B2 – Upper Intermediate
The single most important thing an individual can do for their health, for the environment, and for the sake of the innocent animals is to adopt a vegetarian diet.
Read the article about the health benefits of vegetarian diets.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11311397
Vocabulary Questions:
- Explain the term “lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet“. “To this large basis of plant foods, small amounts of animal foods, both indirect (i.e., milk and eggs, such as in the lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet), and direct (i.e., any kind of flesh, such as in the original Mediterranean diet) can be added, or not.” Use the term in a sentence.
- Explain the term “meta-analysis“. “We found a meta-analysis on bone health with uncertain unfavorable effects, but it was unique, which led us to exclude bone health from the review.” Use the term in a sentence.
- Explain the term “paradigm shift“. “As early as 2003, Prof. Sabaté proposed a “paradigm shift” to suggest why more people following a vegetarian diet could achieve optimal health.” Use the term in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What are some reasons that people choose to be vegetarian?
- Share your insights on this, “The trend of following a vegetarian diet is increasing among citizens of developed countries.”
- Have you or any you know ever been a vegetarian? Talk about this diet and lifestyle.
- Is it good to be a vegetarian for some periods of time for the sake of our health?
- What’s your opinion about being a strict vegetarian? Is it healthy generally speaking?
4 replies on “Health Benefits of Vegetarian Diets”
1. What are some reasons that people choose to be vegetarian?
People become vegetarian for health, environmental and ethical reasons. A well-planned plant-based diet can improve cardiovascular health and reduce our environmental impact.
However, for me, the most important reason is ethical. Animals are sentient beings capable of suffering, and I believe we should question whether exploiting them is justified when alternatives are available.
2. Why is vegetarianism becoming more popular in developed countries?
I think awareness is increasing, but there is still a significant gap between people’s values and their behaviour.
I believe that changing this requires education, political action and a shift in how society perceives animals.
3. Have you or anyone you know ever been vegetarian?
I follow a vegan lifestyle, mainly for ethical reasons.
4. Is it good to be vegetarian for certain periods for health reasons?
Yes, it can be. Even being vegetarian for a short period can help you develop healthier eating habits and reduce your environmental impact. It can also be a first step toward a more permanent change.
5. What’s your opinion about being a strict vegetarian? Is it healthy?
A vegan diet can be healthy and balanced. You just need to take care of vitamin B12, which is easy to get through supplements or fortified foods.
For me, being vegan is mainly an ethical choice. I believe society is slowly becoming more aware of how we treat animals.
Impressive progress. Your hard work and consistent practice are helping you become better and better in writing.
Consider how to write this way of writing this sentence:
Keep up the good job!
1-What are some reasons that people choose to be vegetarian?
Compassion for animals, the desire to create a more sustainable ecosystem, and the scientific evidence that supports enjoying a healthier life.
2-Share your insights on this, “The trend of following a vegetarian diet is increasing among citizens of developed countries.”
Personally, I am not familiar with the statistics behind this trend. This increase may be attributed to the three reasons mentioned above, as well as the growing availability of vegetarian and vegan products. These products provide plant-based protein alternatives and, in terms of taste and texture, are often similar to animal-based foods, such as vegetarian sausages or burgers.
3-Have you or any you know ever been a vegetarian? Talk about this diet and lifestyle.
I don’t know anyone closely enough to have experienced the day-to-day life of a vegetarian or vegan person, including the challenges of this lifestyle.
4-Is it good to be a vegetarian for some periods of time for the sake of our health?
I believe that any dietary change should be properly assessed beforehand. Therefore, before starting any diet, it is a good habit to undergo blood tests to understand your body’s current nutritional and health status. In addition, it is important to work with a nutritionist to ensure that an individual’s nutritional needs are met, taking into account factors such as age, sex, medical diseases, and energy requirements.
5-What’s your opinion about being a strict vegetarian? Is it healthy generally speaking?
In my opinion, this option should be assessed on a case-by-case basis with a nutritionist to determine the best way to implement it. It may also require supplementation with certain nutrients.
Great job! I’m really impressed by how consistently you’ve been practicing your writing.
Always to remember to write your response using full sentences. So instead of “Compassion for animals, the desire to create a more sustainable ecosystem, and the scientific evidence that supports enjoying a healthier life.”
Look at how it can be written in a sentence:
Keep at it! Your hard work is clearly paying off!