Benefits of a vegetarian diet

Read full article here...

 

For decades I have used a plant-based diet as a powerful tool to promote good health. A good vegetarian-eating pattern is based on a wide variety of plant foods that are satisfying, delicious and healthy.

Vegetarians avoid meat, fish and poultry. Those who include dairy products and eggs in their diets are called lacto-ovo vegetarians. Vegans are pure vegetarians who eat no meat, fish, poultry, eggs or dairy products. Vegetarian diets significantly reduce the risk of a broad range of health concerns.

Heart Disease

Heart disease, the number-one killer, is less common in vegetarians, who also have much lower cholesterol levels than meat eaters. Vegetarian meals are typically low in saturated fat and usually contain little or no cholesterol, since cholesterol is found only in animal products. A vegan, therefore, consumes an entirely cholesterol-free diet.

The type of protein in a vegetarian diet may be another important advantage. Many studies show replacing animal protein with plant protein lowers blood-cholesterol levels, even if the amount of fat in the diet stays the same. Those studies demonstrate a low-fat , vegetarian diet has a clear heart-healthy advantage over other diets.

Blood Pressure

1920s research show vegetarians have lower blood pressure than non-vegetarians. In fact, studies show adding meat to a vegetarian diet rapidly results in significantly raised blood-pressure levels. Individuals with high blood pressure, who change to a vegetarian diet, may able to reduce or eliminate their need for medication.

 

Read more about dr atkins diet plan