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Health & Wellness

Wonderful Health Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet

By | Published on March 3, 2013 | Updated on June 13, 2013 12:24 AM EDT
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Adopting a vegetarian diet can be a fantastic entry into experiencing better health. A vegetarian diet is associated with a higher consumption of fiber, folic acid, vitamins C and E, magnesium, unsaturated fat, and countless phytochemicals. This often results in vegetarians having lower cholesterol, being thinner, having lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of heart disease. Let’s explore some of the other benefits of adopting a vegetarian (or vegan) lifestyle.

1. May Improve Mood

Arachidonic acid is a substance that usually comes from dietary animal sources and, no surprise, vegetarian diets are not high in arachidonic acid. This can be beneficial, as research has shown a link between arachidonic acid and mood disturbances. Researchers at Benedictine University performed a study to investigate the impact of restricting animal products and mood, and confirmed that mood improvements do happen when eating meat, fish, and poultry are restricted.

Additionally, Croatia’s Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health conducted mental health surveys amongst vegetarians and found them to have lower levels of neuroticism.

2. May Improve Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that causes skin redness and irritation and can be debilitating for those who suffer from it. However, according to research published by Brazil’s Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, a vegetarian diet may positively improve symptoms. [

3. May Reduce Incidence of Diabetes

According to Loma Linda University School of Public Health, vegetarian diets are associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of diabetes.  Information published by George Washington University School of Medicine has also confirmed that vegetarian diets offer an important benefit for the management of diabetes and can even reduce the likelihood of development by one half.

4. Reduces Risk of Cataract Development

Oddly enough, research released by the Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine at the University of Oxford has shown a strong relation between the risk of developing cataracts and diet; with a higher risk falling on meat eaters and the lowest risk groups being vegetarians and vegans.

5. Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

According to the JCU University Skin Cancer Research Clinic, there is a relationship between a vegetarian diet and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Why? Most vegetarian diets are full of antioxidant-rich foods. Antioxidants are molecules that can reduce the damage caused by oxidative stress, including atherosclerosis...

Read More: globalhealingcenter.com

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