Rules for a Vegetarian Diet
The vegetarian diet is simply a healthy way of eating. Many people ask, "What can vegetarians eat?" The answer is a huge variety of vegetables, fruits and grains.
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Definition
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The vegetarian diet is a way of eating that excludes animal products. Vegetarians eat a plant-based diet, but some people do include dairy products and eggs as part of their mainly vegetarian diet.
Features
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Different types of vegetarian diets have evolved: Vegan is a purely plant-based diet. Lacto-vegetarian is a plant-based diet that also includes some dairy products. Lacto-ovovegetarian is a vegetarian diet that include eggs and dairy products.
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Considerations
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People often choose the vegetarian lifestyle for philosophical, political or moral reasons, but some choose it for a more healthy approach to eating and living.
Misconceptions
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There are no hard and fast rules about being a vegetarian. Each person chooses what he will and will not eat. You can get all the protein you need from a plant-based diet without the need for any animal products.
Effects
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Dr. Dean Ornish, MD, has published scientific studies that show how a vegetarian diet can reverse heart disease, help you lose weight and lower blood cholesterol levels.
Recommendations
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Children who do not drink milk may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements that include calcium, vitamin D and riboflavin. If no animal products are eaten, vegetarians may want to take a vitamin supplement that contains B12, iron and zinc.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit photo credit: Paul Grant, sx.hu
