Vegetarian Diet Can Boost Cardiovascular Health

The American Heart Association recommends eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats and poultry.

The new USDA dietary guidelines for the first time highlighted the benefits of a vegetarian or vegan diet, including a reduction in obesity and heart disease.

It's never too early to take steps to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, which affects men and women. In fact, it kills twice as many women as all forms of cancer combined.

"We all should be worried about heart disease regardless of our age," said Susan Levin, nutrition education director for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. "Most people, by the time they are 18, have plaque in their arteries."

A vegan diet is more mainstream than ever, making it easier for novices to stick with it.

"It's not a hippie folk dancer thing to do," she said. "It's just people who want take control of their health."

Going vegan is just one way to love your heart.

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Is it safe to feed children a vegetarian diet?

Raising a little vegan requires more planning and nutritional know-how to insure that the child gets enough calcium, vitamin D, iron, vitamin B-12, and some of the other B-vitamins. Yes, children can grow normally on a diet of grains, legumes, and greens, yet it's a bit risky. A wise parent should seek periodic advice from a nutritionist experienced in vegan diets and practice these precautions: Protein is not a problem, children can get all the proteins they need from plant foods only; especially whole grains, soy products, legumes, and nuts. Calcium may present a challenge, since traditional plant sources of calcium are not big favorites with children. (Good luck getting your child to eat kale and collards.) But many foods today are fortified with calcium, including calcium-fortified soy milk and orange juice, so a vegan child can get enough calcium without relying on supplements. Fortified foods, such as cereals and soy beverages, can also be a dietary source of vitamin B-1...

Dairy and Obesity

Stomachaches are only the beginning of the problems that your kids may face if you give them dairy products. Studies suggest that milk consumption may contribute to asthma, constipation, recurrent ear infections, iron deficiency, anemia, and even cancer. Consuming dairy products can also make kids overweight. There is a reason why dairy products are so fattening—they're packed with fat and calories. In fact, calves can gain almost 500 pounds by the time they are weaned from their mothers. The calories from the fat and sugar in cow's milk will add to your child's waistline and detract from his or her health. On the other hand, many plant foods contain calcium but don't have all the cholesterol or come with the adverse health effects that are associated with dairy products. Plus, despite what the powerful dairy industry lobby might claim, independent scientists have found that the calcium in plant-based sources is more easily absorbed by human bodies than is the calcium...

10 Tips for Following a Vegetarian Diet

Vegetarian diets can meet all the recommendations for nutrients. The key is to consume a variety of foods and the right amount of foods to meet your calories needs. Follow the Dietary Guideline for Americans food group recommendations for your age, sex and activity level to get the right amount and the variety for nutrient adequacy. Nutrients that vegetarians may need to focus on include protein, iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin B12. 1. Think about protein Your protein needs can easily be met by eating a variety of plant-based foods. Sources of proteins for vegetarians include beans, nuts, peas, and soy products (tofu, tempe, veggie burgers). Build meals around protein source that are naturally low in fat, such as beans, lentils, and rice. 2. Bone up on source of calcium Calcium is used for building bones and teeth. Sources of calcium for vegetarian include fortified breakfast cereals*(this is generally refer to USA residents only), soy products (tofu, soy-based beverages), calcium-fo...

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