The term vegetarian means many things to people. Some people think, animal rights activists, health reasons or religion. While these things are true people also think of the stereotypical vegetarian, strictly vegetables and nothing else. There are actually multiple types of vegetarianism. Some of these types include ovo-vegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, ovo-lacto-vegetarian, vegan, semi- vegetarianism and pescetarian. The ovo-vegetarian diet includes egg products but no dairy products are consumed. Lacto-vegetarian diet includes dairy products but no eggs, ovo-lacto vegetarian diets include both eggs and dairy products. Vegan diets exclude all animal products including eggs, dairy, and honey. Semi- vegetarianism means eating mostly vegetarian foods but sometimes includes fish or poultry and sometimes other meats. Lastly the pescetarian diet, this diet includes fish but no other meat. While these are just a few examples of vegetarian diets there are many more variations depending on the person's reasons and needs.

While vegetarian diets seem like a modern trend they originated in early civilizations around the world. The first documented case of vegetarian diets was in the Indus valley as early as the seventh century BCE. It wasn't until a few centuries later that Asoka the leader of the Byzantine empire passed laws against eating meat. Making it illegal for people to eat animals viewing them as equals.

The main focus of this article, however, is not the history of vegetarian diets; it's about the health benefits of vegetarian diets. The most startling fact is that a vegetarian diet is proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, type two diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, and even some types of cancer. Although poor management of a vegetarian lifestyle can lead to hyperhomocysteinemia and platelet disorders. While the diets offer lower levels of certain things like saturated fats, cholesterol and animal protein. It raises levels of carbohydrates, fibre, magnesium, potassium,folate and antioxidants (C, E and phytochemicals). A recent study done by Cornell University, Oxford University and the Chinese government presented the correlation between animal products and coronary heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer such as breast, prostate and bowel cancers. So overall a well managed vegetarian diet can have many positive effects on your lifestyle. The positive facts in this case out weight the bad.