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The Truth about Vegetarian Diets
In our Western society,
a common nutritional belief is that meat and animal
products must be consumed in order to maintain a well-balanced,
muscle-building healthy diet.
Those who turn away from this traditional
way of eating and choose a vegetarian diet are often
considered "granola-head hippies"...or even
just plain odd.
But more and more people these days
are discovering the many health benefits of a vegetarian
diet. Additionally, more physicians and scientists are
prescribing and endorsing plant-based meals in order
to promote health, prevent and treat certain diseases,
and even to reduce weight.
Although vegetarianism may seem like
a modern fad, in reality, its health benefits have been
known for centuries in many cultures world-wide. India
and many Asian countries make up the largest percentage
of the world's vegetarians, both for health and spiritual
reasons. One group of people, the Hunza -- who live
near the Himalayan Mountains -- have an exclusively
vegetarian diet. Members of their community reportedly
often live to be over 100 years old.
The American Dietetic Association states
that the benefits of a vegetarian diet include: 1) lowered
cholesterol; 2) lower levels of saturated fat; 3) higher
levels of important minerals and antioxidant vitamins;
4) lower body fat; 5) lower rates of heart disease;
6) lower blood pressure; 7) lower rates of type-2 diabetes;
and 8) lower instances of some cancers.
Obesity, one of the major health concerns
in this country, can be addressed with a vegetarian
diet, one that eliminates excess protein and animal
fat consumption, and increases fiber in the form of
fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Those who consume
a vegetarian diet maintain a lower body mass index (BMI),
which significantly aids in the treatment and management
of other chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease,
hypertension and diabetes.
One common question asked by anyone
considering a vegetarian diet is: "Will I get enough
protein?” That is certainly a valid concern, as
protein is necessary for the building, maintenance and
function of all body cells. However, according the American
Dietetic Association, a varied and well-balanced vegetarian
diet provides all the protein the body needs from eating
such things as whole grains, beans, nuts and soy products.
In fact, meat-based diets typically
provide excess protein, which may actually be harmful.
A leading gerontological journal reports that too much
protein can cause a person to lose about 30% of their
kidney function by the time they become elderly. It
can also cause systemic acidity, which the body attempts
to counter by pulling calcium out of the bones. This
can, unfortunately, lead to osteoporosis.
Becoming a vegetarian does not mean
you are limited to eating celery sticks, apples and
nuts. There are many types of vegetarians that eat meatless
diets in a variety of combinations. Some of the more
common types include:
Lacto vegetarians, who do not eat meat
or eggs, but do eat dairy products such as milk and
cheese.
Lacto-ovo vegetarians do not eat meat,
but will eat dairy products and eggs.
Ovo vegetarians do not eat meat or dairy
products, but will eat eggs.
Vegans do not eat meat, dairy products,
eggs, or any animal products at all.
There are many medical and health organizations
that promote, endorse, and support people on a path
toward changing their dietary lifestyle to one that
includes more plant-based foods.
Additionally, many restaurants and grocery
stores provide meals and products to vegetarians, making
it simpler to choose this healthy lifestyle.
Research and information exists out
there on the internet, as well as through medical providers
and vegetarian organizations.
The bottom line: it's OK to be vegetarian,
and the benefits may very well enhance or even save
your life!
1howto.com
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