Advantages Of A Vegetarian Diet

Objectives:

Ð'* To discuss what vegetarian diet is?

Ð'* To discuss the types of vegetarian diet.

Ð'* To know some myths and facts about vegetarian diet.

Ð'* To know the proper age that you can be a vegetarian and people you can consult or give you some advice.

Ð'* To identify the celebrities that are vegetarians.

In pursuit of good health, you've made exercise a part of your daily life. You get plenty of rest. And you try to eat nutritious foods to help you maintain a healthy weight. But could you do better? How about a vegetarian diet or a modified diet that puts plant based foods such as whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits on center stage? Are there additional health benefits to be had?

Vegetarian- One who practices vegetarianism.

A herbivore.

What is a vegetarian?

Vegetarians are people who choose not to eat meat. This includes all animal meat, poultry, and fish. Many vegetarians also avoid other animal products such as gelatin, rennet (used in making cheese), and animal fats.

Vegetarians that include eggs and dairy products in their diets are known as ovo-lacto vegetarians. People who do not eat any animal product (including honey) are called vegans. Semi- or partial-vegetarians sometimes eat meat (usually poultry or fish).

Diet- The usual food and drink of a person or animal.

A regulated selection of foods, as for medical reasons or cosmetic weight loss.

Types of Vegetarian Diet

Lacto-ovovegetarian. This diet includes eggs, milk, and milk products, such as cheese and yogurt. No red meat, fish, or poultry is eaten.

Lactovegetarian. Milk and milk products are allowed. No eggs meat, fish, or poultry is eaten.

Vegan. The only foods eaten are from plant sources. No foods from any animal source or with ingredients from an animal source are eaten.

Pescovegetarian. Fish is part of this diet. No red meat or poultry is eaten.

Pollovegetarian. Chicken is included in this diet. No red meat or fish is eaten.

Semi or demivegetarian. Meat is avoided for the most part, but maybe eaten on rare occasion.

Some myths and facts about Vegetarian Diet

Myth: Vegetarians, especially vegans, don't get enough protein in their diet.

Fact: Meat and dairy products are far from the only sources of dietary protein. There are many good nonmeat sources of protein, including lentils and beans; soy products, such as seasoned veggie burgers, tofu and fermented soy (tempeh) nuts and nut butters, and whole-grain breads and cereals. Eating a variety of vegetable proteins in a day can supply all of the protein required for a healthy diet.

Myth: Without meat, which is a rich source of iron, anemia can be a problem for vegetarians.

Fact: Meats are not the only source of iron in foods. Nonmeat iron sources include beans, peas, whole-grain breads, spinach, raisins, apricots, peaches, nuts, seeds, and iron-fortified cereals. Eating foods rich in vitamin C at the same time as these foods helps our body better absorb iron.

Myth: A vegetarian diet is low in fat.

Fact: That depends on what you choose to eat.

Vegetarian at any age

A plant-based diet can be healthy for young and old alike as long as overall food choices are made with some care. Older adults tend to consume fewer calories in general, and children and adolescents have special needs for growth development.

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