The Health Benefits of Vegetarianism Essay -- Health Nutrition Diet Ex

The Health Benefits of Vegetarianism Maintaining a well-balanced vegetarian diet is healthy and can be beneficial by reducing the risk of health diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Vegetarians are individuals who choose to abstain from eating foods derived from animals, such as meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. This type of a diet is practiced for a variety of reasons, whether out of respect for animals and the environment, for the potentially healthier lifestyle, or simply out of distaste for or allergy to meat products. Practicing vegetarianism is no more difficult or complicated than following a regular meat-inclusive diet; eating a variety of soy, nut, or wheat based products can substitute for certain meat dishes and dairy products and provide the needed nutrients that those normally provides. Vegetarianism is a healthy choice; following a meat-restricting diet can lower cholesterol and fat intake, thus reducing the chances of developing heart diseases and obesity. Despite several misconceptions that claim vegetarianism is unbalanced and thus unhealthy, a vegetarian diet can still meet daily calorie and other nutrient requirements without including meat and dairy products. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, to maintain a healthy lifestyle a person should consume a balanced amount of fruits & vegetables, grains, meat, dairy products, and fats in accordance with the "Food Pyramid." The human body requires a minimum amount of various vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in order to perform properly and carry out bodily functions. Though removing beef, pork, poultry, and other animal-derived foods can leave a diet lacking in protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins... ...hy choice; there are numerous potential benefits that come with following a diet that abstains from meat and dairy products. Though following a vegetarian lifestyle with an unbalanced diet can be just as health hazardous as a meat-inclusive unbalanced diet, a vegetarian regime that maintains the recommended daily nutrients can be healthy and beneficial. A well-balanced vegetarian meal plan can help reduce the risks of heart diseases and obesity. Sources used http://dictionary.reference.com/ http://www.eatright.org/Public/NutritionInformation/92_11722.cfm http://www.epic-oxford.org/ http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/food/food-pyramid/main.htm http://www.vegetarian-diet.info/vegetarian-health-heart-disease.htm http://www.vegetarian-nutrition.info/updates/trends.php http://www.vegsoc.org/health/ http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/nutshell.htm