Vegetarians eat plant foods like vegetables, fruits, and grain although some do not include onions, garlic and chives. Generally there are three styles of vegetarianism based on other foods allowed as listed below:



?Vegans are the strictest ? they abstain from all animal foods, dairy products and eggs.

?Lacto vegetarians consume dairy products.

?Ovolacto vegetarians supplements with eggs and dairy products

Prudent vegetarianism is highly beneficial. Studies show that vegetarians live longer, have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and register lower incidents of obesity, heart diseases, certain cancers, stroke and diabetes. These are not surprising as vegetarian diet contain less saturated fat, fewer calories, less sugar and more fibers.

Now before anybody starts it is important to understand how to plan a well balanced vegetarian diet. Pregnant women, teenagers and young children should seek proper nutritional guidance before embarking on it.

The main concern in a vegetarian diet is protein. It is needed to build body tissues and consists of units called amino acids. Compared to animal protein like meat, plant foods generally lack certain amino acids. Hence, vegetarians, especially vegans, must eat a variety of plant proteins to get a complete set of amino acids. Soyabeans, a high quality protein, and its products like tofu and soya milk may feature frequently in vegetarian meals.

Vitamin B12 also needs monitoring for its deficiency causes anemia. As animal foods are the only reliable sources of vitamin B12 substitutes like vitamin B12 enriched breakfast cereals are ideal. Furthermore, these cereals are also fortified with iron absorption; one must ensure an adequate supply of vitamin C in diet. Other good sources of iron are spinach, raisins and pulses. For non-dairy product eaters, calcium intake may be obtained from alternatives like sawi, spinach and kalian. If seafood is omitted, zinc required for the immune system is obtainable from whole grains, nuts and soyabeans.

Sprouts contain reproductive power that is of vital importance to human lives and their health. Germinated seeds enormously increase the nutritional value and digestibility. There is an amazing increase the nutritional value and digestibility. There is an amazing increase in nutrients in sprouted pulses as compared to their dried form. In the process of germination the vitamins, minerals and protein increase substantially with corresponding decrease in carbohydrate content. Cooked sprouts (steamed) are best to digest and avail maximum proteins.

Sprouts help in the growth of muscles and tissue of the body. They increase the resistance to diseases and play an important role in rejuvenation of cells.

Benefits of Vegetarian Eating

?Overweight people who have tried a vegetarian diet have lost weight and kept is off.

?Diabetes achieves normal blood sugar levels, reducing insulin requirements.

?People with high BP, diminished or eliminated their BP medications because BP was normalized.

?People with high cholesterol showed lowered cholesterol levels.

?In a majority of people with elevated homocyteine, levels were reduced, which is an improvement without the use of medication.

?Overall endurance, strength, stamina, energy and sense of well-being achieved.