Vegetarianism is a way of life that shuns eating meat. The vegetarian diet is based primarily on plant-based foods, although many vegetarians also eat diary and eggs, thus ensuring an adequate amount of protein. Vegans eat no dairy or eggs and need to rely on whole grains, nuts and legumes to ensure adequate protein intake.
Heart Disease
Plant-food diets are extremely high in fiber compared with meat-centered diets. Fiber helps to speed up your metabolism and increase your satiety. But most important, it lowers your serum cholesterol and reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease. Fruits and vegetables are also rich sources of anti-oxidants, which protect the body from LDL cholesterol oxidation and blot clots.
Diebeties
A vegetarian tends to have high amounts of complex carbohydrates, in addition to plentiful fiber, both of which contribute to low-blood sugar levels and diabetes control. Try to avoid simple forms of carbohydrates such as those in bleached flour, high-fructose corn syrup and, of course, soda and candy. While it is true these foods don't contain meat, they are full of simple carbohydrates, which increase your blood sugar and counteract some of the benefits of a vegetarian diet.
Cancer
Vegetarian diets are effective at preventing some forms of cancer, especially epithelial cancers, says Suzanne Hobbs, author of "Living Vegetarian For Dummies." Their anti-cancer benefits are due in large part to the phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables. Some of the best are flavonoids, terpenoids, carotenoids and saponins, although there are plenty more.
Blood Pressure
Vegetarian diets are low in sodium, which is one of the primary contributors to high-blood pressure. Also, the cholesterol-reducing benefits of fiber minimize blot clotting and help to maintain low blood pressure.
Obesity
Vegetarian diets tend to have very little fat and contain primarily low-glycemic, complex carbohydrates rather than simple carbs. Simple carbohydrates are an especially insidious cause of obesity, because of the way they interact with insulin in the body, according to Gary Taubes, author of "Good Calories, Bad Calories." It is a vicious cycle where elevated insulin spikes blood sugar, which, in turn, increases insulin. The result, says Taubes, is increased hunger, inconsistent energy and weight gain.
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