Vegetarian

The vegetarian diet has gained widespread popularity in recent years.Many people make the switch to a vegetarian diet because of the potential health benefits. Vegetarian eating patterns have been associated with improved health outcomes including lower levels of obesity, a reduced risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure. Also, vegetarians tend to consume a lower proportion of calories from fat and fewer overall calories, and more fibre, potassium and vitamin C than non-vegetarians. These characteristics, plus lifestyle factors, may contribute to the health benefits among vegetarians.

The vegetarian diet involves abstaining from eating meat, fish and poultry. People often adopt a vegetarian diet for religious or personal reasons, as well as ethical issues, such as animal rights.

Others decide to become vegetarian for environmental reasons, as livestock production increases greenhouse gas emissions, contributes to climate change and requires large amounts of water, energy and natural resources. There are several forms of vegetarianism, each of which differs in their restrictions. The most common types include: Lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet: Eliminates meat, fish and poultry but allows eggs and dairy products.

Lacto-vegetarian diet: Eliminates meat, fish, poultry and eggs but allows dairy products. Ovo-vegetarian diet: Eliminates meat, fish, poultry and dairy products but allows eggs. Pescatarian diet: Eliminates meat and poultry but allows fish and sometimes eggs and dairy products. Vegan diet: Eliminates meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products, as well as other animal-derived products, such as honey.

Flexitarian diet: A mostly vegetarian diet that incorporates occasional meat, fish or poultry. Most people who follow a vegetarian diet don’t eat meat, fish or poultry. Other variations involve the inclusion or exclusion of eggs, dairy and other animal products.

Health Benefits

Vegetarian diets are associated with a number of health benefits. In fact, studies show that vegetarians tend to have better diet quality than meat-eaters and a higher intake of important nutrients like fibre, vitamin C, vitamin E and magnesium. A vegetarian diet may provide several other health boosts as well.

May Enhance Weight Loss Switching to a vegetarian diet can be an effective strategy if you’re looking to lose weight. In fact, one review of 12 studies noted that vegetarians, on average, experienced 4.5 more pounds (2 kg) of weight loss over 18 weeks than non-vegetarians. Similarly, a six-month study in 74 people with type 2 diabetes demonstrated that vegetarian diets were nearly twice as effective at reducing body weight than low-calorie diets.

Plus, a study in nearly 61,000 adults showed that vegetarians tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than omnivores BMI being a measurement of body fat based on height and weight.

May Reduce Cancer Risk

Some research suggests that a vegetarian diet may be linked to a lower risk of cancer — including those of the breast, colon, rectum and stomach. However, current research is limited to observational studies, which cannot prove a cause-and-effect relationship. Keep in mind that some studies have turned up inconsistent findings. Therefore, more research is needed to understand how vegetarianism may impact cancer risk.

May Stabilize Blood Sugar

Several studies indicate that vegetarian diets may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. For instance, one review of six studies linked vegetarianism to improved blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Vegetarian diets may also prevent diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar levels in the long term. According to one study in 2,918 people, switching from a non-vegetarian to a vegetarian diet was associated with a 53% reduced risk of diabetes over an average of five years.

Promotes Heart Health

Vegetarian diets reduce several heart disease risk factors to help keep your heart healthy and strong. One study in 76 people tied vegetarian diets to lower levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol — all of which are risk factors for heart disease when elevated. Similarly, another recent study in 118 people found that a low-calorie vegetarian diet was more effective at reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol than a Mediterranean diet.

Other research indicates that vegetarianism may be associated with lower blood pressure levels. High blood pressure is another key risk factor for heart disease.

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