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Quick Tips for Vegetarian Health
By siliconindia
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Thursday, 04 August 2011, 20:30 IST |
1 Comments
Bangalore: We have all heard- "Be a non-vegetarian, live strong. Be a vegetarian, live long". It is said that being a vegetarian can harm your health as vegetables lack certain nutrients. But it is not completely true. Although a vegetarian diet can be much healthier than a meat-based diet, it may be just as unhealthy if it doesn't include certain nutrients that are not found in high concentrations in non-animal sources. Most health risks faced by vegetarians can be avoided with a balanced diet that includes a few vitamins and minerals that are usually found in dairy products, fish, poultry and meat.
We give you a few tested and true tips that bring in a difference in your health and energy levels.
1. Eat a dark green vegetable at least three times a week - Consuming broccoli, spinach, kale, collard and other green vegetables thrice a week can make a huge difference to your health. These nutritional powerhouses are packed full of vitamins such as calcium and iron. If you do not like your greens, then try drinking them. It makes it easier and adding in fruits to your smoothie makes it tastier.
2. Eat the rainbow- As essential it is to your greens, it is as essential to eat your yellows, reds and purples. Fruits and vegetables all contain different nutrients. A simple way to remember to eat an assortment of vitamins and minerals is to vary the colors of the vegetables you eat.
3. Reduce your refined sugar intake- If you have a sweet tooth, keep the sugar intake under control by using replacers as brown rice syrup, stevia and agave nectar whenever possible (such as in coffee and tea) and indulging in the refined stuff only occasionally.
4. Try to eat an apple first thing in the morning to get it out of the way. Make it an objective to eat at least one piece of raw fruit or a handful of raw vegetables every day.
5. Vitamin B12 is commonly found in animal products. This vital vitamin helps sustain the central nervous system, aids in the formation of red blood cells, and has repute for its role in helping the body deal with the physiological effects of stress. Take a vitamin supplement that contains B12 or include nutritional yeast in your diet regularly, especially if you're vegan or mostly vegan.