Myth Buster: The Truth About Popular Diets

Vegetarian Diet

A vegetarian diet consists mostly of plants and can fall into three categories: a vegan diet (no animal products or meat), lacto-vegetarian diet (plant foods and dairy products), and lacto-ovo vegetarian diet (includes both dairy products and eggs). Vegetarians are known to have lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, and a lower risk of certain types of cancer compared to non-vegetarians. Some vegetarians and vegans may find it difficult to get adequate amounts of vitamin B-12, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and occasionally riboflavin.

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Review Date: 
April 8, 2014

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Last Updated:
July 1, 2014