Give me 5 mins and I’ll give you 1 very good reason for being vegetarian

Thanks to Louise Infante for sharing her article with Larawbar.

While fish can serve as the most important dietary source of the long-chain omega-3s eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which has been shown to be essential in supporting brain health, low intake of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in vegetarians does not adversely affect mood, according to a new study (Nutr J. 2010;9:26. DOI:10.1186/1475-2891-9-26).

A study team from Arizona State University conducted a cross-sectional study to compare the mood of vegetarians who never eat fish with the mood of healthy omnivorous adults.

A total of 138 healthy Seventh Day Adventist adults residing in Arizona and California (64 vegetarians and 79 non-vegetarians) were enrolled in the study and completed a health history questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire and a couple psychometric tests, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and the Profile of Mood States..

Vegetarians had significantly lower mean intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and the omega-6 arachidonic acid; they had higher intakes of the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and the omega-6 linoleic acid.

“Seed oils are the richest sources of α-linolenic acid, notably those of rapeseed (canola), soybeans, walnuts, flaxseed (Linseed oil), clary sage seeds, perilla, chia, and hemp.”

However, the vegetarians also reported even less negative emotion than omnivores in psychometric tests. Mean total psychometric scores were positively in connection with the mean intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid , and inversely linked to alpha-linolenic acid and linolenic acid intake.

The study team noted there is also the chance that vegetarians may make smarter dietary choices and could generally be healthier and happier.

If you would like to try it out, here is an example of vegetarian recipe based on Italian cuisine

Italian Spaghetti with Zucchini

Ingredients:
* 17 oz. Spaghetti
* 24 oz. Of thin sliced zucchini
* 1 / 2 cup walnuts oil
* Some basil leaves
* 2 tablespoons of yeast flakes
* Salt and pepper

In a large skillet heat the oil and when hot, add garlic and zucchini. Raise the heat and stir often to finish their cooking. They need to be golden and crispy outside and tender inside. Cook the pasta, drain and sauté in pan with zucchini, basil and yeast. Serve immediately.

Zucchini contain fewer calories and also have no fat. However they are an excellent source of potassium, e vitamin, ascorbic acid, folate, lutein and zeaxanthin.

Most of these nutrients are extremely sensitive to heat and to enjoy their full benefits you need to find a quick way to cook or even eat raw in salads.

From the therapeutic point of view, zucchini have laxative, refreshing, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and detoxifying action.

About the writer – Louise Infante writes for the vegetarian weight loss menu blog , her personal hobby blog focused entirely on vegetarian food preparation tips to help individuals live better.