Five Reasons to Eat Vegetarian Foods

December 15, 2008

There are many types of diets in society today. However, many of them are not healthy. A healthy diet is not a diet for a day or a week or a month, but rather a lifestyle change. Becoming a vegetarian is a total lifestyle makeover and a very beneficial one.

The term vegetarian can be a complicated one because some may eat one way while others eat another.

Vegetarian
A vegetarian eliminates meats and dairy and eggs from their diets, living on a plant-based diet.

Lacto-Vegetarian
A lacto-vegetarian is a person who avoids meat and eggs but eats dairy items (milk, yogurt, cheese) as well as plant foods.

Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian
A lacto-ovo vegetarian eats all dairy, including eggs, and plant foods but they avoid meat.

The diet of a healthy vegetarian includes whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains.

Becoming a vegetarian or adopting a portion of this lifestyle has many practical benefits.

1.  Reduce Your Risk Of Heart Disease
Eating vegetarian foods is great for your heart. A British study discovered that eating fresh fruits is linked to a 24% reduction in death from heart disease. It has also been shown through this same study that daily consumption of raw foods was associated with a 26 % reduction in mortality from heart disease.

2. Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
Those who consume higher amounts of fruits and vegetables have about one-half the risk of cancer, especially the epithelial cancers, as those who do not eat more vegetarian foods. The risk of most cancers was 20-50% lower in those with a higher consumption of whole grains.

3. Reduce Digestive Disorders
A vegetarian diet tends to be higher in fiber than other diets. With a high fiber diet there is a positive effect on the health of the digestive tract. A healthy digestive tract will save years of pain due to the overburden of the pancreas which directs digestion in the body.

4. Save A Few Dollars
You can add some money to your savings account by eating vegetarian foods. By simply replacing meat, chicken and fish with vegetables and fruits you can cut your food bills by an average of $4,000 a year. With that kind of money you can even take a family vacation.

5.  Clean Out Your Body
Consuming vegetarian foods will give your body a much needed spring cleaning. By deciding not to consume meat you are helping rid your body of toxins like pesticides, environmental pollutants, and preservatives that overload your systems and cause many illnesses. It would be important to note that those who choose to detoxify their bodies consume more fresh juices, fruits, and vegetables during their detoxifying period.

There are many benefits to consuming vegetarian foods. The fact that one would even think to go the route of a vegetarian diet is a proactive step towards a healthier way of life. And contrary to popular belief, a properly planned diet can provide you all the necessary minerals and nutrients for a long and healthy life. If you are considering adapting more vegetarian foods into your daily diet then you can only help your body receive the optimum treatment it deserves.

Posted by Diana | Filed Under Healthy Lifestyles 

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Comments

One Response to “Five Reasons to Eat Vegetarian Foods”

  1. Eat Vegetarian on October 8th, 2009 7:45 pm

    Great video…really agree with your points…am a lacto ovo vegetarian and am enjoying life to the fullest.

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