The world is divided on the basis of various factors, but one factor that remains the topic of debate in every party or gathering, or even professional lunches, is that of vegetarian vs a non-vegetarian diet. As people become more cautious of not only what they eat, but also where their food comes from, many people are switching from a non-vegetarian diet to a veg diet, citing many reasons on why it is better.
World vegetarian day is celebrated annually on October 1. This day is celebrated to create awareness about the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle and encourage others to make the switch. World Vegetarian Day was founded in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS) and was endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978. While vegetarianism has its own set of benefits, it also comes with some limitations that need to be considered before making the switch.
The health benefits and limitations of a vegetarian diet
It is often said that a vegetarian diet is key to a healthy and fit body. Here are the many health benefits of following a vegetarian diet.
1.Better heart health – It is said, and also proven by many studies that consumption of meat, especially red meat, can have an adverse impact on heart health. On the contrary, consumption of fruits and vegetables is known to reduce the risk of heart attacks, and strokes, two of the leading causes of death among heart patients. However, there is no specific evidence that proves that a vegetarian diet is better than a non-vegetarian diet to keep the heart healthy.
2.Better immunity – Since fruits and vegetables that are the most common part of a vegetarian diet are rich in vitamins such as vitamins C, and D, and also in minerals such as zinc, it is said that a vegetarian diet may help to keep the risk of infections at bay.
3.Cancer – Various studies have shown the role of a non-vegetarian diet in advancing cancer, while some studies have shown that people who followed a vegetarian diet had a low incidence of the disease. However, the difference between the two is not very high.
4.Type 2 diabetes management – Research has shown that a plant-based diet is better in helping with type 2 diabetes management. The high-fibre content of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, etc, all of which make an important component of a vegetarian diet may have a role to play in this.
5.Risk of deficiencies – While all food groups that make up a vegetarian diet are rich in nutrients, some nutrients find their major source in animal-based products. These include vitamin D, B12, and others. If you follow a strictly vegetarian diet, you are likely to experience a deficiency of these nutrients in the body, leading to inefficient body systems which can also lead to diseases and disorders.
6.Fewer sources of protein – Proteins are known as the building blocks of life. They are needed for bone and muscle growth, development, and repairs in the body. However, there are very few pure sources of protein in a vegetarian diet, which makes it questionable if the diet is healthy and sustainable on its own.
7.Need for supplements – A vegetarian diet may eventually need to be supplemented with dietary supplements, to meet the nutritional requirements of the body. If not provided, a vegetarian diet can lead to several nutritional deficiencies.
8.Environment-friendly – A vegetarian diet is more environment friendly, as it reduces the intake of animal-based foods and helps to maintain sustainability.
Bottom Line
While a vegetarian diet is healthy, it has its limitations. Instead of adopting a diet pattern blindly just because others are doing it, we must look at our lifestyle, requirements of our own body, existing health conditions, and take into account other factors before making the switch. While people who can make the switch most certainly should, it is important to remember that a balanced diet, that consists of all food groups in moderation can help to stay healthy and provide for all nutrients required by the body.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
WhatsApp us
Pingback: ที่พักรายวัน รามอินทรา