Vegetarian Myths Versus Reality
Over the years, a number of myths have surrounded
vegetarian diets and those who adopt them. Most of these
are misconceptions. What are some of these vegetarian myths and what is the
reality? Let's see:
Myth #1
All vegetarians are animal-rights activists. Research
shows that most people adopt a vegetarian diet for the
health benefits. The second most cited reason is animal
rights. Even the people who mentioned animal rights say
that health is the number one reason they follow a
vegetarian diet.
Myth #2.
Vegetarians don't get enough protein. There was a time
when nutritionists and dietitians even said this _ but
no longer. Now, we know that vegetarians get plenty of
protein. What they don't get is the excessive amount of
protein found in the typical modern diet. If you eat a
variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes,
then getting enough protein is not an issue.
Myth #3.
Vegetarians don't get enough calcium. This myth is
applied, in particular, to vegans - vegetarians who have eliminated
meat and milk products from their diets. Somehow, the
notion got started that the only good source of calcium
is milk and cheese. Granted, milk does have a good supply
of calcium, but so do many vegetables _ especially green,
leafy veggies. The truth is, vegetarians suffer less from
osteoporosis (a deficiency of calcium that leads to weak
bones) because the body assimilates the calcium they eat
more easily during digestion.
Myth #4.
Vegetarian diets aren't balanced, so vegetarians are
risking their health for their principles. First of all, a
vegetarian diet isn't out of balance. It has a good
proportion of complex carbohydrates, protein, and fat - the
three macro nutrients that are the cornerstone of any diet.
Plus, vegetarian food sources (plants) tend to be higher
sources of most of micro nutrients. Another way to look at
it is this: The average meat eater consumes one or fewer
servings of vegetables a day and no servings of fruit. If a
meat eater does eat a vegetable, chances are it's a fried
potato. "Out of balance" depends on your perspective.
Myth #5
A vegetarian diet is all right for an adult, but kids need
meat to develop properly. This somehow makes the assumption
that protein from plants isn't as good as protein from
meat. The truth is, protein is protein. It is all made from
amino acids. Children need 10 essential amino acids to grow
and develop properly. These amino acids are as readily
available in plants as they are in meat.
Over 150 Reports of Nutritional benefits via Raw Vegen diet and barley Juice
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