Vegetarian Diet (Page 1of 3)

Introduction

Vegetarian diets are not new. Accounts of these diets date from 2,000 BC. Some vegetarian diets might be more healthful than the conventional diet. Numerous studies have found meat consumption linked to an increase risk for heart disease and other degenerative disorders, whereas a vegetarian diet reduces heart disease risk. The higher intake characteristic of the vegetarian diet also improves glucose tolerance in diabetics and lowers blood pressure. Finally, vegetarian diets tend to be low in sugar, whereas the high sugar intake characteristic of American diets is possibly linked to an increased risk for heart disease and cancer.

Type of Diets

The vegetarian diet is actually a blanket term for a variety of diets. The vegan diet is the most restrictive and includes only foods of plants origin, such as nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes. The lacto vegetarian diet includes all the foods included in vegan diet, plus dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt. The lacto-ovo diet includes all of the above foods plus eggs. People who consume beef, chicken or fish are not considered vegetarians.

Careful Planning

A vegetarian diet, whether it be vegan, lacto vegetarian, or lacto-ovo vegetarian, can supply all the necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins and other nutrients essential to health, if careful planning is followed. The more restricted the diet the more likely nutrient deficiencies will result, especially in pregnant and lactating women and small children. Deficiencies will also exist in those with disease.

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