Benefits and Risks of a Vegetarian Diet

Vegetarianism, a concept that has been with us for many years, is an important way of eating. It is a way of eating with vegetarian diet benefits.

What Are the Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet?

The benefits of a vegetarian diet are as follows:

• Because all plants contain high levels of antioxidants, people who move to this way of eating have a high antioxidant intake. This is important both for coping with stress and for supporting health in many conditions.
• It is thought to help protect and support gut health. It may also support the immune system, which can ease some of the effects of ageing.
• Because it is associated with lower inflammation, it is linked with good protection against heart and vascular disease. Because the diet is rich in fibre, it is linked with a lower risk of conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes.
• Eating mainly vegetables and fruit can also support healthy weight management. People who eat this way are also known to be more resistant to weight gain as they get older. In short, we can say it is a way of eating associated with a lower risk of obesity.
• Raw and well-chosen foods added to the diet can increase beneficial enzymes.
• It helps you avoid the carcinogens found in cooked meat. The antioxidants obtained through this diet are also thought to be protective.

The benefits of a vegetarian diet are generally as above. When you move to this way of eating, the benefits that come from meat and meat products will not be there, so you need to be well informed and have your health checked regularly.

However, there are also vegetarian diet risks. Because you do not take in some foods with this way of eating, some problems can arise as a result.

What Are the Risks of a Vegetarian Diet?

A vegetarian way of eating has many important benefits, but because some foods are taken in insufficient amounts, there are also risks. If you are thinking of moving to this way of eating, you should first get information about the risks. The risks of a vegetarian diet are as follows:

• On this diet, iron may be taken in insufficient amounts, and as a result iron-deficiency anaemia can be seen.
• On this diet, vitamin B12 may not be taken in at sufficient levels, so a deficiency can develop. This can affect the nervous system.
• If milk and dairy products are not taken in enough on a vegetarian diet, bone density may fall and bone health may be affected.
• On this diet, omega-3 fatty acids may not be taken in at sufficient levels. This can affect brain development, the central nervous system and vision.
• However, there are also vegetarian diet risks. Because you do not take in some foods with this way of eating, some problems can arise as a result.

This article is for general information only; please consult your doctor and dietitian about your own situation.