Why Vegetarian Diets Are Healthy

Introduction

A vegetarian diet is focused on plant-based foods. The level at which a no-meat policy is observed in a vegetarian diet depends on what type of vegetarian a person is. On one end of the spectrum are vegans. Vegans only eat plant-based foods. Some vegetarians are more moderate in their diet and include eggs and milk (lacto-ovo vegetarians) or just milk (lacto-vegetarians). Some might also eat some types of meats or fish, but only rarely (flexitarians). Regardless of the type of vegetarian diet you choose to follow, there are many health benefits.

Heart Health

One of the most noticeable health benefits of a vegetarian diet is the effect seen on heart health. By eating mainly fruits and vegetables, vegetarians not only reduce the level of cholesterol and saturated fats they consume, they also increase their intake of fiber. According to the American Heart Association, foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol can raise the level of cholesterol in your blood to dangerous levels. This increase in cholesterol can cause plaque to build up on the walls of your arteries, which can lead to heart disease, strokes and heart attacks. The AHA also states that the additional fiber in fruits and vegetables can work to lower your bad cholesterol levels, helping to prevent these health issues from occurring.

Blood Glucose

Vegetarian diets help control blood glucose levels, which helps those with diabetes manage their disease as well as prevent those who might be at risk of developing diabetes from doing so. According to the Mayo Clinic, a vegetarian diet can help improve your body's response to insulin. Insulin is an important factor in regulating the levels of glucose present in the bloodstream. Too much or too little glucose in your bloodstream causes many of the health problems associated with diabetes.

Weight

One of the most significant ways that a vegetarian diet can be healthful for you is through weight control. A vegetarian diet is usually much lower in calories than the typical diet that includes animal products. By reducing the number of calories, you are able to better control your weight and prevent obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity can lead to a host of health problems including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, respiratory problems and some types of cancers.

Disadvantages

By removing animal products from the diet, vegetarians can put themselves at risk of not getting enough of the essential nutrients that come from those sources. This disadvantage, however, can be easily overcome. For example, the essential mineral iron is largely found in meat products, especially red meat, but by adding plenty of spinach, dried fruits and dried beans to your diet, you can help make up the difference in iron loss. Other nutrients that should be added to a diet include calcium, zinc, vitamin D and protein.