The Foundations Of A Vegetarian Diet And Other Considerations

By Ellena Forney


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.

Essential Components of a Vegetarian Diet Plan

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 diet weight loss 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 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. 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.

In contrast, vitamin B12 is required for the development of red blood cells and for the prevention of anemia. Normally, it is quite difficult to obtain this vitamin for non-meat eating people as this vitamin is found almost only in animal products. As such, those on a vegetarian or vegan diet plans should think about taking additional vitamins, supplement, cereals with vitamin B12 or fortified soy products to get sufficient vitamin B12.




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