Vegetarianism is a lifestyle based dietary which excludes all animal flesh and body parts. Vegetarians use a plant-based diet of fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, nuts, and seeds compared with Vegans that will not even take dairy products or eggs or any other by-products of animals.


There are various reasons for choosing this kind of lifestyle; most common are religious, conscientious or health.


Some religions advocate vegetarianism in full or partially as some streams in the Hindu religion or Jainism do. The motive derives from the belief in reincarnation, which led to the respect of any living creature.


Some others see in both killing of animals and in forced growing conditions a moral reasons to avoid consumption of meat.


It is considered a healthy, viable diet as it  integrates low level of saturated fat and cholesterol and on the other hand higher levels of carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium antioxidants and Vitamins such as vitamins C and E and folate.


Others see the disadvantages of this sort of nutrition claiming that there's a fly in the ointment.  Avoiding many types of food increase the chances for nutritional deficiencies some of which may affect the growth, metabolism and health in general.


Moderate degree of vegetarianism of avoiding meat, poultry and fish may cause a healthy lifestyle conditions only if it is being controlled and by taking complementary ingredients that we might lack when choosing vegetarian lifestyle.  It is also highly recommended to consult a nutritionist and have some professional advice.


Most common dietary supplements that are considered by vegetarian people are:


   -  Protein which exists in legumes like dried beans, dry peas,lentils.


   - Calcium which is needed in many body functions and mainly in bone
      building.


   - Zinc which is an essential mineral for our  immune system.


   - Vitamin B12 which is responsible for many body functions including
     blood  and brain function.


   - Iron which is responsible for is assisting in transporting oxygen to
      the lungs and through them to the body cells.



All of these ingredients are available as nutrition supplements and should be taken with care.


Being a vegetarian or a vegan is not as simple and easy. You have to strongly believe it in order to adhere to vegetarianism lifestyle.

looking for vegetarian recipes? try Vegetarianism Zone or My Vegetarian Recipes.