Vegetarian Food vs. Non-Vegetarian Food
Eating a vegetarian diet has several benefits over eating a meat-based diet. Vegetarians generally consume less saturated fat and cholesterol than meat eaters do, but they have difficulty acquiring certain nutrients through their diet.
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Benefits
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People who eat a vegetarian diet tend to have lower cholesterol levels than those who eat meat. Vegetarian diets also typically contain more fiber than non-vegetarian diets.
Considerations
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The human body needs omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12, substances found only in animal products. Vegetarians need to look for food fortified with B12 and omega-3 to make sure they get enough in their diet.
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Misconceptions
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People often express concern that vegetarians cannot get enough protein. Vegetarian foods can contain as much protein as non-vegetarian food, though. Sources include nuts, beans and some grains.
Availability
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You no longer need to go to a special market to find vegetarian foods. Fruits, vegetables and dairy products are usually readily available at the supermarket, as are meat substitutes, tofu and tempeh.
Advantage
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Vegetarian food may be more environmentally friendly than non-vegetarian food. Growing vegetables and fruit uses less energy than raising an animal for meat.
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References
- Photo Credit vegetarian pizza image by blaine stiger from Fotolia.com
