Here are a couple excerpts from a recent joint report by the American Dietic Association and the Dietitions of Canada on vegetarian diets.
Well-planned vegan and other types of vegetarian diets are
appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including during
pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence.
lower levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, and animal
protein as well as higher levels of carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium,
potassium, folate, and antioxidants such as vitamins
C and E and phytochemicals. Vegetarians have been reported
to have lower body mass indices than nonvegetarians, as well
as lower rates of death from ischemic heart disease; vegetarians
also show lower blood cholesterol levels; lower blood
pressure; and lower rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes,
and prostate and colon cancer.
It is the position of the American Dietetic Association and
Dietitians of Canada that appropriately planned vegetarian
diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and provide
health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain
diseases.
POSITION STATEMENT
Vegetarian diets offer a number of nutritional benefits, including