Vegan Includes only plant foods. Omits animal products. Although vegetarian diets have been around for centuries, they have become popular in recent years. Reasons for following vegetarian diets may be religious, ethical, economic, environmental or health-related. People newly diagnosed with cancer may decide to begin a vegetarian, or semi-vegetarian diet, as part of a healthy lifestyle transition plan.
Vegetarian diets tend to contribute more fiber and less cholesterol than meat based diets.
Vegetarians tend to have higher levels of antioxidants in their blood, such as beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E. Antioxidants play an important role in prevention of chronic disease. Seventh Day Adventists follow vegetarian diets and they have less cancer than the general public. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains contain antioxidants and other dietary factors that may be protective in preventing cancer. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of these special compounds. There are certainly vegetarian foods that are high in fat such as cheese, avocados, nuts, seeds, butters and oils, to name a few.