The Essential Components Of A Vegetarian Diet Plan

A diet for vegetarians is one that consists of plant based foods like fruits, veggies, peas, beans, nuts, seeds and grains. A properly laid out vegetarian diet plan that has all the essential nutrients, like minerals, vitamins as well as protein, can offer you many health advantages. These include lowering the chance of getting diabetes, obesity and some other long-term diseases. Continue reading to learn more about what makes a vegetarian diet.

Main Ideas Related To The Vegetarian Diet Regime

1. Protein

Protein is essential for numerous inner body functions such as building and repairing tissues. A completed protein molecule is normally made up of many amino acids. However, plant based foods do not offer such proteins as they do not have many amino acids.

Some food plants that are good sources of protein include nuts and seeds, legumes (like beans, lentils and peas, soy products (soy beverages and tempeh) and whole grains. Soy is a complete vegetable protein. These foods also provide the body with other essential nutrients.

2. Minerals

Those on a vegetarian diet should make sure that they get adequate iodine, zinc, calcium and iron. Actually, scientists say that a good vegetarian diet weight loss plan is a diet plan that complies with recommended intake of such nutrients. For instance, you should regularly consume dairy products like milk to ensure that you ingest enough calcium for your daily intake. Additionally, leafy green vegetables like kale and boy choy, and even calcium-enhanced juices are also good alternatives. These sources also contain bioavailable calcium that can be utilised by your body straight away.

Plant based foods like legumes, grains, nuts, soy products are rich in zinc. However, the form of iron found in plant based foods is slightly different to that found in animals. The absorption of iron can depend on other foods in the diet, for example, vitamin C will enhance the absorption of iron whereas tea and coffee will reduce it. Great sources of iron include beans, tofu, oatmeal, lentils and spinach. Do not take iron supplements unless before asking your doctor.

3. Omega 3 essential fatty acids

These fats are necessary for the heart to function properly. In general, certain diets that avoid eggs or fish (like the vegetarian diet) have minimal amounts of essential fatty acids in their active forms. Ground flaxseed, soy oil, soybeans, canola oil and walnuts are great sources of omega 3 fats.

However, the conversion of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids to the type used by human beings is usually inefficient, so you may consider taking fortified products or supplements like algae extract supplements. These will ensure that your body get the 2 forms of omega-3 which plant foods don't have.

4. Vitamin D and B12

Vitamin D is vital in the developing stages as well as for the formation of bones. Eating and drinking foods like cereals and milk will guarantee that your body gets enough vitamin D. Also think about eating breakfast cereals that are also fortified with vitamins, or other nutrients like protein or omega 3.

On the other hand, Vitamin B12 is needed for the formation of erythrocytes or red blood cells. This is also helpful in the prevention of developing anemia. It is usually quite challenging to get this vitamin as it is practically only found in animal based products. Those on a vegetarian or even vegan diet should definitely consider taking extra supplements, vitamin enriched cereals or fortified soy based products to ensure adequate intake of vitamin B12.

By Vito Schmidt