The Vegetarian diet is great to start with if you want to become healthy and maintain body balance. There is a variety of vegetarian diet, namely, vegan diet, vegetarian diet, partial vegetarian, and flexitarian. This diet is adopted by many for a religious cause or their health issue where hormones present in the animal food can negatively affect their health.
In this article, some of the pros and cons of the vegetarian diet are mentioned so as to give you a better overview of the whole process.
| Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet | Disadvantages of a Vegetarian Diet |
| Reduced Risk of Disease | Nutritional Deficiencies |
| Longevity | There Are Fewer Food Choices |
| It Has Wider Food Variety | It is Less Filling |
| It Controls Weight | It Is Less Convenient |
| It Provides Complete Nutrition | It Is Not Always Healthy |
| It Reduced Food Costs | It Exposes To Chemicals |
| Ethical Treatment of Animals | A Lack of Proteins |
| It Is Good For Heart Health | |
| It Reduces Cancer Risk | |
| It Lowers Blood Pressure | |
| It Decreases Asthma Symptoms | |
| It Enhances Bone Health |
Benefits of a vegetarian diet
- Reduced Risk of Disease
The vegetarian diet is known to be rich in minerals and vitamins as it contains a variety of vegetables and fruits which prevents the consumer from cardiovascular diseases and kidney-related issues.
It also balances the cholesterol levels in the blood and maintains the blood sugar level decreasing the chances of the gall bladder and cancer. Consumption of green vegetables reduces the risk of eye cataracts.
- Longevity
The diet is fully plant-based so this diet accompanied by yoga or other forms of exercise can give positive results. Studies have found with less or no smoking the life expectancy increases rapidly. There are other factors that determine the longevity of life such as stress balance and balance between personal and work life.
- It Has Wider Food Variety
In the vegetarian diet, there is a wide range of food and recipes, basically, this diet provides a great scope of experiments in the kitchen. Green vegetables are rich in nutrition and vitamins. It is unlike the omnivore diet where there is less scope to try your hands on some vegetables, it is more of meat focussed so this veg diet is much more healthy and pocket friendly.
- It Controls Weight
This diet encourages lower consumption of calories and hence it can help to maintain your weight and get into desirable shape with some exercises. Doctors recommend this diet to people facing problems with weight gain or obsessed. Doing exercise with this diet can be beneficial and prevent one from being affected by life-threatening diseases.
- It Provides Complete Nutrition
This diet is rich in macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals that increase the energy level and strengthens bones and muscles. This diet is better than other diets as it maintains a perfect balance of calories in the body. With vegetables and fruits, this diet can prevent premature aging and unhealthy hair follicles.
- It Reduces Food Costs
This diet id cost-friendly as it does not have meats and fishes which are way costlier than vegetables. Buying seasonal vegetables are affordable and easily available, hence no issues on availability. Shopkeepers and vendors use fewer chemicals to preserve vegetables from damaging if you eat seasonal veggies.
- Ethical Treatment of Animals
Many people take up this diet to prevent the animal race from getting extinct. Animal lovers live on dairy products and eggs which are cost-friendly as well as not harmful animals. They eat plants and natural products which discourage taking life.
- It Is Good For Heart Health
The vegetarian diet prevents heart diseases with the consumption of low cholesterol and fibers which are soluble. Studies show that people who are vegetarians are less likely to get admitted to the hospital for cardiovascular problems.
- It Reduces Cancer Risk
This diet can be a precautionary step toward cancer. As it is rich in many important ingredients this diet has shown positive results in beating cancer. And people who are diagnosed with cancer if follow this diet can show better results while going through medication.
- It Lowers Blood Pressure
A vegetarian diet is full of nutrients that keep the blood sugar level at par. This reduces the risk of diseases and maintains the proper balance of fat, potassium, and sodium in the body.
- It Decreases Asthma Symptoms
Studies have found vegetarians tend to suffer less of asthma than their omnivorous counterparts. With fewer medications and doctor visits they are cured faster than other people. Follow this diet if you have asthma.
- It Enhances Bone Health
Consumption of meat reduces calcium content in the body and drags it down below the average level required for a healthy body. As a vegetarian diet lack meat, this is the best diet as recommended by doctors for people having osteoporosis.
Disadvantages of Vegetarian Diet
- Nutritional Deficiencies
The vegetarian diet lacks calcium, zinc, and different varieties of vitamins which are found in meat and fish. People who consume less or no dairy products should plan their meals in a manner that they don’t lack nutrients. Although vegetables are nutritious but not always sufficient. So plan this diet only after consulting a doctor if you have prior health issues.
- There Are Fewer Food Choices
Although there are a variety of vegetables available in the market the recipes are limited and comparatively less spicy. People who are accustomed to the non-veg diet may face the problem and feel that there is a lack of taste in this diet.
- It is Less Filling
In the early stages of the diet, people feel that they are less filled. The vegetables and nutritious foods do not always go well for non-vegetarians. So choose your meal accordingly.
- It Is Less Convenient
Readymade meals are not available in widespread. Even though it is written in the contents that it is vegan but the use of the animal by-products is similar to non-veg item. Most of the restaurants are non-veg so dining with friends can be an issue. Bring your own food that is veg that can be shared with others.
- It Is Not Always Healthy
Readymade foods are not always healthy. They contain a lot of chemicals. Cooking at home can be a solution but the variety that one gets in the store are incomparable. Eating raw veggies and fruits can be boring and buying spicy food can be unhealthy. This is the common problem faced by the vegetarian which is unavoidable.
- It Exposes To Chemicals
Organic food is not available everywhere which can be a good solution to this problem. The plant-based diet can lead to various kinds of diseases. Many plants are grown using chemicals so it can be harmful to your health.
- A Lack of Proteins
People who do not consume meat or dairy products are exposed to this problem easily. Not every vegetable is rich in protein rather they have a very small percentage of protein content in them. Doctors recommend supplements for vegetarian people.
The vegetarian diet is gaining popularity for it has great health benefits but if you are already on medication or have some weakness problem it is preferred if you consult a doctor or a dietitian before taking up this diet.
As the diet locks calcium, zinc, omega-3 one should consume supplements for these else it may affect your health negatively. In the end, its diet should be chosen on the basis of your lifestyle and health conditions and medications. Follow the diet to lose weight and gain strength.
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