Vegetarian diets are generally lower in saturated fats, cholesterol, and animal protein than non-vegetarian diets. They’re also high in folate, fiber, anti-oxidant vitamins like C and E, carotenoids, and phytochemicals.

This means that, overall, vegetarians have substantially reduced risks for obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, and some forms of cancer - particularly lung cancer and colon cancer.

Vegetarian diets that are low in saturated fats have also been successfully used to reverse severe coronary artery disease.

Not always. If a vegetarian replaces meat with high-fat cheeses, junk food and so on, they’re unlikely to reap many health benefits – after all, there’s no meat in ice cream, potato chips, or fudge brownies! It’s certainly possible to be a vegetarian and still consume large quantities of high-fat, high-sugar empty calories.

Replacing meat with poor substitutes can lead to nutrient deficiencies in protein, iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin B12. Athletes, children and pregnant females are particularly at risk as their nutrient needs are especially high. Vegans (who eat no animal products of any type) in particular need to supplement their vitamin B12 intake. Poor meal planning, illness, stress and the excessive use of supplements can also cause problems.

Vegetarian or not, a healthy diet should be low in cholesterol and saturated fat and based around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Eliminating meat does not automatically make for a healthy diet.

The answer to this one is “yes” and “no” – it depends on which kind of vegetarian you are. Technically, there are six types of vegetarian diet. Most people who claim to be vegetarian will fit into one of these categories:

• Semi-vegetarian – dairy foods, eggs, chicken, and fish, but no other animal flesh.
• Pesco-vegetarian – dairy foods, eggs, and fish, but no other animal flesh.
• Lacto-ovo-vegetarian – dairy foods and eggs, but no animal flesh.
• Lacto-vegetarian – dairy foods, but no animal flesh or eggs.
• Ovo-vegetarian – eggs, but no dairy foods or animal flesh.
• Vegan – no animal foods of any type.