 Can’t resist bacon and eggs? Or a juicy steak braaied to perfection? Okay, you’re not the only one – but green is getting cooler by the day, and a vegetarian diet is better for most people – and for our planet – than a meat-based one. Before you start muttering about rabbit food, read on and see if we can’t get you thinking about adding just one meat-free meal to your weekly menu. You’ll be doing your bit for the planet and giving your body a boost.
What is a vegetarian?
Generally, vegetarians don’t eat red meat, chicken or seafood. Vegans go one step further and avoid any and all animal products, including milk, cheese and eggs. Pescetarian diets include fish and seafood but no other meats.
ADVANTAGES OF A NO-MEAT DIET:
Heart happy:
Switching to a meat-free diet is good for your heart! Sticking to a constant diet of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lentils and nuts decreases the amount of saturated fats and cholesterol in your diet and increases the amount of fibre in your system. These factors can reduce your risk of coronary disease or heart attack, as well as other disorders such as high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, kidney diseases and gallstones.
Cancer combating:
A vegetarian diet reduces your risk of developing cancer. Research has shown that red meat is strongly associated with breast cancer in women. Other forms of cancer that are said to be reduced by a vegetarian diet include colon, prostate, stomach, lung and oesophageal (throat) cancer.
Disadvantages:
A vegetarian diet is usually low in proteins, iron, Vitamin B12, calcium and zinc, which means vegetarians need to be sure to get enough of these nutriments from sources other than meat, and if necessary take dietary supplements.
So in the spirit of healthy eating, why not try out this delicious recipe for lentil bobotie:
To download the above recipe click here
Kerry Gibbs
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