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Classification Of Vegetarians Essay

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Classification Of Vegetarians

According to the research, there are a number of different types of vegetarians. The first four listed are considered to be "true" vegetarians because by definition the term vegetarian diet is composed mainly of plant foods and may or may not include eggs and dairy products. Any person who chooses to omit animal products uses a vegetarian diet. Vegetarian diets are often classified by the extent to which animal products are excluded ("Vegetarian Diet" 39). The table below provides information on the classification of vegetarians and what each type consumes.

In Havala’s book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Being Vegetarian, she states, "Many people today are using the term ‘vegetarian’ loosely to mean …show more content…

Vegetarians also have lower chances of developing kidney stones and gallstones (Havala 14). Research suggests that vegetarians are at lower risk for type II diabetes, atonic constipation, and perhaps, cancer ("Vegetarian Diet" 40).

The Truth Behind The Myths: All About Nutrition

According to the "Vegetarian Diet," diets for vegetarians, when well planned, can be healthful and nutritionally adequate. In planning a vegetarian diet, one should choose a variety of foods in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Vegan or vegan-like diets that exclude all animal products can be nutritionally complete, but care must be taken to ensure adequacy of energy and vitamin D, iron, vitamin B12, intakes. Diets that are very restrictive are often nutritionally inadequate and may lead to deficiencies if followed for an extended period of time. The major nutrients to consider when planning a vegetarian diet are as follow (42).

Calories

Vegan diets tend to be low in fat and, therefore, often are lower in calories. In addition, these diets are high in fiber. Diets must provide adequate energy to spare protein for tissue maintenance and growth ("Vegetarian Diets" 42).

Protein

A myth about protein deficiency can lead to a common misconception about vegetarianism. According to Havala, protein is the least likely nutrient to be deficient in a vegetarian diet (38). Proteins

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