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