Whether you are new to the world of vegetarianism or an observer who is just collecting information about a plant-based diet for later decision-making, this material can be useful. We will look at the answers to the most pressing questions regarding vegetarianism. Is vegetarianism the healthiest diet possible? Yes and no. On the one hand, a vegetarian diet is healthy if you eat a balanced diet and consume all the necessary nutrients. On the other hand, simply giving up meat will not improve health if your diet contains saturated and trans fats, refined foods, and “empty calories.” In addition, do not forget that in addition to nutrition, there are a number of other factors that are key to the health of the body and spirit. Sprouted grains and whole grain breads are, of course, good. Even better, when such nutrition is accompanied by sports or fitness, and not sitting on the couch or, God forbid, smoking cigarettes. What are the main benefits of being a vegetarian? 1. Vegetarian cuisine is extremely low in cholesterol and saturated fat. 2. Plant foods are much richer in fiber than animal foods. 3. Many plant foods contain significant amounts of vital B vitamins and folic acid. Fruits and vegetables are powerful sources of phytochemicals that help every organ work efficiently. 4. Vegetarians tend to consume fewer calories. Research shows that people who eat a lower calorie but nutrient-rich diet live longer and healthier lives. 5. Here it is also important to note the invaluable contribution to the environment. Feeding a vegetarian requires less time and resources. Is there enough calcium in vegetarian foods? Yes. In addition to dairy sources, there are many other foods that contain calcium in a plant-based diet. These include What about iron? According to studies, vegetarians, whose range of food intake is diverse, suffer from anemia no more than meat eaters. A large number of plant foods contain vitamin C, which promotes the absorption of iron. Is there enough protein in vegetarian sources? Protein is an important building block in the human body. Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, can be synthesized by the body itself or come from food. With food, we get 20 amino acids, while the body can only produce 11 of them. The nine essential amino acids must be obtained from the diet. A variety of grains, legumes and vegetables can cover our amino acid needs. The Western diet, rich in meat products, saturates the body with about 2 times more protein than normal. In addition, most of the protein comes from meat, along with saturated fats. In fact, our protein requirement is much less than what the average meat eater consumes. The recommended daily protein intake for an adult is approximately 0,8 grams per kilogram of body weight. Use the following formula to determine your need: . How to fall in love with vegetarian food if I’m an avid meat eater? In this case, you should try ethnic dishes of Asian, Greek and South Asian cuisine. Spices perfectly emphasize the taste of vegetables, making it more pronounced. Even many Italian dishes, such as pasta with vegetables, can appeal to the representative of the traditional diet. And, of course, experiment with an endless variety of vegetable, fruit, bean, and seed salads!
2022-11-11