Every day more people join the diet that leaves aside the consumption of meat. Some for religious reasons, certain beliefs or for simple fashion. But really how beneficial a vegetarian diet can be. Will excluding all kinds of meats be able to provide our body with the sufficient amount of nutrients it needs for its proper functioning?
How healthy can a vegetarian diet be?
The vegetarian diet consists of eliminating all types of meat and fish from daily consumption. There are even those who exclude all foods of animal origin such as eggs or dairy , this is the so-called vegan diet. They are usually related to religious beliefs, fashion, or weight loss regimens. However, experts highlight the need to carry out this type of diet in a controlled way. Even the American Dietetic Association in one of its publications highlights that vegetarian diets can be consistent with any human life cycle but “well planned.”
It is true that this style of eating can provide nutrients, vitamins and proteins to the body. However, the amount is not the same as in a diet that includes meat and foods of animal origin. That is why specialists view with great concern those who choose a vegetarian diet without any nutritional advice. These people are the ones who can suffer the negative consequences of implementing these diets disproportionately.
In balance is the secret
Thinking that a vegetarian diet can reduce the consumption of saturated fat is convincing. In addition, we can read in different articles the amount of benefits it provides to our health. So many that it is able to help prevent certain diseases and bodily ailments. However, as in any other diet , the portions and type of vegetables that we are going to consume must be analyzed. This to be able to enjoy its benefits and not turn it into an unhealthy diet.
As we have mentioned previously, in vegetables we can find nutrients, vitamins and proteins. But if we do not know exactly which ones contribute it and in what amount we may be making a mistake. For example, one of the main nutrients the body requires is protein. This is vital in the body’s processes, especially those that involve the growth of tissues and muscles. The greatest source of protein is meat, so when eliminating it from the daily diet, it needs to be provided in another way. One of the options is to take nutritional complexes or include legumes in the vegetarian diet. These are a rich source of vegetable protein, they also contain vitamins and fibers.
Another of the vitamins to which you must pay special attention in a diet that omits meat is iron. Although there are vegetables that can contain it, in others it will not be the same case. It is also necessary to combine the iron-rich vegetable with others that help the body absorb it . Iron is found in green leafy vegetables and for its adequate absorption it is recommended to consume them with citrus fruits or vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli or tomato.
