Vegetarian Diet Therapy

Fats are an essential part of a balanced diet, including a vegetarian diet. Fats are made of smaller units - so-called fatty acids. These fatty acids may be saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated. Saturated and monounsaturated fats are not necessarily a vegetarian diet, because they can be made in the human body. There are two polyunsaturated fatty acids - linoleic acid (omega 6) and linolenic acid (omega 3) - can not be produced by the body and provide them with food.

Fortunately, they are widely available in vegetarian / vegan vegetable food. The proof is that more and more omega 6 (found in foods such as vegetable oils, like corn, safflower and sesame) and omega 3 (found in flax, nuts, avocados, olives and almonds and canola oil) fats are good for a series of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, immune system deficiencies and arthritis.

Healthy fats and oils play an active role in every phase of the body's healing, construction, maintenance and processes. In fact, they are as important to an active individual' s body as amino acids, minerals and vitamins. Healthy fats and oils help convert light and sound into electrical nerve impulses, remove potentially toxic substances from sensitive tissues, and the strength of cell membranes.

The following vegetarian menu sample shows how easy it is for essential fatty acids are a part of your daily vegetarian diet.
Breakfast:
1 bagel with 2 tablespoon vegan margarine, 1 medium orange, 1 cup of Cheerios cereal and 1 cup soy milk
Lunch: Sandwich
of hummus with 3 / 4 cup chickpeas and 2 teaspoons tahini (a sandwich spread made from ground sesame seeds) 2 slices of whole wheat bread with 3 slices tomato and sliced avocado
Dinner:
1 cup cooked pasta with 1 / 4 cup marinara sauce, 1 / 3 cup carrots, 1 cup cooked broccoli (frozen or fresh), and 1 whole wheat roll
Snack:
1 / 2 cup almonds and 1 cup soy milk