1. Vegetarianism Amy Gross

2. What is Vegetarianism? • Vegetarian: A diet based on plants, fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, nuts and seeds; with or without dairy products and eggs • Specific Types: • Lacto-Vegetarian • Ovo-Vegetarian • Lacto-ovo Vegetarian • Semi-Vegetarian: • Pescetarian • Vegan • Excludes all animal products (goveg.com)

3. Reasons for Adopting • Ethical • Health • Environmental • Religious • Cultural (goveg.com)

4. Health Benefits and Concerns • American Dietetic Association: Vegetarianism is a healthy, viable diet. • Benefits include: • Lower risk of cancer, heart disease osteoporosis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's • Weight Control • Lower BMI, cholesterol, blood pressure • Some studies: No difference in cerebrovascular disease, stomach cancer, breast cancer or prostate cancer • (ivu.org)

5. Nutrition • Protein: essential amino acids • Soy, hempseed, buckwheat, brown rice, beans, hummus, and whole wheat pita. • Iron • Black beans, cashews, lentils, oatmeal, soybeans, chickpeas, whole wheat bread. • Vitamin B12 • Eggs, Dairy, soy products and dietary supplements • (ivu.org)

6. Nutrition • Fatty Acids: Omega 3 • Fish, soy, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, hempseed and flaxseed. • Vitamin D • Milk, soy milk, cereal grains, and mushrooms.

7. Food Pyramid (veg.org)

8. More information • www.goveg.com • www.ivu.org • www.veg.org • www.foodnetwork.com