talk about vegetarianism always synonymous with conflictespecially in the difficult times we live in. Many people can’t accept this: eliminating animals from the diet doesn’t have to be accompanied by health problems or nutritional deficiencies. This is the information that the latest nutritional science offers us. As long as we get all the nutrients our body needs, it is entirely possible to live without including animal products in our diet.
Unfortunately, it goes way beyond nutrition: Some people are not able to empathize with animals enough to stop consuming them. And nothing happens. Morality and ethics cannot be imposed. Our culture has traditionally revolved around the consumption of animals. However, there is a growing awareness of animal welfare and suffering.
For the average meat lover, this doesn’t sound too realistic. completely eradicate overnight ham or entrecote diet. However, gradually reducing our consumption of these foods also helps improve our health and the sustainability of the planet we live on. As Uncle Ben said, “With great power comes great responsibility,” and we, as consumers, must bear it.
Is it dangerous to be a vegetarian since childhood?
If it’s already difficult to talk about these issues to the general public, imagine doing so in relation to childhood: one of the most sensitive populations. It’s a game on another level. And this is normal: childhood is one of the most important periods when the development of the organism occurs at all levels thanks to nutrition as an outstanding factor.
So what happens when a boy or girl eats a vegetarian diet from a very young age? Is this a risk to your health? This is what worries many people. Fortunately, a recent scientific study wanted to shed light on this. hot issue. Can children be healthy without including foods like meat and fish in their diet?
The corresponding study was published in the journal Pediatrics, analysis of 8907 Canadian children Effects of a Vegetarian Diet on Growth, as well as stores of trace elements and other blood components such as lipids or fats. In parallel, we also compared whether cow’s milk consumption could change these variables.
Based on nutritional information provided by parents, the researchers divided the children into vegetarians and non-vegetarians and compared their physical growth over time. For this, variables such as BMI (body mass index) and weight were measured. And what results were found? Surprisingly, children who followed a vegetarian diet had the same level of nutrition as children who did not follow a vegetarian diet. Namely, there were no statistically significant differences between the two analyzed groups. However, vegetarian children showed a higher risk of being underweight compared to meat eaters of the same age. Interesting facts to say the least. Aren’t they contradictory?
Limitations of the Vegetarian Diet Study
While the findings of the reviewed study are interesting, the truth is that Their results raise several unknowns. which is worth noting. The most egregious questions are about nutrition, which this study leaves open. Too bad, since it could have been a lot more complete.
For example, we don’t know what vegetarian food is was analyzed in the study, so quality variables associated with a vegetarian diet were not taken into account. If we add to this the various types of vegetarian diets that exist, we get a blurry picture in which the nutritional field is not clear at all. Flexible vegan, ovo-lacto-vegetarian, ovo-vegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, strict vegan… the possibilities are too wide. It is a shame not to include at least one comparison between veganism and ovolacto-vegetarianism: the standard modality of “vegetarianism” where foods that suggest the death of the animal, such as meat or fish, are not consumed, but certain derivatives, such as eggs, are consumed. and dairy products are consumed.
Yes, a plant-based diet can be healthy.
A strict vegetarian or vegan diet based on legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can be perfectly healthy. as long as it’s well planned. All essential amino acids can only be obtained from plant sources, although many people are surprised by this. Foods like soy and chickpeas contain a full amino acid: that is, all the essential amino acids our body needs.
However, nothing happens when eating products with an incomplete aminogram. Remember that a healthy diet is based on as many healthy foods as possible, so if you follow this postulate, you will have no problem consuming all the necessary amino acids. And that’s what’s important. Though it’s harder observe the recommended minimum consumption rates: the power you can.
If we talk about a vegetarian diet that also includes dairy and eggs, it will be easier to get quality proteins, as well as healthy fats and vitamins such as D and B12. The latter is especially true in vegan diets: vitamin B12 must be supplemented since its production is found exclusively in animal products, although it is of bacterial origin. Eggs and dairy products also contain vitamin B12, but in insufficient amounts. For this reason, the latest updated recommendations for vitamin B12 also recommend regular supplementation in general for vegetarians, even if they drink milk and eggs, and not just for vegans.
Source: Hiper Textual
