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samedi 23 novembre 2013

The Foundations Of A Vegetarian Diet And Other Considerations

By Sherron Austell


A vegetarian diet is a diet that contains food plants such as vegetables, fruits, dried beans, peas, seeds and nuts, and grains. A well-balanced, carefully planned vegetarian diet (comprising of protein, vitamins and minerals) can provide numerous health benefits including reducing risk of obesity, diabetes, coronary artery disease and several other chronic diseases. It also lowers the risk of illness due to degenerative diseases. Read on to find out what makes up a healthy vegetarian diet.

Main Ideas Related To The Vegetarian Diet Regime

1. Protein

Protein is vital for a number of body processes such as tissue building and repair. A complete protein usually comprises all amino acids that make up protein, but the majority of plant foods aren't complete proteins - they have a few of the amino acids.

In any case, certain plant foods do contain substantial levels of protein, for example legumes (like soy products, tempeh, beans, peas and lentils) as well as whole-grains. In actual fact, soy products is one of the non-meat sources of complete proteins. Consuming these kinds of foods is essential in a well-balanced vegetarian diet.

2. Minerals

Vegetarians should ensure they get sufficient zinc, iodine, iron and calcium. In fact, experts say that a balanced vegetarian weight loss diet plan is one that meets the current recommendations for these nutrients. For calcium, make sure that you consume enough dairy products such as milk. In addition, try eating leafy greens such as bok choy and kale or calcium-fortified fruit juices since they contain bioavailble calcium (calcium in a form that the body can use immediately).

Plant based foods like legumes, grains, nuts, soy products are rich in zinc. However, the form of iron found in plant based foods is slightly different to that found in animals. The absorption of iron can depend on other foods in the diet, for example, vitamin C will enhance the absorption of iron whereas tea and coffee will reduce it. Great sources of iron include beans, tofu, oatmeal, lentils and spinach. Do not take iron supplements unless before asking your doctor.

3. Omega 3 fats

These are essential for the proper functioning of the heart. Generally, diets that don't comprise of fish or eggs (as is the case with a vegetarian diet) are low in the active forms of the essential fatty acids. Canola oil, ground flaxseed, soybeans, soy oil and walnuts are good sources of omega-3.

Even so, when plant based omega 3 fatty acids are transformed into a usable form for the human body, there is often very little left so it is recommended that people should take additional vitamins and supplements, like algae extract, to guarantee adequate omega 3 intake.

4. Vitamin D and B12

Vitamin D plays a key role in development and health of bones. Eating foods like milk, certain brands of soy and some cereals will ensure your body is supplied with adequate vitamin D. You may also consider consuming breakfast cereals as most of them are normally fortified with the vitamin.

On the other hand, Vitamin B12 is needed for the formation of erythrocytes or red blood cells. This is also helpful in the prevention of developing anemia. It is usually quite challenging to get this vitamin as it is practically only found in animal based products. Those on a vegetarian or even vegan diet should definitely consider taking extra supplements, vitamin enriched cereals or fortified soy based products to ensure adequate intake of vitamin B12.




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