When Is the Ovo-Vegetarian Diet Recommended?

Ovo-vegetarians do not eat meat, poultry or fish, but they will eat eggs. An ovo-vegetarian diet, if followed correctly, can be recommended for those who are trying to lose weight, lower cholesterol or who are suffering from heart disease. Vegetarian diets have also been known to lower the risk of diabetes, cancer and blood pressure.

Losing Weight

• Ovo-vegetarian diets are lower in fat because they lack fatty meats. Be careful, those going on a vegetarian diet tend to eat more at first when they think they are only eating lower-calorie vegetables.

Keeping Your Heart Healthy

• Consuming most of your protein through vegetable products instead of animal products can help lower your cholesterol and your blood pressure, keeping your heart healthy. Vegetable proteins have little to no fat and virtually no cholesterol. Ovo-vegetarians consume eggs, which are high in cholesterol, but when eaten sparingly, eggs have many health benefits. Eggs are rich in numerous vitamins, including B12, which many vegetarians lack.

Preventing Disease

• Eating diets rich in vitamin-filled fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber and low in fat can help keep diabetes at bay or under control. Vitamins and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables can also help prevent cancer. Vegetarians appear to have more of certain white blood cells, which naturally seek out and kill cancer cells.