Benefits of vegetarian diet - nutrition vegetarian

Every year, interest in vegetarianism continues to grow, positioning itself as an attractive alternative for those seeking a healthy diet, weight loss and greater respect for the environment. However, this trend is also facing criticism, especially from those who warn of possible nutritional deficiencies by completely eliminating meat consumption.

Although there are detractors, the truth is that the vegetarian diet has been extensively studied over the years, showing numerous health benefits. Below, we will review some of the main proven benefits of following a vegetarian diet.

Benefits of a vegetarian diet

Adopting a vegetarian diet has proven to be very effective in reducing body fat, with weight loss being evident within the first few weeks of starting it. This fact makes it a useful tool in combating the high rates of obesity that exist today. With a well-planned vegetarian diet, it is possible to enjoy a rich diet and, at the same time, reduce the percentage of fat in the body.

In addition to fat reduction, the vegetarian diet brings many other benefits.

These include:

• Cholesterol reduction, stabilization of blood pressure and maintenance of healthy triglyceride levels. It has also been shown to be effective in controlling type 2 diabetes and improving insulin sensitivity, all thanks to the reduction of fat in the body.

• Coronary heart disease, which is the most common in many countries, shows a marked decrease among those who follow a vegetarian lifestyle. By reducing fat and eliminating common sources of cardiovascular disease, the health of the heart and circulatory system improves considerably.

• As for cancer, the studies are encouraging. The vegetarian diet has been shown to be effective in preventing at least four types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer. Meat intake has been linked to the development of cancer cells, so following a vegetarian diet could have a protective effect.

The skeletal system also benefits, becoming stronger and helping to prevent painful diseases such as arthritis.

In relation to children, despite long-standing concerns about possible nutritional deficiencies, today the American Dietetic Association maintains that a well-planned vegetarian diet can provide all the nutrients children need for growth and development. Also, this diet is considered safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and also for athletes or people who require high physical performance.

As you can see, the benefits of a vegetarian diet are extensive and cover people of all ages and physical conditions. In addition, the results in the prevention of various diseases highlight this diet as a healthy and effective option to lose weight and improve the quality of life.