Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism is when someone does not eat meat or fish for religious or health reasons. Some people become vegetarians because they feel it is wrong to eat animals. Whatever the reason, vegetarian diets are becoming popular day by day, and it has been shown to have some great health benefits.

The history of vegetarianism dates back to ancient India, especially among religious groups like the Hindus and the Jains. Later, similar dietary habits were discovered among Ancient Greeks in Southern Italy and Greece. In both cases, vegetarianism was connected to the idea of nonviolence towards animals.

There are two main kinds of vegetarian diet: lacto-ovo and strict(vegan). Most vegetarians are lacto-ovo and they eat only non-animal products(fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts etc.) but do eat animal by-products like yogurt and eggs. Vegans do not eat any animal products or by-products therefore have to be very careful in what foods they must eat so they can get all the nutrients.

In terms of getting the most from the vegetarian diet, one must carefully plan to choose a number of healthy plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Together with that one must cut back on the less healthy choices like sweetened beverages, refined grains and high fat greasy foods. According to Katherine Tallmadge, RD,LD, past media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “Vegetarian diet can be one of the healthiest ways to eat, because we know plant foods are loaded with nutrients to protect our health.”

According to Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, an evidence based review showed that vegetarians had lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, lower rates of hypertension and Type 2 diabetes than meat eaters. They also have a lower body mass index, lower overall cancer rates and lower risk of chronic diseases.