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Vegetarian Diet

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 1, 2024.

What is a vegetarian diet?

A vegetarian diet has no meat, fish, seafood, poultry (chicken or turkey), or products that contain these foods. Vegetarians eat mostly plant foods such as grains, vegetables, fruits, dried beans, nuts, and seeds. When planned carefully, a vegetarian diet can provide all the nutrients you need and be very healthy for you. A vegetarian diet may help you control your weight and may prevent some cancers. This diet may also help to lower your blood cholesterol and blood pressure. The following are 3 types of vegetarian diets:

What should I include in a vegetarian diet?

What other guidelines should I follow?

It may be difficult to get enough of certain vitamins and minerals on a vegetarian diet. Include foods that are good sources of the following vitamins and minerals to make sure you get enough of these nutrients. Talk to your dietitian if you have questions or concerns:

When should I call my doctor?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.