Most people already know the many great benefits of being on a vegetarian diet. Not only can a vegetarian diet help you maintain a leaner body, but it can also help reduce the risks of cancer and heart disease. But Do you know that vegetarian diets can be especially healthy for women? Read on to learn about how a vegetarian diet can reduce risk of osteoporosis and urinary tract stones.
The effects of animal protein on the body
One major concern that most non-vegetarians are unaware of is the fact that high-protein diets can increase one’s chances of getting urinary tract stones and osteoporosis. A diet that is high in protein causes the body to react by excreting more calcium, uric acid, and oxalate. These three substances play a big role in the production of kidney stones and urinary tract stones. When the body lacks these three elements, kidney stones and urinary tract stones are more likely to form. For this reason, many patients who have to deal with such complications are advised to stay on a low-protein diet, often switching to a vegetarian diet altogether.
Another effect that a high-protein diet can have is that it puts women at a higher risk of osteoporosis. Because high-protein diets cause the body to excrete calcium, the lack of calcium results in weaker bones and increased bone loss. Studies have shown that even vegetarians with a lower intake of calcium are at a lower risk of osteoporosis than those who are on an omnivorous diet with a higher intake of calcium.
No need to look for animal products for calcium
If you are on a vegetarian diet and you have also ruled out dairy products, it’s important to know some of the other bountiful sources of calcium. Instead of reaching for that bottle of calcium supplements, consider grabbing some beans, tofu, black-eyed peas, orange juice, and broccoli, which are all great sources of this nutrient.
We continue to consume meat, while at the same time downing calcium supplements and prescription drugs to prevent osteoporosis, that often have drastic side effects. Most experts agree that calcium supplements are inferior to calcium derived from natural food sources. Doesn’t it make more sense (and cents) to get your calcium from eating a healthier diet?
What are some good vegetarian sources of calcium? Orange juice, for one. Dry beans, such as black-eyed peas, kidney beans and black beans are another good source, and so are dark leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and kale. Tofu is also rich in calcium.
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