Vegetarianism is becoming a popular health diet to seniors for some time now. Apparently, more seniors are shifting to vegan diets each day due to its many health benefits. Actually, if you examine the vegan diet closely and how it actually cleanses the body, you will realize that somehow the diet seem to be made especially for seniors rather than young adults.

Vegetarianism has many types but as a golden rule, a vegan should not eat red meats such as pork, beef and lamb. You can be a vegan and still eat fish and poultry. Here is a list of vegan types:
·    Semi-vegetarians or Flexitarian:  Diets that are primarily vegan but eat meats occasionally. Some semi-vegans opt to eat white meat in a regular basis but avoid red meats.
·    Pesci-vegetarian:  Diets made of vegetables and fish but no poultry and red meats.
·    Ovo-lactovegetarian:  Diets compose of egg, dairy products and vegetables.
·    Lacto-vegetarian:  Strictly dairy products and vegetables.
·    Total Vegan:  All vegetables and nothing else.

As you can see, there are many types of vegans. I suppose this is because people are turning vegetarian due to different reasons. Some of them do it for health reasons; others are doing it for weight reduction and better weight management; while some do it for a cause.

For seniors, it is almost always, their health concerns which made them switch to a vegan diet. As we grow old, our bodies undergo through major internal changes which usually slow up our metabolism and affect our energy levels. Eating red meats can cause lifestyle diseases or if you already have one, it can cause further damage and aggravate your current health status. Limited or no red meat consumption is highly encouraged for seniors suffering bouts of hypertension, heart diseases and diabetes.

High-fiber diet is best for seniors since their digestive system tends to slow down overtime. A vegan’s diet is primarily composed of vegetables and fruits that is why it fits a senior’s diet perfectly. Vegetables and fruits are easier to digest as well so you will have no stomach trouble after eating as compared to non-vegan diet.

A senior having trouble moving around, much less cooking will find vegan diet convenient than preparing a non-vegan meal. Whole-grain cereals and veggie sticks are easier to prepare and fulfilling as well. Vegan diet can be tasty; there are many delicious vegan recipes that you can find over the internet.

The only problem with a vegan diet is that it usually lacks some important nutrients which your body needs badly. Eating a wide variety of vegetables and fruits can help but it is best to consult your doctor for additional multivitamins and supplements you can take to augment your vegan diet. This way you are sure that your nutritional intake is not overlooked even if you engage in a total vegan diet. Another thing, keep watch of your calcium intake because your bones have the tendency to become brittle as you age.

Other things that a senior should be avoiding are sweet and salty foods, alcohol, diuretics and greasy foods.