by Lynda Mc Donald

Created on: July 28, 2009

Becoming a vegetarian has a lot of health benefits associated with it, although these benefits depend on which type of vegetarianism you choose to take part in.

Pescatarians do not eat any meat but do eat fish.

Lacto-Vegetarians are vegetarians who don't eat eggs but do consume dairy products.

Ovo-vegetarian are vegetarians who do eat eggs but don't consume dairy products.

Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians eat both eggs and dairy products.

Vegans do not eat meat, dairy products, eggs or any products that contain ingredients derived from animals e.g. gelatin.

Flexitarian/Semi-vegetarians eat a diet that consists of mostly vegetarian food but occasionally eat meat.

Simply by opting not to eat meat or fish any more, it is proven that you will dramatically decrease your cholesterol. Unless you continuously overindulge in eggs, which are notoriously high in cholesterol.

It has also been shown that vegetarians also consume a much larger quantity of fruit and vegetables than their carnivorous counterparts, which indicated a large increase in the amount of vitamins and minerals being acquired.

Studies have also shown that most vegetarians consume twenty-five percent less fat than omnivores. They also eat healthier portions of the beneficial polyunsaturated fats than saturated fats, which are mostly found in animal-based products. Digesting a lower amount of unsaturated fat is also proven to be very beneficial for your heart, and many researchers even claim that it can help to prevent certain heart-related health issues. Also by eating less unsaturated fats than omnivores, vegetarians tend to have a healthier Body Mass Index (BMI), which is basically your height-to-weight ratio, which has also been shown to be especially beneficial to the heart muscles. All of these benefits combine together to lessen the chances of strokes and heart attacks. Research has also shown that vegetarians tend to have a considerably lower rate of diabetes and blood-pressure as well as half the rate of colon cancer.

It has also been claimed in recent years that vegetarians have a longer life expectancy because of these various health benefits associated with the diet.

Unfortunately vegetarians run a higher risk of anaemia, lack of protein and vitamin B2 deficiency than omnivores. This is easily remedied by the introduction of eggs, or in the case of ovo-vegetarians, the introduction of nuts, along with beans and lentils. Nuts also contain unfriendly unsaturated fats, so overindulgence can result in weight increase. Vitamin B2, A.K.A. riboflavin, is mostly present in dairy products, it can also be found inn some whole-grain products; alternatively vegetarian specific vitamin supplements are available for those who feel their intake of the vitamin is not high enough. Vitamin B2 is very important as it helps to break down carbohydrates,fats and proteins, while it also helps to maintain the skin and eyes, and is important to ensure that it is included in any balanced diet.

Many people presume that vegetarianism is a hard choice when in reality it is not. Today there are so many alternatives to meat and fish available that it is almost a shame than some people are following a diet that is so harmful to their health.

Learn more about this author, Lynda Mc Donald.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.