Benefits of Vegetarianism
Posted by in Vegetarianism on June 29, 2011
Being a vegetarian is no longer frowned upon as the world takes note of the benefits of vegetarianism. Vegetarian diet is not only adequate to fulfill all the standard dietary requirements but also has additional health benefits including prevention of several diseases and harmful health conditions. Discussed below are some of the most important benefits of vegetarianism:
Effect on Body Mass Index
A strict vegetarian diet contains relatively less fat as compared to the non-vegetarian diet owing to the negligible fat content in most of the vegetables. However the only case where the fat content in a vegetarian diet would increase is the inclusion of excessive amounts of butter, fat or other fat-rich dairy products. Research says that average vegetarians eat 25% less fat than a typical meat-eater. This results in a Body Mass Index that is closest to the standard values or at least closer than those of the non-vegetarians. Eating fresh vegetables and fruits and other staple vegetarian foods like whole grains or pulses help over accumulation of fat and when supplemented with a regular fitness regime, can help to maintain a healthy body weight.
Benefits of Dietary Fiber
A vegetarian diet primarily constitutes fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains and pulses. Vegetables and fruits contain high amounts of dietary fiber. Fiber binds to the cholesterol molecules and prevents its absorption in the blood circulation. It also eliminates these cholesterol molecules via stools. Thus a vegetarian diet results into lower cholesterol levels. Since cholesterol is considered as one of the reasons, which can lead to blockage of arteries, lower cholesterol levels indicate lower risks of arteriosclerosis as well as heart attacks. In addition to this dietary fibers also help to improve the process of digestion and thus help the body rid of toxic waste products.
Higher Life Expectancy
Wondering what good can broccoli and Brussels sprouts do to you? Well for one, they can make you live longer than your non-vegetarian counterparts. Yes, don’t be surprised! One of the most important benefits of vegetarianism is perhaps its effect on life expectancy. Several research and studies have found out that vegetarianism offers higher life expectancy than a non-vegetarian diet. On an average, vegetarians live longer than non-vegetarians. Read the rest of this entry »
Benefits of a Healthy Diet
Posted by in Healthy Diet on June 29, 2011
A healthy diet plays an important role in the proper development of our body. The phrase ‘You are what you eat’, is quite simple to grasp yet, gives a deep insight into how our body responds to the various foods we consume. It is not just the body but also the mind gets affected by our diet. It is quite common for a person with spicy and specially pungent foods to get irritated/agitated easily with common problems. The food we consume has multifarious effects on our body. Benefits of a healthy diet should therefore, be understood in order to lead a better life. An attempt is made to put down as many benefits of a healthy diet in this article.
Healthy Diet Benefits
A healthy diet is good for nourishing the body and preventing the diseases. Healthy body is the biggest wealth that one can have. Supplying the right quantity of good food to the body and at the right time should strengthen it. Understanding the benefits of a healthy diet for children is important as it is of vital importance for their growing body from the point of proper development. Incorporating a healthy diet menu and few changes in lifestyle are a must for everyone.
Bone Health
In addition to giving structural strength, the bones of our body (marrow) are responsible for generation of blood cells. Nourishing the bones with calcium-based and other healthy foods has many positive effects on the body. Those people with unhealthy bone marrow finds it difficult to produce blood cells (white and red) in the required quantity. A healthy diet strengthens the bones and avoids the possibility of osteoporosis in old age. Many such benefits of a balanced diet are presented through following paragraphs.
Weight Control
Obesity, in young as well as in adults, is one of the biggest health issues in countries like USA. Excess weight gain that takes place beyond a limit is not considered to be good from the point of maintaining a health. Intake of a healthy diet helps in keeping a check on weight gain in a positive manner. The deposition of excess fats results into the development of lipid layers. Heart diseases and many other complications result from excess fats.
Feeling of Well Being
A feeling of well being comes from the intake of healthy diet. The consumption of healthy diet clears off all the impurities and allows all the systems (blood circulation, digestion, nervous systems) to function efficiently. When all the systems in the body function properly and work in unison, it is but natural that one feels enthusiastic and ready to look at the problems with a positive frame of mind. Read the rest of this entry »