Vegetarian Health Benefits
By
Michael T Balducci
Have you ever thought about becoming
a vegetarian? Did you wonder about the benefits of being vegetarian? As we age,
our bodies change. Have you also noticed that health food stores are everywhere
- from the small local stores to the large food chain? So wondering about the
benefits of being a vegetarian is a natural progression for most people.
Becoming a Vegetarian
Becoming a vegetarian / vegan is a
choice. Depending on what you choose to include and exclude from your diet,
there are 5 main categories of vegetarianism
1. Ovovegetarian- this
includes the consumption of eggs but not dairy products
2. Lactovegetarian-
this includes dairy products but not eggs.
3. Ovo-lactovegetarian(or lacto-ovo
vegetarian) - this is a combination and includes animal/dairy products such
as eggs, milk, and honey.
4. Vegan- this
excludes all animal flesh and animal products, including milk, honey, and eggs,
and may also exclude any products tested on animals, or any clothing from
animals.
5. Raw vegan - this
includes only eating fresh and uncooked fruit, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.
What are the Vegetarian Heath
Benefits?
Also studies have shown a positive
link between eating a vegetarian diet and a reduced risk for multiple chronic
diseases. In fact, the American Dietetic
Association (ADA) affirms that, "appropriately planned vegetarian diets
are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and provide health benefits in the
prevention and treatment of certain diseases."
