04-06-2015, 08:26 PM
(04-06-2015, 07:57 PM)AngelofDeath Wrote: Again, claims, but I haven't seen anything irrefutable. I'm not saying that those claims aren't true or that evidence isn't there, but there is evidence that says otherwise as well. It really comes down to what evidence you believe supports your own choice. I have read articles which make claims, but I haven't ever actually seen the methods of study. That's why I am, at this point, agnostic on the subject as I haven't yet decided it is exactly one way or another. Omnivorous nature in humans still makes the most sense to me.
There is certainly a lot of controversy among proponents among this or that diet. Particularly contentious is the ongoing debate between the Paleo people and vegetarians.
But what does the research say?
Position of the American Dietetic Association: vegetarian diets:
Quote:It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes. A vegetarian diet is defined as one that does not include meat (including fowl) or seafood, or products containing those foods. This article reviews the current data related to key nutrients for vegetarians including protein, n-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium, and vitamins D and B-12. A vegetarian diet can meet current recommendations for all of these nutrients. In some cases, supplements or fortified foods can provide useful amounts of important nutrients. An evidence- based review showed that vegetarian diets can be nutritionally adequate in pregnancy and result in positive maternal and infant health outcomes. The results of an evidence-based review showed that a vegetarian diet is associated with a lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease. Vegetarians also appear to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes than nonvegetarians. Furthermore, vegetarians tend to have a lower body mass index and lower overall cancer rates. Features of a vegetarian diet that may reduce risk of chronic disease include lower intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol and higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, soy products, fiber, and phytochemicals. The variability of dietary practices among vegetarians makes individual assessment of dietary adequacy essential. In addition to assessing dietary adequacy, food and nutrition professionals can also play key roles in educating vegetarians about sources of specific nutrients, food purchase and preparation, and dietary modifications to meet their needs.
CDC:
Quote:Is it true that complementary proteins must be eaten together to count as a complete protein source?
In the past, it was thought that these complementary proteins needed to be eaten at the same meal for your body to use them together. Now studies show that your body can combine complementary proteins that are eaten within the same day.1
What if I am a vegetarian?
Because some vegetarians avoid eating all (or most) animal foods, they must rely on plant-based sources of protein to meet their protein needs. With some planning, a vegetarian diet can easily meet the recommended protein needs of adults and children.
Choosemyplate.gov provides meal planning tips for vegetarians
Even the ultra-conservative FOX News:
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/06/04...udy-finds/
Quote:Vegetarian diet provides good nutrition, health benefits, study finds
A vegetarian diet provides adequate nutrition to adults and children and can also reduce health problems, an Australian study has found.
The scientific research review, "Is a vegetarian diet adequate?" published in the Medical Journal of Australia on Monday, puts to rest the long-held belief a vegetarian diet lacks sufficient protein and iron, The Advertiser reported.
The study found those who adopted a vegetarian diet are receiving adequate levels of protein, iron and zinc, and are less likely to suffer from heart disease, colorectal cancer, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Livestrong.com
Quote:There are significant health differences between vegetarians and meat-eaters, with the majority of the positive ones falling on the side of the plant-eaters.
...Regardless of the type of vegetarian, consuming a primarily plant-based diet can yield a great deal of health advantages.
Those are all mainstream sources.
More on the research:
http://www.forksoverknives.com/
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