Which Diet is better - Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian?

First of all, there are 5 different types of vegetarians.

1. Those who don't eat meat of some animals (eg., Beef or meat of rabbit etc.) or some organs (eg. Brain)
   
2. Those who eat only fish and dairy products
   
3. Those who don't eat meat or fish but will eat eggs and drink milk. These are the most common type of vegetarians.
   
4. Those who do not eat meat or any animal product.
   
5. There are a few who do not eat anything but fruits.
   

Advantages of vegetarian foods are:

• They are easily chewable, especially for the elderly who have lost their teeth.
  
• Many elderly feel that vegetarian food is more easily digestible.
  
• Vegetarian foods are cheaper than non-vegetarian foods.
  
• Some vegetables can be eaten raw preventing the loss of nutrients while cooking.
  
• Vegetarian foods do not contain as much fat as non-vegetarian foods.
  

Vegetarians should take care to include soyabeans, groundnuts, lentils, mushrooms and so on to get a sufficient supply of proteins.

Advantages of Non-Vegetarian foods are:

• Non-vegetarian foods are rich in protein of high biological value and in Vit B complex, especially B12 which is not available in plant foods.
  
• Fish, especially the small varieties are a rich source of calcium.
  
• Egg-white is good source of protein and easily digested.
  

The incidence of high BP, Heart disease, Obesity and high cholesterol levels is found to be greater among non-vegetarians. Elders who suffer from these problems should reduce the intake of fleshy foods in their diet. Egg-white and most varieties of fish contain less fat, but are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.

Vegetarian or non-vegetarian, the decision depends on various factors such as cultural or dietary habits of the family, personal preference, taste and avoidance of certain foods for health reasons. Whatever the case, a well-balanced diet supplying proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals should be taken.