Is a vegetarian diet healthier?
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A well-balanced vegetarian diet can provide adequate amounts of all of the nutrients required by the body in a healthy person throughout their life cycle.
Studies have suggested that following a vegetarian diet can be associated with reduced risk of certain diseases such as cancers, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.
In addition, some studies have found that vegetarians have a lower body mass index, lower cholesterol and higher intakes of protective factors called anti-oxidants which protect the body against damage from toxins.
However, it is also important to remember that people who follow vegetarian diets are often more health-conscious in general. Therefore, it is likely that they will exercise more, drink less alcohol, avoid smoking, etc., which are all thought to contribute to reduced disease risk, and current evidence suggests that it is the combination of these factors that provides protection.
It is also important to remember that following a poorly balanced ...
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