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Now we see more and more people are converting themselves to vegetarians especially in western and eastern countries. If not fully, they are partially becoming vegetarians knowing the benefits of using vegetables in their daily life.
A plant-based diet, which is low in saturated fat, high in fibre, high in antioxidants, vitamins and protective chemicals helps or is now considered as an ultimate prescription for most of the diseases and also for healthy and longer life.
Vegans are less likely to be overweight than meat-eaters and are less prone to diseases than meat-eaters. In countries like China, people who eat less or no meat, heart disease, breast cancer and diabetes is found to be less than all other countries.
The total calories that come from the fat of meat are more than the entire calories that come from a vegetarian diet. Most of the fat vegetarians get are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated than the dangerous saturated fat that comes from meat.
Most plant foods are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Beta carotene which are very essential for protecting our body from diseases. Plant foods also contain phytonutrients which help in lowering the risk of cataracts and heart diseases. The pigment found in spinach and a variety of dark green and orange fruits and vegetables helps in reducing the risk.
In addition to this plant foods are rich in fibre. Dietary fibre helps in giving fullness to the diet and also adds bulk to the diet and also stools thereby reducing constipation and also helps in lowering blood cholesterol levels.
A vegan diet can provide all the nutrients with your body needs including proteins. Proteins in meat are complete because it contains all the amino acids you need. The protein in legumes and grains, however, may be low in one or two amino acids, but eating these throughout the day meets the daily requirement. For better diet plan, consult with the best nutritionists in Mangalore.
Vitamin B 12 is rich in non-vegetarian food. But now vegans can get this from fortified cereals, B 12 enriched foods which help in meeting the requirements and thereby reducing the number of people suffering from pernicious anaemia. Visit the best nutrition and dietetics hospital in Mangalore to know more about healthy diet.
Mrs Aruna Mallya
Dietician
