Please provide recommendations for or against vegetarian die

Please provide recommendations for or against vegetarian diets considering all health implications/benefits/risks associated with a vegetarian diet.

Please cite any references used.

Solution

Benefits of vegetarian diet: 1) The vegetarian diet is associated with higher consumption of fiber, vitamins, folic acid and numerous other nutrients. 2) Studies reveal that a vegetarian diet is associated with reduced incidence of diabetes. 3) Reduced risk of cholesterol as most of the vegetarian diet posses antioxidants. 4) Reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. 5) A vegetarian can fulfill all the nutritional requirements.

Risks associated with vegetarian diet: 1) Vegetarians are defficient in some nutrients, such as vitamin C. 2) Low levels of Cholesterol observed in vegetarians. 3) Less bone mineral density. 4) Insufficient levels of omega-3-fatty acids observed in vegetarians.