and stroke. |
| choosing to eat organic and raw foods to avoid | | | | A vegetarian's essential diet consists of: |
| these harsh chemicals that have now also been linked | | | | 1. Eating protein that is found in eggs, dairy and soy |
| to certain cancers. | | | | milk products. |
| Here are some reasons why the switch is made: | | | | 2. Increasing their Vitamin C intake by eating iron rich |
| 1. They may dislike the taste of meat and prefer the | | | | foods such as green leafy vegetables and whole |
| taste of vegetarian food. | | | | grains in the readily absorbed iron form. |
| 2. Have concern for animal welfare. | | | | 3. Eating foods rich in Zinc such as nuts, seeds, |
| 3. Religious beliefs. | | | | legumes, cheese, eggs and cereals. |
| 4. Growing up in a vegetarian family | | | | 4. Eating foods that are fortified with Vitamin B12 |
| 5. Meat can be too expensive to buy | | | | and Omega 3 fatty acids. |
| 6. Feelings of heaviness after eating meat | | | | These are just some of the health benefits |
| 7. Environmental concerns | | | | associated with being a vegetarian, but for anyone |
| 8. The health benefits of being a vegetarian and | | | | thinking of becoming a vegetarian one first needs to |
| avoiding certain diseases such as cancer and heart | | | | seek professional advice from an accredited |
| disease | | | | practising dietitian, especially woman who are thinking |
| 9. Their favourite celebrity is a vegetarian | | | | of becoming pregnant. |
| 10. To be different from their peers | | | | |