enjoyable, maintainable, and that is built around plant foods, with smaller amounts of lean or low-fat animals.”
Perks of a vegetarian diet
If you are thinking of making the shift from animal products to a diet that solely consists of fruits and vegetables, here are three benefits you can expect to see, according to Northwestern Medicine:
- Fiber fights high cholesterol: The vegetarian diet is high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, beans and grains, which is good for managing cholesterol.
- Fewer calories for a healthy weight: Not only does a vegetarian diet eliminate fats from animal products, it replaces them with high-fiber foods, which fill you up more so you eat less, lowering your risk of obesity.
- Extra antioxidants: Eating more fruits and vegetables means you’re getting more of the nutrients, like antioxidants, that protect against heart disease.
A plant-based diet also provides benefits for those living with heart failure.
Plant-based diets have been shown to improve both ejection fraction and cardiac remodeling in patients with heart failure among a recent review of interventional studies, thereby lessening the adverse effects of obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes, according to report results published in Cureus.
Staying healthy
It is important to note that just because you have decided to go vegetarian, doesn’t automatically make you healthy.
It’s important to watch your sweet and fatty food intake. These foods are low in nutrients and high in calories. If you opt to include dairy in your diet, choose whole or unrefined grains and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
Although a vegetarian lifestyle is a great foundation for a heart-healthy diet, it is important to ensure that you are getting all the nutrients your body needs.
It is a good idea to talk to your primary care physician or meet with a nutritionist to discuss potential sources for the following nutrients:
- Protein
- Iron
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids