Vegetarian diets exclude meat, fish and poultry. Some people may follow this diet for religious or ethical reasons. While others are drawn to its possible health benefits.
The main types of vegetarian diets are:
- Lacto-ovo-vegetarian: allows eggs and dairy but excludes meat, fish and poultry
- Lacto-vegetarian: allows dairy but excludes eggs, meat, fish and poultry
- Ovo-vegetarian: allows eggs but excludes dairy, meat, fish and poultry
- Vegan: excludes all animal products, including honey, dairy and eggs
Other plant-based eating patterns include the flexitarian. (which includes some animal foods but is mostly vegetarian) and pescatarian (which includes fish but not meat) diets.
Vegetarian diets typically focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. These foods are rich in fiber, micronutrients, and beneficial plant compounds. And tend to be lower in calories, fat and protein than animal foods UFABET
Since this diet emphasizes nutrient-rich foods, it’s linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes and high blood pressure.
What’s more, studies show that following a vegetarian diet can be an effective way to lose weight.
However, the benefits of vegetarianism largely depend on the types of foods you eat and your overall dietary habits.
Overeating or choosing too many highly processed foods will provide fewer benefits than a diet based on unrefined. Whole plant foods and may have several downsides.