VEGETARIAN
Vegetarianism is the practice of a diet that
excludes all animal flesh, including poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustacea,
and slaughter by-products.The reasons for choosing vege-tarianism may be related
to morality, religion, culture, ethics, aesthetics, environment, society, economy,
politics, taste, or health. There
are several variants of the diet, some of which also exclude eggs and/or some
products produced from animal labor such as dairy products and honey. Veganism,
for example, excludes all animal products from diet. By some strict definitions,
animal products are not used for attire either, whether or not the production
of clothing or items has involved the actual death of an animal (dairy, eggs,
honey, wool, silk, down feathers, etc.) A generic term for both vegetarianism
and veganism, as well as for similar diets, is "Plant-based diets".Vegetarian
diets have been found to satisfy the nutritional needs for all stages of life,
and large-scale studies have shown vegetarianism to increase longevity, improve
health, and significantly lower risks of cancer and other diseases.
Health
Vegetarianism is considered a healthy, viable alternative diet. The American
Dietetic Association and the Dietitians of Canada have found the diet to satisfy
the nutritional needs for all stages of life, and large-scale studies have shown
vegetarianism to increase longevity, improve health, and significantly lower
risks of cancer and other fatal diseases. Necessary nutrients, proteins, and
amino acids for the body's sustenance can be found in green leafy vegetables,
grains, nuts, and fortified juices or soymilk.Vegetarian
diets can aid in keeping body weight under control and substantially reduce
risks of heart disease.Non-lean red meat, in particular, has been found to be
a direct cause of cancers of the lung, esophagus, liver, and colon, among others.
Nutrition
The American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada have stated: "Vegetarian
diets offer a number of nutritional benefits, including lower levels of saturated
fat, cholesterol, and animal protein as well as higher levels of carbohydrates,
fiber, magnesium, potassium, folate, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and
E and phytochemicals." Studies
show that vegetarian diets help keep body weight under control and reduce risk
of heart disease and osteoporosis.American vegetarians tend to have lower body
mass index, lower levels of cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and less incidence
of heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, renal disease, osteoporosis,
dementias such as Alzheimer’s Disease and other disorders.Large scale studies
indicate that high meat consumption is a direct cause of such ailments, though
other factors also contribute, such as exercise and family history.(1)
source (1) wikipedia
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