Vegetarianism involves following a diet that consist only of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and cereal grains. Dairy products may or may not be present in a vegetarian diet. Vegetarians derive protein only from beans and lentils and do not consume meat, fish and poultry. People follow vegetarianism for various reasons. Some consume only vegetarian food for health purposes, while some do it for religious reasons. Some also follow vegetarianism in support of animal rights. Vegetarianism can also be of different types. A lacto-vegetarian consumes dairy foods as part of the diet while an ovo-vegetarian consumes eggs. There are also ovo-lacto vegetarians who incorporate both dairy products and eggs in the diet. A vegan is one who follows a strict vegetarian diet and does not eat dairy, eggs and even honey. A semi-vegetarian diet primarily consists of vegetarian foods, but does include poultry or fish occasionally. Let us explore the pros and cons of vegetarianism.
There are many advantages of vegetarianism. Vegetarianism is supportive of animals and the environment and is hence against slaughter and inhumane treatment of animals for food. It helps in the preservation of nature and is also against the resulting pollution from fishery and animal agriculture farms. The other benefits of vegetarianism are associated with health. It lowers a person's risk of developing heart attacks. This is highlighted by the fact that vegans usually have reduced cholesterol levels. A vegetarian diet consists of many fiber rich foods such as cereal grains and fruits and this also helps in keeping blood pressure levels low. Chronic health problems such as diabetes and cancer can also be prevented by consuming plant foods high in complex carbohydrates and fiber. A vegetarian diet helps in eliminating toxins from the body and hence is often prescribed for individuals suffering from health complications. Digestion takes place more easily and thoroughly when the body receives only vegetarian foods. Studies have shown that those who consume large amounts of vegetables, fruits and whole grains face almost a 50 percent reduced risk of cancer. Consuming fruits and vegetables on a regular basis is also associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
The benefits of becoming a vegetarian cannot be ignored, but one must keep in mind that there are certain disadvantages to vegetarianism as well. A vegetarian diet is not suited for those who wish to gain muscle mass. Bodybuilders need to supply their bodies with high protein and other nutrients such as fiber and carbohydrates. A meat diet consists of high amounts of protein and dietary fiber. A vegetarian diet, on the other hand, is composed mainly of water which is contained in fruits and vegetables. Many vegetarians consume soya as a protein source. However soya is beneficial for health only when it is consumed in moderation. Bodybuilders who do follow a vegetarian diet need to put in double the effort than those who eat meat. Meat is an important source of protein and lack of meat is the main drawback of a vegetarian diet. It is a misconception that meat is unhealthy. A vegetarian diet may increase the risks of anemia and nutrient deficiencies.
Many vegetarians suffer from vitamin B12 deficiencies since the nutrient is found mostly in animal foods. A vegetarian diet does not supply the body with any fats or cholesterol. A certain amount of fat is necessary for proper functioning of the body. One is more likely to be at risk for health problems when the vegetarian diet is too strict. It is advisable for vegetarians to consult a dietician for advice on meal planning. In many cases, dietary supplements help to compensate for nutritional inadequacies in the diet. In addition to the health aspect, vegetarianism is not necessarily beneficial to the environment as it implies increased dependence on agriculture, which puts additional stress on the environment for agricultural land, causing deforestation. Agriculture has been the single largest cause of deforestation globally, since mankind took up farming in the Neolithic age.
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