Celebrate Vegetarian Awareness MontH

October signals seasonal changes such as cooler temperatures, pumpkin-flavored lattes and the changing color of the leaves. October is also Vegetarian Awareness Month – a month-long celebration of the health benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle.

Did you know . . .
 

• There are more than “1.5 billion people worldwide who eat no meat.” (Source: Great Green Wall)
• “Plant-based food market crossed sales worth $7.4 billion in the U.S. in 2021.” (Source: Winsight Grocery Business)
• “Almost five to eight percent of the U.S. population consider themselves vegetarian” (Source: Gallup)
• “A vegetarian diet may reduce the risk for heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.”  (Source: The Mayo Clinic)

The Covid-19 pandemic has sparked interest in a vegetarian diet to boost one’s immune system with a plant-based diet.  Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are plentiful sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost immune function and are frequently included in plant-based diets.

In this blog, Allen Marketing Communications, Inc., a boutique food and beverage and lifestyle public relations agency based in New York City, explores the growing popularity of a vegetarian diet.

What Are The Different Types Of Vegetarians?
 

• Vegans adhere to a strict diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes (peas, beans, lentils), daily alternatives such as soymilk, almond milk, coconut milk and oat milk). Vegans avoid eating anything made by an animal, including meat, dairy, eggs, and even honey. They frequently opt for this way of life due to moral considerations, environmental issues, and health advantages.

 

• Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians consume eggs and dairy products, as well as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans, peas and lentils). Ovo-lacto vegetarians may opt for this diet in order to strike a compromise between moral principles and food variety.

 

• Pescatarians consume fish and other seafood such as shrimp, salmon, crabs and lobster, as well as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. Pescatarians reap the health benefits of seafood while minimizing their carbon footprint on the environment.

 

• Flexitarians eat fruits, vegetables, plant proteins (beans, peas, chickpeas), eggs, dairy, nuts.  Flexitarians occasionally eat meat and other animal products.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Vegetarian Diet?

A vegetarian diet “may reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

Improves Heart Health

Numerous studies have demonstrated how a vegetarian diet can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and by reducing cholesterol levels. Fruits and vegetables are “rich in nutrients and antioxidants to protect against heart disease. Fiber from the fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains helps to lower cholesterol.” (Source: Northwestern Medicine)

Support The Environment

The environment can also benefit from embracing a vegetarian diet. Animal products produce more greenhouse gases than either vegetables or grains. Research shows “a diet high in meat causes 2.5 times more carbon emissions than a diet high in plants.” (Source: Vegetarian Society).

Helps To Reduce Type 2 Diabetes

A plant-based diet lowers cholesterol and saturated fats, which can help to reduce fatty tissue.  Research a vegetarian diet “rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts can improve blood sugar and make your body more responsive to insulin.” (Source: Mayo Clinic)

Maintain Mental Sharpness

Foods derived from plants can support brain health. Studies show “eating more plant-based meals may be associated with a decreased risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other cognitive impairments.” (Source: National Institutes of Health).

Reduces Risk Of Cancer

Research shows a vegetarian diet helps to reduce the risk of cancer. “Plant-based foods contain phytochemicals, the nutrients your immune system needs to fight diseases such as cancer.” (Source: MD Anderson Cancer Center)

Making Balanced Food Selections

Vegetarianism is experiencing a spike in popularity as consumers seek natural ways to boost their immunity and to improve their health.  Major food companies, restaurants and fast food establishments are offering line extensions featuring plant-based products to meet the growing demand for vegetarian alternatives.

Our team of food and beverage public relations professionals can help food marketers tap into this growing market.

​By Joanna Allen, chief executive officer, Allen Marketing Communications, Inc.