What are vegetarian and vegan diets?
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To eat meat, or not to eat meat... This is the question on many people's minds. The negative impact of animal foods on health, the damage associated with animal foods and the environment, religious beliefs, and the desire to protect and respect animals are some of the reasons for the increase in the number of people consuming vegetarian diets. Many people express an interest in consuming a vegetarian diet but don't do so because they are unsure of how to do it or are not ready to give up meat. Fortunately, there are options and lots of great resources available to help.
The key to making this diet work for you is to understand what nutrients you are missing from the foods that you are not consuming and to learn how to balance your meals without these foods.
Vegan vs. vegetarian: what's the difference?
Vegetarian diet
Vegetarians avoid meat, poultry, and fish but may choose to eat animal byproducts like eggs and dairy. Most vegetarian diets focus on eating fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds.
Some individuals choose to be vegetarians for health reasons and/or to increase awareness about animal cruelty and slaughter for food.
Vegan diet
Vegans follow a strict form of vegetarianism that eliminates all animal-based foods (meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish, eggs, dairy products) and animal derivatives (gelatin, carmine, honey, pepsin, shellac, albumin, whey, casein, some forms of vitamin D). Vegans often need to take supplements to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
Vegans often choose to avoid all animal by-products for ethical and environmental reasons in addition to health reasons. They may even avoid wearing materials and textiles such as leather, suede, wool, and silk.
Vegan vs. vegetarian diet: which is healthier?
Vegan and vegetarian diets can both have health benefits as long as the diet is well-planned and balanced.
Vegetarians may consume slightly higher amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D than vegans. Vegans may have lower cholesterol levels than vegetarians because they avoid dairy and eggs. In terms of weight reduction, a study reported that vegans had a lower body mass index than vegetarians. Over 5 years, vegans gained less weight than vegetarians.
While there are only a few research studies that look at the distinctions between veganism and vegetarianism, data suggests that vegan diets are more protective as well as restrictive. According to a meta-analysis published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, vegans may have a lower risk of developing certain diseases than vegetarians, including heart disease, type II diabetes, and some types of cancer.
Whichever diet you choose, make sure you analyze your daily nutrient intake and consider supplements if necessary.
What types of vegetarian diets are there?
See the table below to learn about the different types of vegetarian diets.
Type of vegetarian diet | Foods that you do consume | Foods that are not consumed |
---|---|---|
Vegan | Only plant-based foods | Meat Poultry Fish Milk Eggs Cheese Honey *Also avoid: leather, fur, silk, wool, soaps, and cosmetics derived from animal product |
Lacto-vegetarian | Plant-based foods Milk Milk products
|
Meat Poultry Fish Eggs |
Lacto-ovo vegetarian | Plant-based foods Milk Milk products
|
Meat Poultry Fish |
Flexitarian (semi-vegetarian) | Plant-based foods Occasionally consume or consume in limited quantity any or all of the following:
|
Animals foods consumed in limited quantity and/or frequency |
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QUESTION
According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See AnswerOmega-3 fatty acids
The American Heart Association recommends "consuming fish (particularly fatty fish) two times a week." The fat in fish provides the essential omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The omega-3 supplements and the foods fortified with it have varying amounts of EPA and/or DHA. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to slow the progression of atherosclerosis, reduce triglyceride levels, act as an anti-inflammatory agent, possibly help with depression and other personality disorders, and possibly thin the blood. There is ongoing research to determine if there are other health benefits.
To a limited extent, your body can produce EPA from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), another essential fatty acid. According to studies, ALA does not produce any DHA, so it does not provide comparable health benefits to omega-3 fatty acids. ALA can be found in non-meat sources such as flaxseed oil, flaxseeds, canola oil, walnuts, and tofu. Research has shown that microalgae oil can serve as a source of omega-3 fatty acids for vegans and vegetarians. Microalgae oil is rich in DHA like fatty fish and provides an adequate amount of EPA.
One other thing to take into consideration when trying to obtain the health benefits from omega-3 fatty acids is the amount of omega-6 fatty acids that you are consuming. Omega-6 fatty acids are the other essential fat in our diet. These fatty acids are found in abundance in our diets. So much so, that we need to cut back on them. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in most vegetable oils, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and peanut oil. Some experts believe that we currently consume about 14 times more omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids. The goal is to bring this consumption closer to an equal intake or, at most, only 3 grams of omega-6 fatty acids for every 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil and flaxseeds are the only source of ALA that does not also provide omega-6 fatty acids.
While there are no official guidelines for how to get an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids in a vegetarian diet, there are some recommendations that you can follow:
- Use microalgae oil as a replacement for fatty fish consumption.
- Use flaxseed oil or flaxseeds (ground or crushed) as your source of ALA. Do not heat the oil when you use it.
- Cut back on your intake of omega-6 fatty acids by replacing plant oils with olive oil or rapeseed oil.
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Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is attached to the protein in animal foods. There has been considerable research to determine if it is also found in some plant foods. Unfortunately, the B12 that has been found in plant foods can't be used by humans. Supplements that have been made with plant sources have been shown to contain B12 analogs, compounds that are structurally similar to B12 but do not serve the same function. Research has shown that using supplements with these analogs can compete with vitamin B12, inhibit its metabolism, and increase the risk of B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes several symptoms and problems, including weakness, tiredness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, poor memory, dementia, depression, problems with balance, and megaloblastic anemia. You may also experience nerve problems, such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Vitamin B12 deficiency can damage the nervous system even in people who don't have anemia, so it is important to treat a deficiency as soon as possible.
Vitamin B12 is found in seafood, dairy, eggs, and meat. Vegan diets have the highest risk of deficiency. Many foods are fortified with vitamin B12, so vegan diets can contain adequate amounts of this nutrient with or without a supplement.
The recommendations for reaching your vitamin B12 needs are to:
- consume food fortified with vitamin B12 two to three times a day,
- take a B12 supplement if you are unable to consume an adequate amount in your diet or if you have an increased need for it (the elderly and pregnant and lactating women),
- do not take excessive amounts of folate supplements, as this can mask a B12 deficiency,
- have your B12 level checked by your physician.
Calcium
The most well-known source of calcium is dairy foods, which are often omitted or greatly limited in vegetarian diets and are completely omitted in vegan diets. Dairy products provide 70% of the dietary calcium of the U.S. population. The nondairy foods that provide calcium are calcium-fortified tofu, some roots and legumes, and fortified soy milk.
Certain factors will impact how much calcium you absorb from the food, such as the amount of calcium that is present and the presence of vitamin D. The presence of vitamin D will enhance absorption, while the presence of oxalic acid and phytic acid will interfere with the absorption. Foods rich in oxalic acid are spinach, rhubarb, sweet potatoes, and beans. Foods rich in phytic acid are unleavened bread, nuts, seeds, and raw beans. You will absorb some of the calcium in foods that you consume when oxalic acid and phytic acids are present but not as much as you would when they are not present. For example, calcium absorption from dried beans is about half of that absorbed from milk, and calcium absorption from spinach is about one-tenth of that from milk.
The following are recommendations for consuming an adequate amount of calcium:
- Consume two servings of dairy products per day, with 200 mg coming from other food sources.
- Vegans should consume calcium-fortified juices or soy milk daily, calcium-rich foods throughout the day, and consider taking a daily supplement.
- Calcium intake needs to be spread throughout the day for optimal absorption. We do not efficiently absorb more than 500 mg at a time, so there is no need to try to consume high amounts all at once.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency has become a worldwide epidemic. People who exclude fish and dairy from their diet can be even more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency. There are numerous benefits to vitamin D, including decreased incidence and severity of cardiovascular disease, lowering of blood pressure in hypertension, prevention and treatment of depression, decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, prevention of osteoporosis and osteopenia, decreased inflammation, decreased dental cavities, reduced risk of allergies in children and adolescents, decreased mortality from various forms of cancer, decreased incidence of rickets, possible decrease in erectile dysfunction, and regulation of blood cholesterol.
The only way to know for sure if you are getting enough vitamin D is to have your blood tested. It is a good idea for people following a vegetarian diet to do this, especially children. Exposing your skin to the sun for 10 to 15 minutes, without sunscreen, a couple of times per week is an option for some to meet their vitamin D needs. When this is not an option, research shows that supplementation can be effective in preventing this deficiency.
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Iron
Iron is essential for health and transporting oxygen. A deficiency in iron causes fatigue and decreased immune function. There are two forms of dietary iron: heme and nonheme. Heme iron is found in animal foods, while nonheme iron is in plant foods.
The amount of iron that the body obtains and uses from the food is referred to as iron absorption. The iron absorption from heme iron ranges from 15%-35% while the absorption from nonheme iron is only 2%-20%. Evidence does not show any greater iron deficiency anemia in vegetarians than in omnivores, but body iron stores in vegetarians do tend to be lower so it's important to pay attention to your intake. There are ways to increase the absorption of nonheme iron and meet your recommendations:
- Consuming vitamin C (citrus fruits, juice, red peppers) at the same time that you consume foods with nonheme iron will increase iron absorption.
- Consuming meat protein at the same time that you consume nonheme iron foods increases iron absorption.
- Calcium, tannins, and phytates interfere with the absorption of iron. Tannins are found in tea and coffee. Phytates are found in whole grains and legumes. Take any supplements containing calcium and foods containing calcium, tannins, or phytates separately from the time you consume iron-rich foods or an iron supplement.
- When you need a supplement, you want one with ferrous iron salts (ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate, and ferrous gluconate). The amount of iron that you absorb decreases with increasing doses, so it's best to spread your supplements out over the day. Iron can be toxic at high levels, so do not supplement if you do not need to, and consult with your physician before taking a supplement.
- Have your iron levels checked by your physician.
Nutrient | Function | Non-Vegan Sources | Vegan Sources |
---|---|---|---|
Vitamin B12 | Producing and maintaining new cells; helps make DNA; helps maintain the nervous system |
|
Fortified foods:
|
Calcium | Strong bones; contract and expand blood vessels and muscles; send messages to the nervous system; and secrete hormones and enzyme |
|
|
Iron | Transport oxygen; regulation of cell growth and differentiation; an integral part of many proteins and enzymes | Heme iron:
|
Non-heme iron:
|
Vitamin D | Decreased incidence and severity of cardiovascular disease; lowering of blood pressure in hypertension; prevention and treatment of depression; decreased risk of type 2 diabetes; prevention of osteoporosis and osteopenia; decreased inflammation; decreased dental cavities; reduced risk of allergies in children and adolescents; decreased mortality from various forms of cancer; decreased incidence of rickets; possible decrease in erectile dysfunction; and regulation of blood cholesterol |
|
|
Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Protect against atherosclerosis; reduce triglyceride levels; act as an anti-inflammatory; possibly help with depression and other personality disorders; and possibly thin the blood | Fatty fish:
|
Source EPA and DHA: Microalgae oil Source EPA:
|
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What are the benefits of the various kinds of vegetarian and vegan diets?
The health benefits of a vegetarian diet are the number one reason why people choose to follow this way of eating. Large-scale studies including the Adventist Health Study, the Oxford Vegetarian Study, the Health Food Shoppers Study, and the Heidelberg Study have shown that overall, vegetarians tend to be slimmer, appear to be in better health, and have a reduced risk of chronic diseases and greater longevity when compared with omnivores.
Some of the other health benefits attributed to following a vegetarian diet are a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, diverticulosis, renal disease, some cancers (including lung and breast), and gallstones. The reason for these health benefits comes from the foods that are reduced or omitted as well as from the foods that are consumed. A healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity and low consumption of alcohol and tobacco may also play a role in acquiring these benefits.
The similarities in the various kinds of vegetarian diets are the high consumption of fruit, vegetables, soy, nuts, and legumes. Overall, they tend to have a lower intake of saturated fat and cholesterol and higher intakes of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, certain minerals, and phytochemicals. Cholesterol is only found in animal foods, so vegan diets are completely cholesterol-free.
There is evidence linking red meat, especially processed meat, with an increased risk of cancer, coronary heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Cutting back on the quantity and frequency of red meat consumption can lead to health benefits. Many believe that this is the biggest contributor to the health benefits that are found with the vegetarian diet.
Can you lose weight by being a vegetarian?
A vegetarian diet is a lifestyle choice and not necessarily a diet plan specifically aimed at weight loss.
Nonetheless, adults and children eating vegetarian-based diets are often slimmer than those who eat non-vegetarian foods. This could be because a vegetarian diet often includes recipes centered on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fiber, and plant-based proteins, which are more satisfying and lower in calories and fat.
However, a vegetarian diet is not always low in calories. Vegetarians can gain weight if they eat too many high-calorie foods, such as sweetened beverages, fried foods, and sweets, or if their portion sizes are too large.
What are the most common problems of vegetarian and vegan diets?
Cutting out meat is not all that it takes to follow a vegetarian diet. You need to remember that whenever you omit a food group you could potentially be missing some essential nutrients. All kinds of vegetarian diets can be nutritionally balanced, but it will take some planning to do this. Numerous studies have shown that poor meal planning is the cause of nutritional deficiencies in vegetarian diets, not the absence of animal foods. Well-balanced vegetarian diets have been approved for all stages of life, including pregnant and lactating women, children, adolescents, the elderly population, and competitive athletes.
The nutrients for which you are at risk of not getting enough will depend on the foods that you have omitted from your diet. The following are the most common nutrients that may be lacking in a vegetarian diet.
Is a vegetarian diet safe?
A vegetarian diet is safe and healthy since adults, children, and pregnant and lactating women can meet all their nutritional requirements (especially the lactovegetarian diet that allows the consumption of milk and dairy products).
Is it safe to be on a vegan diet during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your nutritional needs change as your baby grows and develops. Your overall needs increase since you are helping to feed your baby and provide the nutrition that it needs to grow. To account for these needs, people who follow a plant-based diet during pregnancy need to plan out their meals to get a variety of necessary nutrients. Most women also take supplements that are specially formulated to give pregnant women the important vitamins and minerals their bodies need.
When you're pregnant and vegan, you should be able to meet all of your nutritional needs by planning your meals around four main food groups:
- Protein foods
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Starchy carbs
Choosing these foods can have lots of health benefits. You might also want to include some vitamin- and mineral-fortified foods in your diet, like cereal or non-dairy milk.
What should I include in my vegetarian and vegan diet plans?
The first thing to decide is if you are going to consume any source of animal foods. There is no one "right" way to do this. You can have cheese but no milk; or you may choose poultry but no beef. You want to make your diet plan fit your lifestyle and include the foods that you enjoy consuming. You will get some of the health benefits of a vegetarian diet even if you only consume one or two vegetarian meals per week. Starting by slowly adding vegetarian meals may make the transition easier if you are not used to this way of eating.
Here are some keys to balancing your meals.
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient that is needed for growth, immune function, and muscle mass. Protein is made up of amino acids. There are some amino acids that our bodies can make and others that must be supplied from our diet. Protein is the only nutrient that will increase your satiety; meaning that you will stay full in between meals. This makes protein an integral part of any weight loss plan.
The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults get a minimum of 0.8 grams of protein per kg of body weight each day. To determine your need, use this calculation:
- Your body weight in pounds divided by 2.2 = ________ your body weight in kg
- Your body weight in kg times 0.8 = ________ grams of protein per day
Animal foods tend to be the highest source of protein in our diets and can provide all the amino acids that we need, making it a complete protein. Every ounce of animal food provides 7 grams of protein and varying amounts of fat. Seafood and poultry provide the lowest amount of fat per serving and therefore the lowest number of calories per serving. If you are consuming any meat, poultry, or seafood, you can use a deck of cards as a guideline for the amount that you are consuming. A piece of meat that is the size of a deck of cards is approximately 3 oz with 21 grams of protein. The amount that you eat will depend on the amount of calories that you are allowed to consume and any other sources of calories that you are consuming. You only need to use the deck of cards as a guideline to determine what a 3 oz serving looks like. One egg and 1 ounce of cheese (typically one slice) are considered one serving.
Plant foods also provide protein, along with fiber and some vitamins and minerals that you won't find in animal foods. The one limitation to these is that they are not considered complete proteins because they do not provide all of the necessary amino acids. The exceptions to this are soybeans and quinoa, which are considered complete proteins. Beans, seeds, nuts, and grains are excellent sources of protein. The way to make them complete proteins is to combine them. A very popular dish that takes two incomplete proteins and makes a complete one is rice and beans.
In America, vegan diets are commonly lower in protein in comparison to the standard American diet. But it is possible to consume a vegan diet and reach your recommended amount of protein. Two to three servings of protein-rich foods each day are usually enough to meet the daily needs of most adults. One serving is considered to be ½ cup of cooked dried beans, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, or 1 ounce of nuts.
The protein content of some common vegan foods is as follows:
Food | Amount | Protein |
---|---|---|
Almond butter | 2 tbsp | 5 g |
Almonds | ¼ cup | 8 g |
Black beans, cooked | 1 cup | 15 g |
Black-eyed peas, cooked | 1 cup | 11 g |
Broccoli, cooked | 1 cup | 4 g |
Brown rice, cooked | 1 cup | 5 g |
Bulgar, cooked | 1 cup | 6 g |
Cashews | ¼ cup | 5 g |
Chickpeas, cooked | 1 cup | 12 g |
Kidney beans, cooked | 1 cup | 13 g |
Lentils, cooked | 1 cup | 18 g |
Lima beans, cooked | 1 cup | 10 g |
Peanut butter | 2 tbsp | 8 g |
Peas, cooked | 1 cup | 9 g |
Pinto beans, cooked | 1 cup | 12 g |
Quinoa, cooked | 1 cup | 9 g |
Seitan | 3 oz | 31 g |
Soy milk | 1 cup | 7 g |
Soy yogurt, plain | 6 oz | 6 g |
Soybeans, cooked | 1 cup | 29 g |
Spinach, cooked | 1 cup | 5 g |
Sunflower seeds | ¼ cup | 6 g |
Tempeh | 1 cup | 41 g |
Tofu, firm | 4 oz | 11 g |
Tofu, regular | 4 oz | 9 g |
Whole wheat bread | Two slices | 5 g |
You may not be familiar with all of these foods if you are just starting. Take some time to do some research and experiment with recipes. Here is some information about three of the most popular sources of protein.
- Tofu: Tofu is made by treating soybean milk with coagulants. It is also known as soybean curd and resembles cheese. It has a high protein content so it can be used as the "meat" source for a meal. Tofu itself is bland, but it absorbs flavors very well, so it's best prepared with flavorful spices or marinades. There are soft, firm, and extra-firm varieties. The soft tofu is smoother and lower in fat and is best used in sauces, salad dressings, and desserts. The firm and extra-firm tofu are best used in grilling, baking, and stir-frying.
- Tempeh: Tempeh (pronounced TEM-pay or tem-pa) is made by fermenting soybeans with a rhizopus. It can be made of soy or combined with grains, seeds, and legumes. It has a nutty taste and a firm, tender, and chewy texture. Tempeh's high protein content makes it an excellent meat substitute. High-quality tempeh slices or cubes easily without crumbling. Look for tempeh that is covered with a thin whitish bloom. While it may have a few black or grayish spots, it should have no evidence of pink, yellow, or blue coloration as this indicates that it has become overly fermented. Like tofu, it absorbs the flavors of spices and marinades.
- Quinoa: Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a seed that is related to leafy green vegetables. It's often used as a grain, but unlike grains, it is considered a complete protein source. This means that it can also replace meat as a source of protein in your meal. It also provides fiber, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, and is gluten-free. It needs to be rinsed before cooking to remove the bitter coating substance that protects it from birds and insects. You can buy products that have already had this removed. Many people recommend that you presoak quinoa for 15 to 30 minutes to bring out the nutty flavor and remove the bitter flavor. To do this, you take 1 ½ cups of cold water add 1 cup of quinoa to it allow it to soak, and then drain the water off. When you don't have time to soak it, you can use hot water and soak it for five minutes and then rinse it a couple of times. You cook it in water that can either be two or three parts water for one part quinoa. The seeds swell to about two to four times their original size. Bring it to a boil, cover, and turn the heat down to simmer and cook for 20 minutes. When you remove it from the heat, allow it to sit with the cover on for five minutes, and then fluff it with a fork. You will see the seeds are a bit transparent and display a little white thread that curls around them. There are lots of great recipes that you can use this with, so experiment and enjoy!
Balance
The goal for any diet is to consume a balance of foods that provide your body with all of the nutrients that it needs to function optimally. The Food Guide Pyramid was developed to show the amount and type of foods to consume. A serving is a standard measurement, not the amount that you consume, which is called a portion. For example, one serving of bread is one slice, and your portion may be two slices, which means that you have two servings. If you want the health benefits of a vegetarian diet, you need to consume the foods that will provide these benefits. This means lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean sources of protein, and healthy fats. You can use the Food Guide Pyramid as a guideline for balancing your diet.
What are resources for vegetarian and vegan recipes?
Vegan
http://www.veganrecipes.com/
http://www.vegfamily.com/vegan-recipes/
Vegetarian
http://www.vegweb.com/
http://www.vrg.org/recipes/
http://vegkitchen.com/
http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/
http://www.recipezaar.com/recipes/egetarian
What is included in the vegan food pyramid?
Vegan Food Guide Pyramid
![Picture of vegan food pyramid](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/illustrations/vegan_food_pyramid.jpg)
It's important to remember that you can consume too many calories following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Too much of any food can lead to weight gain and the health problems associated with being overweight. Part of consuming a balanced diet means moderation. You also want to include water and physical activity in your plan. This is about making a healthy lifestyle change and making choices that "feed" your body and mind in the right way.
Where can I get more information on vegetarian and vegan diets?
Books and magazines
125 Gluten-Free Vegetarian Recipes: Quick and Delicious Mouthwatering Dishes for the Healthy Cook by Carol Fenster, Ph.D. Penguin Publishing, 2011.
Becoming Vegan: The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Plant-Based Diet by Brenda Davis, RD, and Vesanto Melina., MS, RD. Summertown, TN: Book Publishing Company, 2000.
Being Vegetarian for Dummies by Suzanne Havala, MS, RD. Cleveland, OH: IDG Books Worldwide, 2001.
New Becoming Vegetarian: The Essential Guide to a Healthy Vegetarian Diet by Vesanto Melina., MS, RD, and Brenda Davis, RD. Summertown, TN: Book Publishing Company, 2003.
Practically Raw: Flexible Raw Recipes Anyone Can Make by Amber Shea Crawley. Vegan Heritage Press, 2012.
Simply Vegan: Quick Vegetarian Meals, 4th ed. by Debra Wasserman; Nutrition Section by Reed Mangels, Ph.D., RD. Baltimore, MD: The Vegetarian Resource Group, 2006.
The Happy Herbivore Cookbook: Over 175 Delicious Fat-Free and Low-Fat Vegan Recipes by Lindsay S. Nixon. BenBella Books, 2011.
The Flexitarian Diet: The Mostly Vegetarian Way to Lose Weight, Be Healthier, Prevent Disease, and Add Years to Your Life by Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, LDN. McGraw-Hill, 2008.
Vegan & Vegetarian FAQ: Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions by Davida Gypsy Breier; Nutrition Section by Reed Mangels, Ph.D., RD. Baltimore, MD: The Vegetarian Resource Group, 2001.
Vegetarian Times: http://www.vegetariantimes.com/
Veg News: http://www.vegnews.com/web/home.do
Web sites
American Vegan Society: http://www.americanvegan.org/
North American Vegetarian Society: http://www.navs-online.org/
Vegan Action: http://www.vegan.org/
Vegan Outreach: https://www.mosaicfoods.com/pages/vegan-diet-beginners-guide
IIn a Vegetarian Kitchen: http://vegkitchen.com/
The Vegetarian Resource Group: http://www.vrg.org/
Food and Nutrition Information Center: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/downloads/VegetarianNutritionResourceList.pdf
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Physicians Committee. The Carbohydrate Advantage. https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nutrition-information/the-carbohydrate-advantage
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U.S. Department of Agriculture. MyPlate. https://www.choosemyplate.gov
What is the Difference Between Vegan, Vegetarian, and Macrobiotic? https://shimacrobiotics.org/vegan-vegetarian-and-macrobiotic/
Difference Between Vegan and Vegetarian Diets: http://www.differencebetween.net/science/health/difference-between-vegan-and-vegetarian-diets/
What Is Better Being Vegetarian or Vegan? https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_better_being_vegetarian_or_vegan/article.htm
British Nutrition Foundation: "Vegetarian and vegan diets during pregnancy."
International Food Information Council: "Is it Safe to Follow a Vegan Diet While Pregnant?"
International Forum for Wellbeing in Pregnancy: "Vegan Diet & Pregnancy."
Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health: "Staying Healthy on a Vegetarian Diet During Pregnancy."
NCT: "Is a vegan diet healthy during pregnancy and breastfeeding?"
NHS: "Vegetarian or vegan and pregnant."
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: "A Vegan Diet During Pregnancy."
Queensland Government: "Healthy eating for vegetarian or vegan pregnant and breastfeeding mothers."
Tasmanian Government Department of Health: "Eating well for pregnancy fact sheet (Vegan)."
Tommy's: "Vegetarian, vegan and special diets in pregnancy."
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It's important to know whether you will breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby prior to delivery, as the breasts' ability to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding. Breast milk is easily digested by babies and contains infection-fighting antibodies and cholesterol, which promotes brain growth. Formula-fed babies actually need to eat somewhat less often since formula is less readily digested by the baby than human milk. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of both forms of feeding.Cancer
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.Cholesterol Levels: What's Normal and How to Lower High Cholesterol
What do cholesterol numbers mean? LDL, HDL, good, bad, and triglycerides - Get the facts on cholesterol, blood testing, medications, and how to keep your cholesterol in check.Constipation: Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Quiz
Take this quiz to find out what foods to eat, and what foods to avoid to prevent or relieve constipation.Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a disease in which pressure within the arteries of the body is elevated. About 75 million people in the US have hypertension (1 in 3 adults), and only half of them are able to manage it. Many people do not know that they have high blood pressure because it often has no has no warning signs or symptoms.
Systolic and diastolic are the two readings in which blood pressure is measured. The American College of Cardiology released new guidelines for high blood pressure in 2017. The guidelines now state that blood normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. If either one of those numbers is higher, you have high blood pressure.
The American Academy of Cardiology defines high blood pressure slightly differently. The AAC considers 130/80 mm Hg. or greater (either number) stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is considered 140/90 mm Hg. or greater.
If you have high blood pressure you are at risk of developing life threatening diseases like stroke and heart attack.
REFERENCE: CDC. High Blood Pressure. Updated: Nov 13, 2017.
Best & Worst Juices
Although the best kinds of juice deliver a bounty of vitamins, the worst are hardly better than liquid candy. Learn to distinguish between the healthy juices and the unhealthy diet wreckers here.Obesity and Overweight
Get the facts on obesity and being overweight, including the health risks, causes, reviews of weight-loss diet plans, BMI chart, symptoms, causes, surgical and nonsurgical treatments, and medications.When to Buy Organic
What health benefits can organic foods offer? What organic foods have the best nutrition, and when are supermarket standards fine? Learn about milk, beef, apples, bananas, and more. Learn what fruits and vegetables have the most pesticides according to FDA reports.Parathyroidectomy Surgery
Parathyroidectomy is the removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands to treat hyperparathyroidism. Risks of parathyroidectomy include:- paralysis of the vocal cords,
- difficulty swallowing thin liquids,
- difficulty breathing,
- and drug reactions.
- damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve,
- bleeding or hematoma,
- problems maintaining calcium levels in the blood,
- need for further and more aggressive surgery,
- need for a limited or total thyroidectomy,
- prolonged pain,
- impaired healing,
- and recurrence of the tumor.
Superfoods Quiz
Take our Superfoods Quiz! Get to know how unprocessed, raw, organic foods and healthy drinks are rich in nutrients and dietary benefits.Top 12 Foods for Constipation Relief
Constipation is a common problem, and almost everyone has been constipated at one time or another. There are foods that can help prevent constipation and also provide relief, for example, kiwi, prunes, beans (your choice of type), berries, certain seeds, potatoes, and popcorn.15 Foods That Cause Constipation
Constipation or the decrease in frequency and/or difficulty in passing stools (bowel movements) can be caused by a variety of problems. Check out these top 15 foods to avoid because they cause constipation. Some foods to avoid include, white rice and bread, caffeine, bananas, alcohol, processed foods, and frozen dinners.Triglycerides (Tests and Lowering Your Triglyceride Levels)
Triglycerides are a common form of fat that we digest. Triglycerides are the main ingredient in animal fats and vegetable oils. Elevated levels of triglycerides are a risk factor for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, fatty liver disease, and pancreatitis. Elevated levels of triglycerides are also associated with diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, and medications (for example, diuretics, birth control pills, and beta blockers). Dietary changes, and medication if necessary can help lower triglyceride blood levels.Vegetarian Diet: Benefits, Meat Substitutions, and Meal Plans
Vegetarian diet plans have benefits like weight loss and reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Vegetarian diet recipes contain protein from beans, legumes, nuts, eggs, and dairy. Vegetarian diets confer health benefits if you eat this way even once or twice per week.