Vegetarianism is a food system that involves the abandonment of animal products in favor of plant foods. Such a diet becomes for a person not just a diet, but a way of life. But will it be useful for the human body?
There is no definite answer to this question, even despite the fact that a lot has been written about the benefits and harms of vegetarianism in scientific research.
BeautyHack talks about the main pros and cons of vegetarianism - draw your own conclusions.
Types of vegetarianism
There are several types of vegetarianism - the diet of its adherents may differ from the complete rejection of animal products or the permissibility of using some of them. We will describe the most popular of its types, which are worth paying attention to (about which stars have given up eating meat and why, read here).
Experts say that if a person refuses meat, but leaves dairy products, eggs and seafood in his diet, then such a diet can be considered balanced and it is suitable for a life without eating meat products.
Veganism. This form of vegetarianism completely excludes animal products: meat, dairy products, eggs and even honey. Experts agree that this direction in vegetarianism is one of the most unhealthy for human health.
Raw food diet. Raw foodists are those people who completely exclude boiled, stewed and fried foods from their diet, and also do not use spices and eat cereals not ready-made, but sprouted. Doctors say that this kind of diet, such as a raw food diet, is suitable only for absolutely healthy people.
Lacto-vegetarianism is a type of diet that excludes meat products, but allows the use of milk and eggs.
Flexitorianism. One of the new directions in vegetarianism, which does not call for completely abandoning meat and seafood, but seeks to gradually reduce their amount in the diet. This type is often criticized by vegetarians, as it does not fully correspond to their ideologies.
Benefit
Slim figure. Most often, low-calorie foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains are included in the diet of vegetarians - they are not only healthy and nutritious, but also help to maintain shape.
Clean skin. Having given up meat and dairy products, many notice that the skin becomes much cleaner, and a natural glow appears on the face. The fact is that a vegetarian diet helps to remove toxins and toxins from the body (you can find out which foods will help fight inflammation here).
Vitamins. A varied vegetable and dairy diet enriches the body with essential trace elements and nutrients. In addition, vegetarian dishes are free of carcinogens, which also has a beneficial effect on health.
Improving health will help not only proper nutrition, but also a good multivitamin complex, as well as sound sleep (about what things will make you sleep sound, read here).
Longevity. According to experts, the life expectancy of vegetarians is higher - they are less susceptible to cardiovascular and oncological diseases.
Harm
Protein deficiency. Meat contains a large amount of protein that our bodies need to maintain normal muscle function. Vegetarians often dispute this fact and argue that legumes are also rich in protein, so they can easily replace meat products. But scientists have proven that protein from plant foods is less digestible, which can lead to a deficiency, and then to various health problems.
Lack of vitamin B 12 and iron. Meat is a source of iron, which is best absorbed by the body, and its deficiency can lead to dizziness and anemia.
Vitamin B12 is generally absent from plant foods, but it is found in milk and eggs, so lacto-vegetarianism is considered one of the most acceptable forms of vegetarianism.
General weakness. Strict vegetarianism gives the body less energy, so a person can often feel sick and tired during physical activity.
Drawing conclusions, we can say that if your diet is similar to lacto-vegetarianism or flexitorism, then such a diet is safe for the human body. But a radical rejection of all animal products can lead to a deficiency of nutrients, therefore, when following a strict vegetarianism, additional vitamin supplements are always needed.
Text: Diana Snetkova
