The Basics Of Vegetarianism

Interesting, it is, that these days the word vegetarian is a word which no longer has a clear meaning. Some use it for describing their lifestyle and beliefs, but all in all vegetarian is a blanket term used to describe a person who does not consume meat of any kind.

Therefore vegetarian is someone who avoids meat and they may avoid products derived from animals too which equals with strict vegetarianism, called a veganism (they are severely avoiding any product, eatable or nonfood, which are derived from animals). One final reason to be vegetarian is the animal rights aspect.

Some vegetarians consume animal derived product, these are called:

1.) Ovo-lacto vegetarians: they consume eggs and milk;
2.) Ovo-vegetarians: they consume eggs;
3.) Lacto-vegetarians: they consume milk.

Also, there exists a strict subcategory of vegetarians: the vegans, which differ from all the other types of vegetarians as they eat nothing but plant based foods. They don’t even consume eggs or dairy;

- they eat beans, grains and soy products for source of daily protein;
- they eat broccoli sunflower seeds, kale, dried figs in order to provide their body with calcium.

The shocking fact is that vegetarians are healthier than non vegetarians, because they only eat vegetables, in some cases dairy, and according to epidemiological studies, they are 50% less likely to die from cancer, heart disease, and they even have a lower risk for osteoporosis. That’s right osteoporosis; vegetarians have learned to eat wisely, they know that nutrients, protein, calcium and minerals, can be gained from several vegetables, legumes (beans lentils and nuts etc…).

But remember, cutting out meat from your meals isn’t going to make you healthier, you have to try to avoid junk-food too. There are some unhealthy vegetarians too, called "junk-food vegetarians". While they don't eat meat, some will eat potato chips, French fries, and snack foods. We all know that eating junk food can cause you more harm then good.

Another fact is that vegans and vegetarians are less likely to get diabetes, to have gall bladder problems and gallstones, or to have cholesterol and high blood pressure problems.

Vegetarians are also less inclined to obesity; being vegetarian is actually very contributive to an athletic lifestyle.

All in all if you have some health problems you should try the vegetarian diet which is very good for your health. If you want to get healthy one place to start is by giving up all meat, reduce stress and take a walk in the park once in a while.

Jorge Reis is the author of how to plan a vegetarian meal and how to serve food.

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