In our Western society, a familiar nutritional belief is that meat and animal products have to be eaten in order to maintain a well-balanced, muscle-building healthy diet.

People who vary from this traditional way of eating and opt for a vegetarian diet are frequently considered "granola-head hippies"...or even just plain odd.

But more and more people these days are discovering the numerous health benefits of a vegetarian diet. Additionally, more physicians and scientists are prescribing and endorsing plant-based meals in order to encourage health, prevent and treat certain diseases, and even to decrease weight.

Although vegetarianism may seem like a current fad, in actuality, its health benefits have been known for centuries in numerous cultures world-wide. India and numerous Asian countries make up the largest percentage of the world's vegetarians, both for health and religious reasons. One group of people, the Hunza -- who live close the Himalayan Mountains -- have an exclusively vegetarian diet. Members of their community reportedly frequently live to be over 100 years old.

The American Dietetic Association states that the benefits of a vegetarian diet include: 1) lowered cholesterol; 2) lessen levels of saturated fat; 3) higher levels of important minerals and antioxidant vitamins; 4) reduce body fat; 5) decrease rates of heart disease; 6) lower blood pressure; 7) lower rates of type-2 diabetes; and 8) lower instances of some cancers.

Obesity, one of the important health concerns in this country, can be addressed with a vegetarian diet, one that eliminates excess protein and animal fat consumption, and increases fiber in the form of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Those who consume a vegetarian diet maintain a lower body mass index (BMI), which significantly aids in the treatment and management of other chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes.

One common query asked by anyone considering a vegetarian diet is: "Will I get sufficient protein?" That is certainly a valid concern, as protein is essential for the construction, maintenance and function of all body cells. However, according the American Dietetic Association, a varied and well-balanced vegetarian diet provides all the protein the body require from eating such things as whole grains, beans, nuts and soy products.

In actuality, meat-based diets typically supply excess protein, which may actually be damaging. A leading gerontological journal reports that too much protein can cause a person to lose about 30% of their kidney use by the time they become elderly. It can also cause systemic acidity, which the body attempts to counter by drawing calcium out of the bones. This can lead to osteoporosis.

Becoming a vegetarian does not mean you are limited to eating celery sticks, apples and nuts. There are numerous of vegetarians that eat meatless diets in a variety of combinations. Some of the more common types include:

Lacto vegetarians, who do not eat meat or eggs, but do eat dairy goods such as milk and cheese.

Lacto-ovo vegetarians do not eat meat, but will eat dairy goods and eggs.

Ovo vegetarians do not eat meat or dairy goods, but will eat eggs.

Vegans do not eat meat, dairy products, eggs, or any animal products at all.

There are numerous medical and health organizations that promote, endorse, and support people on a track toward changing their dietary lifestyle to one that includes more plant-based foods.

Additionally, many restaurants and grocery stores supply meals and products to vegetarians, making it simpler to choose this healthy lifestyle.

Research and information exists out there on the internet, as well as through medical providers and vegetarian organizations.

The bottom line: it's OK to be vegetarian, and the benefits may quite well enhance or even save your life!