A Vegetarian Diet

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A Vegetarian Diet.
A vegetarian diet includes abstinence from eating poultry, fish, or meat. The vegetarian diet primarily consists of consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Individuals become vegetarians for several reasons; for some, it is to prevent animal suffering, care for the environment, ethical and religious issues, and, most importantly, health issues. Health issues are arguably one of the common reasons for adopting a vegetarian diet. A vegetarian diet could exist in various forms depending on restrictions. For example, a "Lacto-Ovo-vegetarian" diet allows the consumption of eggs and dairy products but no fish, meat, or poultry. However, a wholly vegetarian diet has no exceptions and eliminates even animal-derived products like honey. A vegetarian diet offers several benefits to an individual's health but has potential risks.
A vegetarian diet is beneficial in weight loss. Studies show that men and women lose weight by switching from animal protein to a plant-based protein diet. Animal proteins and saturated fats potentially lead to being overweight or obese. A vegetarian diet contains low fat and increases the chances of weight loss. Moreover, a vegetarian diet improves cholesterol levels and regulates high blood pressure. Individuals consuming a vegetarian diet have a lower chance of getting heart diseases (Le & Joan 2142). Cardiovascular diseases cause a majority of deaths globally; a vegan's risk of cardiovascular disease reduces by 40 percent, and the risk of hypertension reduces by 34 percent. Plants contain a high content of phytonutrients and fiber, whereas animal products have high cholesterol and environmental pollutants. Additionally, a vegetarian diet that incorporates fresh fruits and ...