There are several kinds of vegetarian diets:
- The vegan or total vegetarian diet includes only foods from plants: fruits, vegetables, legumes (dried beans and peas), grains, seeds and nuts.
- The lactovegetarian diet includes plant foods plus cheese and other dairy products exclude meat, fish, poultry and eggs.
- The ovo-lactovegetarian diet exclude meat, fish and poultry, but allow dairy products and eggs.
- The ovo-vegetarian diet exclude meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products, but allow eggs.
- Semi-vegetarians don't eat red meat but include chicken and fish with plant foods, dairy products and eggs.
 |
| Vegetarian diet pyramid |
You can follow any type of vegetarian diet but should include a wide variety of foods and enough calories to meet your energy needs. You also keep in mind:
- Eating sweets and fatty foods to a minimum. These foods are low in nutrients and high in calories.
- Choose whole or unrefined grain products when possible, or use fortified or enriched cereal products.
- Use a variety of fruits and vegetables, including foods that are good sources of vitamins A and C.
- If you use milk or dairy products, choose fat-free/nonfat and low-fat varieties.
Benefits of a vegetarian diet: Well planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of life. There are many benefits to eating a vegetarian diet:
- A vegetarian diet can be healthier than other diets.
- Some people think it's wrong to use animals for food.
- Some religions forbid eating meat.
- A vegetarian diet can cost less than a diet that includes meat.
- Eating less meat can be better for the environment, because most meat is commercially farmed.
- Some people don't like the taste of meat.
Vegetarians seem to have a lower risk of obesity, coronary heart disease (which causes heart attack), high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and some forms of cancer.
0 comments :
Post a Comment