In Western culture, it's largely accepted that meat and other animal products are essential if we're to remain healthy.
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.
With that said, the number of people turning to vegetarian diets is increasing by the day. Even well respected doctors and other health related experts are starting to change their opinions, and many have also begun prescribing vegetarian meals in order to prevent and treat certain conditions, one of which is obesity.
Although the concept of vegetarianism is seen by many as being a relatively new concept, it has in fact been around for hundreds of years already. In fact, this is especially apparent in countries such as India for example, where a large percentage of the population refrain from eating meat, either for spiritual reasons or for health reasons. Interestingly enough, a group of people living near the Himalayan Mountains, known as the "Hunza", are devout vegetarians, and if reports are anything to go by, many of them live past the age of 100.
According to the American Dietetic Association, A vegetarian diet includes a number of benefits. These include: 1) reduced cholesterol; 2) reduced levels of saturated fat; 3) enhanced levels of important minerals and antioxidant vitamins; 4) lower body fat; 5) lower risk of heart disease; 6) lower blood pressure; 7) lower risk of type-2 diabetes; and 8) lower instances of several 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.
Contrary to what many believe, a meat based diet usually provides a person with too much protein, and several studies are now starting to suggest that too much protein can be detrimental to your body. In fact, one study even reports that excessive protein intake can reduce kidney function by as much as 30 % by the time you reach old age. Some health professionals also believe there's a link between protein and osteoporosis.
Contrary to what many people believe, when you become a vegetarian you don't need to limit yourself to heating only a handful of boring foods. In fact, you get different types of vegetarians, and while none of them eat meat, they do eat certain other animal products. These combinations could include the following:
Lacto vegetarians, who do not eat meat or eggs, but do eat dairy products such as milk and cheese.
Lacto-ovo vegetarians - no meat , but eggs and dairy products are consumed.
Ovo vegetarians will quite happily consume eggs, but they won't eat meat or any dairy products.
Vegans will not eat meat, eggs, dairy products, or any other kind of animal products for that matter.
Now more than ever before, there are a growing number of health organizations endorsing the benefits to be had by changing to a vegetarian diet, or at least one which contains primarily plant based foods.
Likewise, practically all restaurants and grocery stores now stock a wide range of vegetarian meals and other vegetarian foods so that people may find it easier to live a healthy lifestyle.
Anyone who takes the time to do some online research will soon discover there's a wealth of information available to them which supports a vegetarian lifestyle.
The bottom line: it's OK to be vegetarian, and the benefits may very well enhance or even save your life!
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.
With that said, the number of people turning to vegetarian diets is increasing by the day. Even well respected doctors and other health related experts are starting to change their opinions, and many have also begun prescribing vegetarian meals in order to prevent and treat certain conditions, one of which is obesity.
Although the concept of vegetarianism is seen by many as being a relatively new concept, it has in fact been around for hundreds of years already. In fact, this is especially apparent in countries such as India for example, where a large percentage of the population refrain from eating meat, either for spiritual reasons or for health reasons. Interestingly enough, a group of people living near the Himalayan Mountains, known as the "Hunza", are devout vegetarians, and if reports are anything to go by, many of them live past the age of 100.
According to the American Dietetic Association, A vegetarian diet includes a number of benefits. These include: 1) reduced cholesterol; 2) reduced levels of saturated fat; 3) enhanced levels of important minerals and antioxidant vitamins; 4) lower body fat; 5) lower risk of heart disease; 6) lower blood pressure; 7) lower risk of type-2 diabetes; and 8) lower instances of several 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.
Contrary to what many believe, a meat based diet usually provides a person with too much protein, and several studies are now starting to suggest that too much protein can be detrimental to your body. In fact, one study even reports that excessive protein intake can reduce kidney function by as much as 30 % by the time you reach old age. Some health professionals also believe there's a link between protein and osteoporosis.
Contrary to what many people believe, when you become a vegetarian you don't need to limit yourself to heating only a handful of boring foods. In fact, you get different types of vegetarians, and while none of them eat meat, they do eat certain other animal products. These combinations could include the following:
Lacto vegetarians, who do not eat meat or eggs, but do eat dairy products such as milk and cheese.
Lacto-ovo vegetarians - no meat , but eggs and dairy products are consumed.
Ovo vegetarians will quite happily consume eggs, but they won't eat meat or any dairy products.
Vegans will not eat meat, eggs, dairy products, or any other kind of animal products for that matter.
Now more than ever before, there are a growing number of health organizations endorsing the benefits to be had by changing to a vegetarian diet, or at least one which contains primarily plant based foods.
Likewise, practically all restaurants and grocery stores now stock a wide range of vegetarian meals and other vegetarian foods so that people may find it easier to live a healthy lifestyle.
Anyone who takes the time to do some online research will soon discover there's a wealth of information available to them which supports a vegetarian lifestyle.
The bottom line: it's OK to be vegetarian, and the benefits may very well enhance or even save your life!
About the Author:
Take advantage of Charles Carr's extensive cooking experience as a home cook, and what he has learn from a few master chefs by getting free access to his vegetarian guide. Also, here's a free limited report Master Chef Secrets on how you can save a ton of money on your cooking equipment.
