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Which Diet is better - Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian?
First of all, there are 5 different types of vegetarians.
- Those who don't eat meat of some animals (eg., Beef or meat of rabbit etc.) or some
organs (eg. Brain)
- Those who eat only fish and dairy products
- Those who don't eat meat or fish but will eat eggs and drink milk. These are the most
common type of vegetarians.
- Those who do not eat meat or any animal product.
- There are a few who do not eat anything but fruits.
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Advantages of vegetarian foods are:
- They are easily chewable, especially for the elderly who have lost their teeth.
- Many elderly feel that vegetarian food is more easily digestible.
- Vegetarian foods are cheaper than non-vegetarian foods.
- Some vegetables can be eaten raw preventing the loss of nutrients while cooking.
- Vegetarian foods do not contain as much fat as non-vegetarian foods.
Vegetarians should take care to include soyabeans, groundnuts, lentils, mushrooms and
so on to get a sufficient supply of proteins. |
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Advantages of Non-Vegetarian foods are:
- Non-vegetarian foods are rich in protein of high biological value and in Vit B complex,
especially B12 which is not available in plant foods.
- Fish, especially the small varieties are a rich source of calcium.
- Egg-white is good source of protein and easily digested.
The incidence of high BP, Heart disease, Obesity and high cholesterol levels is found
to be greater among non-vegetarians. Elders who suffer from these problems should reduce
the intake of fleshy foods in their diet. Egg-white and most varieties of fish contain
less fat, but are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. |
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| Vegetarian or non-vegetarian, the decision depends on various factors
such as cultural or dietary habits of the family, personal preference, taste and avoidance
of certain foods for health reasons. Whatever the case, a well-balanced diet supplying
proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals should be taken. |
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| See also: Ideal Diet, Diet & Nutrition Essential Nutrients |
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