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The Foundations Of A Vegetarian Diet And Other Considerations

By Linda Alvarez


A vegetarian diet is a diet that is made up of foods like beans, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables among others. A vegetarian diet that has been planned out well will include all the right nutrients, like proteins, minerals and vitamins, and also help to improve one's health. This can include things like reducing the potential of developing chronic diseases, obesity and diabetes. Keep on reading to discover more things about such a diet plan.

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.

Some food plants that are good sources of protein include nuts and seeds, legumes (like beans, lentils and peas, soy products (soy beverages and tempeh) and whole grains. Soy is a complete vegetable protein. These foods also provide the body with other essential nutrients.

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 foods like soy products, legumes, grains and nuts are rich in zinc. When it comes to iron, the form contained in plant foods is slightly different from what is found in meat sources. Its absorption can be influenced by other foods in your diet-vitamin C will enhance its absorption while coffee and tea will inhibit it. Good sources of iron include fortified cereal, beans, tofu, spinach, oatmeal and lentils. Never take iron supplements unless recommended by your doctor

3. Omega 3 essential fatty acids

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.

Nevertheless, when plant based omega 3 fats are converted for the human body usage, it is usually inadequate and so it is often necessary to take extra supplements or vitamins, like algae extract supplements to ensure that you fulfil your daily intake of omega 3.

4. Vitamins D and B-12

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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