 A Global Virtual Classroom Project : GVC1210 |
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Vegetarianism/VeganismBy Andrea at SPLHSThe generally accepted definition of a vegetarian is a person who does not eat meat while this is correct, there is much more to vegetarianism.There are several types or levels of vegetarians: semi-vegetarians, lacto-ovo vegetarians, lacto vegetarians, and vegans or total vegetarians. Each diet has different restrictions as to what types of food can be consumed. Vegans or total vegetarians are the most strict. They eat only plant foods. Their philosophy is that they don't eat anything with a mom or dad, anything with a face or anything produced by these creatures. Lacto vegetarians are similar to vegans, but they are not quite as strict. Lacto vegetarians are allowed to eat dairy products in addition to the plant foods. Lacto-ovo vegetarians add eggs into their diet. At this point meat is the only restriction on the diet. Most American vegetarians fit into this category. The most relaxed category of vegetarians is the semi-vegetarian. They eat plant foods, dairy products, eggs, chicken, and seafood. The only food they do not eat is red meat. Vegetarian diets vastly differ from each other, but they are all based on the same general concept (Vegetarian Diets).Vegetarians are generally healthier than non-vegetarians. Vegetarians tend to be more concerned about their health than the average person would be. Not only do they eat more consciously, but they live a more active lifestyle. They are at lower risk for obesity atonic constipation, lung cancer, alcoholism, hypertension, coronary artery disease, type II diabetes, gallstones, breast cancer, diverticular disease of the colon, colonic cancer, calcium kidney stones, osteoporosis, and dental erosion (Health Aspects of a Vegetarian Diet). There are some important nutrients that vegetarians and especially vegans have trouble receiving. In order to obtain these nutrients, they substitute other foods. They get protein from grains, beans, seeds, nuts, and eggs. Vitamin D is generally obtained through a supplementary pill. Iron is consumed through bread, cereal, and dark green vegetables. Calcium is generally found in dairy products, but vegans get their calcium from dark green vegetables like spinach and broccoli, calcium-fortified cereals, soy milk, and fortified juices. Vitamin B-12 is also usually acquired through dairy products. Vegans attain this nutrient in soy milk and multivitamins (Being a Vegetarian). SourcesBellows, L. Vegetarian Diets. Colorado State University Extension. 2012. Web. 7 December 2012.Dwyer, J T. “Health Aspects of Vegetarian Diets.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2012): n. pag. Web. 10 December 2012. Being a Vegetarian. Brown University. 11 December 2012. Return to articles menu |