Special Diets
by Michael YOON
1. Pescetarianism
1.1. A pescetarian diet is a diet that allows eating seafood, but does not allow eating animal flesh. Using this diet can raise HDL levels and allow a good intake of Omega 3 Fatty Acids, but some have raised concerns over the consumption of mercury and PCBs.
2. Ovo-Lacto Vegetarianism
2.1. Ovo-Lacto vegetarianism is the most common vegetarianism in the Western World, and people practicing it do not eat animal flesh, but will eat egg and dairy products. While this diet can help prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure, and sometimes even control diabetes, may also lead to blood pressure highs and lows, sugar addiction, and even long term diabetes.
3. Veganism
3.1. Veganism is a dietary restriction that completely refrains from meat, like other vegetarians, but also eggs, fish, and dairy products. Vegan diets are lower in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol. One important vitamin that a vegan diet does not allow is B12, as it does not exist on uncontaminated plant foods.
4. Low Carb Diet
4.1. A low carb diet is a diet that slows carbohydrate intake, so people use this diet to treat obesity. The diet replaces easily digestible foods such as pasta or bread with harder-to-digest foods with more protein such as meat or fish. This diet helps prevent heart disease and metabolic syndrome, but can also promote type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and possibly even cancer.
