This represented a total of two and a half million people. Young women are leading the way in the trend towards vegetarianism. However, vegetarianism is also increasing in men. This may be for a variety of personal, philosophical, ecological and economical reasons. Some understanding of these reasons is important when considering nutritional status.
Diets mainly comprise raw and dried fruits, nuts, honey and olive oil.
Fluids are also severely restricted. To ensure a nutritionally balanced diet a variety of foods should be selected from each of the food groups. Protein Plant foods can be combined to provide high quality protein . Deficits in amino acids in any one plant protein will be compensated for by the amino acids in another. Minerals Serious deficiencies of minerals are not widespread in vegetarian populations.