While the internet is divided over Sudha Murthy's statement on being a pure vegetarian and to what extent she goes for that, let's revisit one of the most common questions that are discussed in food.
Vegetarian diet is one of the many forms of diet a certain section of the population follows and unlike other forms of diet, this is passed down from one generation to another generation in many families. This diet form is most probably one of the oldest forms of diet, which was in existence even when the concept of diet did not exist.
Just like every diet form, a vegetarian diet has its own pros and cons.
Types of vegetarians
As per a report available in the Harvard Health Publishing website, there are different types of vegetarians like vegans, who do not eat meat, poultry, fish, or any products derived from animals, including eggs, dairy products, and gelatin; lacto-ovo vegetarians who do not eat meat, poultry, or fish, but do eat eggs and dairy products; lacto vegetarians who do not eat meat, poultry, fish, or eggs, but do consume dairy products; ovo vegetarians who do not consume meat, poultry, fish, or dairy products, but do eat eggs and partial vegetarians who avoid meat but eat fish and poultry.
There are sattwiks too, who abstain from consuming onion and garlic along with all types of meat, fish, and egg.
Is a vegetarian diet good for your health?
To some extent, it can be! Research studies have different findings and opinions on each type of diet. While some studies focus on the deficiencies a vegetarian diet can develop in the person, others say that being vegetarian can save from diseases of major organs like heart.
"Compared with meat eaters, vegetarians tend to consume less saturated fat and cholesterol and more vitamins C and E, dietary fiber, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, and phytochemicals (plant chemicals), such as carotenoids and flavonoids," the Harvard report says and adds that these people have lower bad cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and lower body mass index (BMI).
Nutritional deficiency vegetarians need to be careful about
People who consume vegetarian food, should be more concerned about vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega fatty acids, calcium, iron and zinc. While supplements are a good choice to fulfill the deficiencies, one should consult a doctor instead of self-prescribing the supplements.
