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[I542]Is Vegetarian Diet Healthy

by Sitagita.com, Sit

The world is turning vegetarian – this is the claim made by advocates of ‘Vegetarianism for good health’. True, vegetarian diets can be really healthy and safe – but only if the foods are well balanced and portions allotted according to age, sex and physical activity of the individual. If this
is not followed, deficiencies that lead to diseases will occur due to improper food balancing.
Known health benefits
Most vegetarian diets, when they are a combination of a variety of properly balanced foods, can have tremendous health benefits.

Vegetarians automatically have a lower intake of saturated fatty acids which are derived mainly from consumption of animal products, particularly red meat. Vegetarians confine themselves to lower fatty acids from dairy products and eggs.

High dietary fibre is present in vegetarian food especially in veggies like legumes which are an excellent source of protein. Dietary fibres help in lowering the risk of colon cancer.

Anti oxidants are present in plenty in a vegetarian diet. Fruits, vegetables and plant oils contain vitamin C and E and as these are always incorporated in a vegetarian diet automatically.

Complications of a vegetarian diet

Blood disorders due to iron deficiency are common. Enough absorbable iron intake is a must especially for females. Dairy, eggs and other plant food contain dietary iron of which only 2 – 20% is absorbed whereas at least 15 – 30% iron in non vegetarian foods like poultry and fish gets absorbed.

Vitamin B12 is present only in animal products. A deficiency in this important vitamin causes changes in the nervous system and results in weak limbs and even difficulty in speaking and walking.

Rickets is a disease that is a result of Vitamin D deficiency. The sun is the main source of this vitamin, but for many, fortified milk is the answer.

When one concentrates on too much fibre intake, vegetarians end up consuming a really bulky diet which can put a restriction on the energy intake.

Pesticides in Food
Another aspect that is gaining in alarming proportions is the large scale use ...

Conversely, you may not be a vegetarian but you may have a child who is at a vegetarian phase where he or she is rejecting meat but doesn't eat enough healthy foods to compensate for the nutritional gap.

Whatever the case may be, you may be wondering if a vegetarian diet is a sustainable, healthy choice for your child. Or, perhaps you have heard that a vegetarian diet could potentially stunt the growth of your child.

These concerns probably prevented you from putting your child on a vegetarian diet up to this point.

You should be aware that these concerns are in-fact legitimate issues and that if a vegetarian diet is poorly planned, it can cause serious long term and short term deficiencies especially in children who do not have sufficient stores of vitamins and minerals in their bodies as yet.

If you have not done sufficient research and are not well-prepared for the task of putting your child on a vegetarian diet, then you probably should not. However, if you've done your research and are aware of the kind of nutrients that vegetarian diets lack, then you know that these problems can easily be over-come with some meal planning.

You will probably be aware that putting your child on a vegetarian diet can greatly improve his or her health and limit the exposure to animal products that are often linked to hormones and preservatives.

To begin your child on a vegetarian diet you should make sure that you your meal-planning ensures enough of the following elements that vegetarian diets lack:

1) Protein - make sure that your child is getting enough protein from additional sources such as nuts and soybeans.

2) Calcium - ensure that your child is getting enough calcium in his diet by including lots of green leafy vegetables to his diet.

3) Iron - add more iron to your child's diet by increasing beans, soybeans, tofu and cereals.

4) Zinc - enhance your child's Zinc intake by increasing, nuts, peanut butter, and mushrooms.

If you concentrate on compensating for all of these common deficiencies that vegetarian diets lack, then, you can absolutely put your child on a vegetarian diet without any negative consequences.

Article Source : Pg. 5

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Sitagita.com has sinced written about articles on various topics from Hair Styles, Medicine and Womens Health. . Sitagita.com's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.

Nicky Pilkington has sinced written about articles on various topics from Credit Cards, Mastercard Credit Card and How to Sell on Ebay. Find out more about at . Nicky Pilkington's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.