There are so many diverse diets out in the world and on the Internet nowadays. Some are for losing weight while others are for health benefits and leading a more balanced lifestyle. But how can you tell the difference between one versus another? Is one better than the other? Well, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular diets to help you determine which might be the best fit for you!

Vegetarian Diet 

A vegetarian diet is composed of grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fruits. There are different degrees of vegetarianism dependent on if you consume dairy products, eggs, both, or neither. Benefits of a vegetarian diet include:

• Lowers body weight and risk of obesity
• Lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure
• Lowers risk of developing diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases
• Can still easily intake all needed vitamins and minerals

Vegan Diet 

Veganism is a type of vegetarian diet that excludes meat, eggs, dairy products, and all other animal-derived ingredients. Since animal products are the most convenient sources of protein and iron, vegans have a hard time getting an equal fix. Veganism shares many of the same health benefits as vegetarians and can be described as more of a lifestyle choice and philosophy. Here are the benefits:

• Lowers body weight and risk of obesity
• Lowers risks of developing diabetes, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, and number of other illnesses
• Higher chance of eliminating common food allergens

Pescatarian Diet

A pescatarian maintains a vegetarian diet with the addition of fish and other seafood. Pescatarians often believe that moderate consumption of fish or fish oils is necessary for optimum health because of their high value of Omega-3 fatty acids. Benefits include:

• Lowers risk of obesity
• Lowers risks of developing arthritis, osteoporosis, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases
• Lowers risk of developing ion deficiency anemia—a common condition among vegetarians and vegans

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes a heart-healthy eating plan and includes fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains, and limits unhealthy fats. It is primarily plant-based and has the following advantages:

• Lowers risk of heart disease and cancer
• Reduced incidence of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases
• Easier to transform diets as it does not cut out an entire food group

Paleo Diet

A relatively new diet that has been established, the Paleo diet is based on everyday, modern foods that mimic the food groups of our pre-agricultural, hunter-gatherer ancestors. The diet is mostly consisted for grass-produced meats, fish/seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, nuts and seeds, and healthful oils. Benefits seem to include:

• High intake of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant phytochemicals
• Lowers risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure
• Cuts specific fats that lead to cardiovascular disease and cancer
• Easier to transform diets as it does not cut out an entire food group

We hope this list helps you out however you want to optimize your health! Choosing and maintaining a healthy diet can lead to a more balanced lifestyle and a greater sense of happiness.

Resources:

Nutrition and Healthy Eating by mayoclinic.org.
The Paelo Diet® Premise
Paleo 101: What to eat on the Paleo Diet
What is a Pescatarian by thespruceeats.com.
Nine most popular diets rated by experts 2017 by the medicalnewstoday.com.
What Is Veganism by thespurceeats.com
What To Know About The Vegetarian Diet by medicalnewstoday.com
Vegan vs. Vegetarian Diets: How Each Will Impact Your Health by medicaldaily.com.
What to know about vegan diets by medicalnewstoday.com
Vegan vs. Vegetarian by diffen.com.
5 Reasons to Become a Pescetarian by huffpost.com