Vegetarianism is the lifestyle that involves the exclusion of animal meat from the diet. Some vegetarians also exclude animal byproducts, which include dairy products, eggs and even honey. However, there are types of vegetarians who are either ovo-vegetarians, those who include eggs in their diet, lacto-vegetarians, those who include dairy products in their diet, or ovo-lacto vegetarians, those who include both eggs and dairy products in their diets.
Vegans are a type of vegetarians who strictly exclude both eggs and dairy products, along with animal meat in their diets. For those with vegetarian diets, what they eat and what their food is composed of matters a lot. The reasons these people become vegetarian are many. Religion, politics, ethics and health-related issues are among the several primary reasons why. Religious and ethical circumstances may force one to strictly comply with the exclusion of meat from diet. To some others, life is sacred and should be respected. This would even apply for microorganisms. Other religions are not specific, however, therefore, certain plant sources and byproducts are allowed for consumption.
As for health-related circumstances, most people are becoming even more aware of the risks involved in the consumption of animal meats, most especially processed ones. Processed meat contains certain preservatives and chemicals that can be harmful to the human body, some of which are even carcinogenic. Some certain meat products also contain unhealthy fats, which can cause cardiovascular diseases. So, why is it that people still consume foods they know that can be potentially dangerous to their health? They say things should be taken in moderation. However, those who now follow vegetarian diet would rather stay on the safer side. Taste is important in food, which is why food should always be enjoyable. The trick to enjoy vegetarian diet is to make the food as palatable as possible.
A simple way to improve health is by consuming natural, non-animal meat foods. These contain dietary fibers, which have several positive effects towards the human body. For one, it helps regulate the blood sugar levels and helps relieve constipation. Dietary fiber is a natural laxative, and it is also believed to help facilitate the removal of harmful substances, such as carcinogens, through excretion. Food rich in these dietary fibers include fruits, vegetables and other plant sources. Other examples of healthy, whole foods for a vegetarian's needs are whole grains, beans and legumes. Whole grains contain sufficient amount of carbohydrates needed by the body. These whole grains can come in certain forms such as cereal and oatmeal. However, ovo-vegetarians and vegans probably would not consider these forms due to the addition of milk. Beans and legumes can come in the form of tortillas in able to provide sufficient amount of essential amino acids. Some sources of certain amino acids cannot suffice to provide the necessary amounts of the required essential amino acids. To compensate for this, a combination of these sources can provide all the essential amino acids needed by vegetarians. Certain common combinations include peanut butter with wheat bread and tofu with rice. Not only are these food healthy, but they are palatable as well. When looking for a simple way to improve health, try considering a vegetarian-based diet, even if you are not vegetarian.
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