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Vegetarian Eating Plans Contain Health Benefits

June 15, 2004

More than six million adults in the United States follow vegetarian eating plans.

Vegetarian meals can easily include all the nutrients you need for good nutrition. The key is to eat a variety of foods from the groups you choose.

Vegetarian eating plans offer health benefits, too. Vegetarian plans tend to result in lower rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. Vegetarians also tend to have lower body mass indexes and cholesterol levels.

The four main types of vegetarian eating plans are:

• Semi-vegetarian — those who follow a vegetarian eating plan but occasionally eat meat, fish or poultry
• Lacto-ovo vegetarian — those who eat eggs and dairy products along with plant foods
• Lacto-vegetarian — people who consume dairy products in addition to plant foods 
• Vegan — those who avoid eating all animal products.

If you are thinking about starting a vegetarian eating plan, talk to a dietetics professional who can help you devise an eating plan that is right for you.

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team