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Vegetarians
Studies have confirmed that vegetarians tend
to have a decreased risk of cancer, a decreased risk of death due
to heart disease, a decreased mortality rate, lower LDL cholesterol,
and lower blood pressure.
These findings, however, may also be attributed
to the life that vegetarians are more likely to lead. Although people
become vegetarians for a number of reasons including animal rights
or a distaste for animal products, vegetarians do tend to live healthier
active lives without cigarettes or alcohol abuse.
Many animal products provide nutrients that are very
healthy for you. So as a vegetarian you might want to investigate
how to get these nutrients in other ways either through alternative
food sources or supplements.
- Fish provides omega-3
and omega-6 fatty acids
- Eggs provide protein
and vitamin A
- Dairy provides the best source of calcium
and vitamin D
- Beef provides iron
and zinc
- Meat provides creatine
for muscle growth
Many vegetarians eat eggs and dairy. For these
people, the following Food Guide Pyramid can be used as a guideline
for weekly servings. 
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