The Vegetarian Diet

A vegetarian diet is characteristically one that is devoid of all types of meat, fish, poultry and dairy type dishes and instead based on foods of plant origin. The origins of the vegetarian diet can be traced as far back as 570 BC in which the great mathematician and philosopher, Pythagoras, conceptualised that eating the flesh of animals can contaminate the soul. Nowadays, many support the vegetarian diet as a means to maintain their weight and enrich their health and appearance.

Weight Loss

Large scale scientific studies have verified that on average people who follow the vegetarian diet weigh less, demonstrate lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and are less likely to become obese. Furthermore, those who recently commenced a vegetarian diet have shed on average one pound every week, with exercise levels remaining constant. As animal based products are generally associated with high levels of saturated fats, calories, cholesterol and preservatives, these findings are only logical.

Health Benefits

The vegetarian diet is relatively abundant in the biofactors listed below to maintain health and prevent the acquisition of various diseases:

• Fiber: Can be obtained from breads, pastas, cereals and rice. Fiber can act to detoxify the bowel and prevent constipation and haemorrhoids (learn more here). 
• Antioxidants: Are scavenges of free oxygen radicals which means they can prevent oxidative damage to cells which would otherwise eventuate in cancer, cognitive impairment, inflammation or other abnormal biological functions. Anti-oxidants such as vitamins, minerals, carotenoids and polyphenols fall under this category. According to a study by the USDA, the foods that are most abundant in antioxidants are beans, berries, apples, artichokes, pecans, plums and potatoes.

Beauty Enhancement Many rake out thousands of dollars every year to painstakingly improve their attractiveness where the simple vegetarian diet can deliver the same efforts at a much lower price. Antioxidants in a long term vegetarian diet can offer protection against damaging sunrays to prevent the formation of wrinkles. It can also nourish and hydrate the skin and create strong and shiny hair. As toxins are readily expelled through consumption of a vegetarian diet, less blemishes emerge and a clearer and radiant complexion surfaces. Points To Consider Vegetarians may find some foods less appealing, so it is imperative to incorporate various food types in the diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies. If some foods such as green vegetables or beans are found to be distasteful then try sprinkling some spices over it. Also be aware that cooking some types of vegetables can dilute the essential nutrients contained in it. Additionally, limit your intake of foods high in saturated fats and salts like potato chips or the various benefits of the vegetarian diet will be forfeited. Whether you want to go vegetarian or you need to know which diet is right for you, we recommend the award winning site eDiets (they offer professional diet and fitness advices, information, meal delivery service and products to help  you improve your health). Please help us serve you better: feel free to contact us here if you have any thoughts, questions, information, requests, or recommendations about the vegetarian diet.

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