LIFESTYLE

VEGETARIAN LIFESTYLE

A vegetarian is someone that does not eat animal flesh or even animal products, in some cases. This includes meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, insects, by-products of slaughter or any food made with processing aids created from these.

Vegetarianism may be adopted for various reasons. Many people object to eating meat out of respect for sentient life. Such ethical motivations have been codified under various religious beliefs, as well as animal rights advocacy. Other motivations for vegetarianism are health-related, political, environmental, cultural, aesthetic, economic, or personal preference.

There are different types of vegetarian:

Lacto-ovo-vegetarians: eat both dairy products and eggs; this is the most common type of vegetarian diet.

Lacto-vegetarians: eat dairy products but avoid eggs.

Ovo-vegetarian: diet includes eggs but not dairy products

Vegans: do not eat dairy products, eggs, or any other products which are derived from animals.

A meatless diet can be healthy but vegetarians, especially vegans, need to make sure they are getting enough Vitamin B12, Calcium, Iron and Zinc. Avoidance of animal products requires dietary supplemental vitamin B12 from fortified manufactured foods or supplement products to avoid vitamin B12 deficiency, which leads to high homocysteine blood levels – a risk factor for several chronic health disorders.

Packaged and processed foods, such as cakes, cookies, candies, chocolate, yogurt, and marshmallows, often contain unfamiliar animal ingredients, so may be a special concern for vegetarians due to the likelihood of such additions. Often, prior to purchase or consumption, vegetarians will scrutinize products for animal-derived ingredients. Vegetarians' feelings vary with regard to these ingredients. For example, while some vegetarians may be unaware of animal-derived constituent of the product, and may therefore unknowingly consume the product, others may not take issue with its consumption.

From promotion of animal welfare to increased susceptibility, there are countless benefits to a plant-based lifestyle. It is not simply a diet; it is also a path to better health as it reduces the risk of the No.1 Killer - Heart Disease and more importantly, positive and healthier environment. Try Considering this way of life: an advice from a vegetarian and animal welfare campaigner.