Vegetarian Diet
Vegetarian Diet
A Vegetarians diet does not include any meat. Some vegetarians do not include other animal products such as eggs or dairy products. Some vegetarians feel so strongly about protecting animals they will not wear clothing that would have required the death of animals such as leather, silk and fur.
Vegans do not use any animal products, whether or not it would require the death of an animal.
Studies show that a vegetarian diet may prevent obesity and other medical problems including high blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer.
On the average, vegetarians weigh 10 percent less than non-vegetarians.
All vegetarians avoid, to some degree, animal foods - fish, poultry, meat, and dairy. Semi-vegetarians avoid meat but still eat poultry and use other animal products. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians avoid poultry, fish and meat. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians can use eggs, nuts, dry beans, and peas in place of meat. Lacto-vegetarians don't eat any animal foods other than milk products. Vegans use no animal products at all. Vegans also commonly avoid anything with chemicals or pesticides.
Many choose to become vegetarians because of the health benefits a vegetarian diet provides. Vegetarians tend to have a healthier lifestyle than non-vegetarians. Others become vegetarians for economical reasons. Their argument is that it is not an economic use of natural resources to maintain animals - the land would be better used to grow crops. Others have religious or personal reasons to become a vegetarian.
Vegetarians need to be sure to include a wide variety of food in order to get all of the nutrients they need. It has been recommended that vegetarians consider taking nutritional supplements.
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