There is a good reason why some 20 million Americans have chosen and decided to become vegetarians. Main factor is health benefits and how a veggie diet can alter one’s lifestyle for the better.

Like any diet, veggie diet is also surrounded by myths which may have been passed from one vegan’s mouth to another. And in every transfer of stories, some may be added and some may be omitted.

Considered as one of the best diets in terms of promoting health and wellness, the veggie diet is said to be a moving factor in losing weight or preventing killer diseases. In order to know exactly how veggie diet can benefit you, it’s better to check the myths and facts about veggie diets.

Myth: Veggie Diet is Healthy Because There’s No Meat

Fact: Veggie diet is healthy not because of the removal of animal foods in it but by the removal of other harmful foods such as sugar, grains, vegetables oil and trans fats found in processed foods.

Myth: Saturated Fat and Cholesterol are Bad Substance

Most vegetarians believe that saturated fats and cholesterol are contributors to heart attack.

Fact: The latest medical finding is that saturated fats and cholesterol help in improving the blood cholesterol profile which leads to a reduced risk of a heart attack.

Myth: Veggie Diet Reverses Heart Disease

This idea came about because of the positive results of a number of studies done by two doctors, Dr. Ornish and Dr. Esseltstyn. The results included the partial reversal of coronary heart disease with improved angiograms.

Fact: Further analysis of the results of above study showed that outcome was achieved because of controlled lifestyles of the subjects.

Myth: Vegetarian Diet Is Not For Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

Fact: The nutrient needs demanded by pregnancy and breastfeeding can be derived from a plant-based diet if you choose wisely. Supplements such as B12, folic acid or iron may be recommended by your OB-Gynecologist.

Myth: Animal Proteins are Harmful

Fact: Animal proteins promote weight loss, lower blood pressure, diabetes control and improved bone health.

Myth: Animals are not Suited for Human Consumption

Fact: The truth is that we are adapted to eating animals and plants alike.

Myth: Meat is the Main Cause of Heart Problems, Diabetes and Cancer

Fact: Found to cause heart problems, cancer and diabetes is the processed meat and not the unprocessed red meat.

Myth: Vegans and Vegetarians Live Longer

Fact: A study was made between a group of health conscious vegetarians and a group of health conscious meat eaters and they found out that they have the same mortality rate and the same heart disease risk.

Myth: Veggie Diets Supply All the Necessary Nutrients

This claim by vegetarians that all the nutrients the body needs are in their diet does not really hold true.

Fact: Nutrient deficiencies are commonly found in their veggie diets.