Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism is on rise. More and more people are becoming aware of the health benefits of being a vegetarian. The vegetarian foods and diet have numerous health benefits.

The details on vegetarian types, vegetarian health benefits, serving size and food substitutes for vegetarians are given below.

Vegetarian Health Benefits | Vegetarian Nutrition | Vegetarian Types | Food Serving Size | Food Substitute | Vegetarian Food Pyramid | Non-vegetarian foods in Vegetarian Meals | Vegetarian Diet

Because a vegetarian diet is rich in dietary fiber, it is good protection against diseases like coronary heart diseases, cancer of intestinal tract, piles, obesity, diabetes, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, hiatus hernia, dental caries and gallstones.

1. Natural detox
   A vegetarian diet helps cleanse the body's system because it is rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. Dietarty fiber is very good for digestion. A diet containing only fish, eggs and mutton is a poor source of fiber.
2. Longevity
   Vegetarians may live a longer life because the vegetarian diet good for lower blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol levels, heart, keep body fit.
   Phytonurtients present in vegetarian diet are good for preventing diabetes, cancer, stroke, kidney disease and bone loss .
3. Boosts cardio-vascular health
   A vegetarian diet consisting of whole grains, legumes, vegetables, nuts, and fruits boosts cardio-vascular health.
4. Cancer
   A diet of green leafy vegetables and fruits have beneficial effects on cancers of the colon and rectum.
5. Strong bones
   Eating excessive meat can lead to protein overload which can interfere with the absorption of calcium, tax kidneys, and body can extract existing calcium from the bones. The calcium excretion is rare amongst vegetarians.
6. Good for teeth
7. Good for skin
   Vegetables and fruits such as beetroot, tomato, pumpkin, bitter gourd, guava, apples, pears and peaches are good for skin.
8. Carbohydrate deficiency & Digestion
   Meats rich in fat and proteins are difficult to digest. On the otherhand, complex carbohydrates in vegetarian foods are digested gradually.
   A non-vegetarian diet lacks in carbohydrates which can lead to ketosis making the body breaking down fat as a source of energy.
9. Controlling Weight
   Eating vegetarian foods like whole grains, vegetables, nuts, fruits, legumes, lowers obesity.

Vegetarian Nutrition

Many people think that a vegetarian diet is not a balanced diet and it lacks in protein and calcium. This is not true and is a misconceptions. Infact, vegetarian diets provide complex carbohydrates, protein and minerals. Foods like lentils, beans, tofu, nuts, seeds and wholegrains are good sources of protein. Many common foods, such as whole-grain bread, greens, potatoes, and corn, quickly add to protein intake. Many green leafy vegetables are a good source of iron and calcium. That is why osteoporosis, which results from calcium deficiency symptoms, is less common amongst vegetarians. Vegetarians get dequate amount of protein from fruits, vegetables, grains and lentils/legumes.

Visit the following pages to know details on vegetarin types, vegetarian serving sizes, vegetarian food pyramid and related topics.

1. Lacto vegetarian
   A vegetarian who eats all dairy products but no eggs.
2. Lacto-ovo-vegetarian
   A vegetarian who eats both dairy products and eggs. This is the common type of vegetarians.
3. Semi vegetarian
   Eats less meat than average person.
4. Demi vegetarian
   A person who eats no or little meat but may eat fish.
5. Vegan
   A vegetarian who does not eat any animal products. Some vegans even do not use animal products such as wool, leather shoes, belt, & jacket, honey. Some vegans do not use animal tested products such as some shampoos and cosmetics.
6. Non dairy
   A vegetarian who does not have enough percentage of milk fat in their diet.
7. Fruitarian
   A vegetarian who only eats foods that don't kill the plant (apples & oranges can be picked without killing plant, carrots and potatoes cannot) and consumes mainly raw fruit, grains and nuts.
8. Pescetarian
   A vegetarian who also consumes fish.

Know are the serving sizes? How many bread slices make one serving?