Vegetarianism for a Healthy Life Part One
I am going to focus on the 'Health Issues' when it comes to making a decision to adopt a 'Vegetartian Diet'. I do not want to 'turn people off' with alot of 'Animal Welfare' points of view, unfortunately this happens alot when any topic of vegetarianism is discussed. People often decide to become vegetarian for any number of reasons, be it health, religion, or animal rights, and they may later adopt some of the other reasons also. These topics will be discussed in another place, on the website.
Also, I will not be leaving out information on 'Veganism'. Many of the sources for vegetarian information include information about veganism.
Eating a 'Western Diet, full of fats and meats, is the biggest cause of disease, disabilities and death in America today. There are many health advantages to those who adopt a vegetarian diet.
The Vegetarian Socitey states; "Research has shown that a well-balanced low-fat high-fibre vegetarian diet is healthier for you and your family. As a vegetarian you could: Reduce your risk from certain cancers by up to 40%, Decrease the possibility of heart disease by over 30% , Restrict your chance of suffering from kidney and gall stones, diet-related diabetes and high blood pressure. Lower your cholesterol levels and reduce health problems related to obesity. Also avoid fatal diseases such as nvCJD, Ecoli and food poisoning."
They also go on to state the safety of a vegetaian diet for infants and children; "A vegetarian diet is appropriate for infants and children and provides all the nutrients required for normal growth and development. Vegetarian children are similar in height and weight to non-vegetarian children and are less likely to be obese or overweight."
Vegetarian Resource Group did a survey and found that: "About 82% are interested in vegetarianism because of health, 75% because of ethics, the environment, and animal rights. 31% because of taste, and 26% because of economics. About 43% of the respondents do not use leather and 40% do not wear silk, while 33% do not use wool, and 26% do not consume honey." -
The history of man, can also reveal the health related problems with consuming meat.'VegParadise', in a review of Michael Anderson's 'Eating ', a documentary film he wrote, edited, and produced, stated; "Before 1900 heart disease was not mentioned in medical textbooks. The working class was mostly vegetarian. Only the rich were dying of diseases caused by an overabundance of animal protein. In the Twentieth Century meat became more abundant and affordable as heart disease became the number 1 killer and 40% of the people developed cancer. Obesity has become rampant as people reaching the age of 65 have already consumed 50 tons of food, enough to fill six garbage trucks. The visual of a garbage truck might also be interpreted to reflect the quality of foods people are eating. "
More and more athletes are going vegetarian for their health. On Go Veg.com Retired running back Ricky Williams is featured. Here is some information included in that feature:
"People who consume animal products are 40 percent more susceptible to cancer and are at increased risk for many other illnesses, including stroke, obesity, appendicitis, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, and food poisoning."
"Meat contains accumulations of pesticides and other chemicals up to 14 times more concentrated than those found in plant foods."
"Children who grow up getting most of their nutrition from plant foods rather than meats are less likely to develop weight problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer."
by Jennifer Santiago, (Emmy-nominated reporter for the CBS affiliate in Miami) for Go Veg.com
British Women's Heart and Health Study - 2005
"A new study links milk drinking with insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. The British Women's Heart and Health Study examined 4,024 British women aged 60-79. The metabolic syndrome was defined as including diabetes or prediabetic states, along with at least two of the following: obesity, hypertension, and lipid disorders (high triglycerides, low HDL). Those who avoided milk were about half as likely to have the metabolic syndrome, compared to milk drinkers. The researchers conclude that individuals who do not drink milk may be protected against insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome, but note that controlled trials are required to establish cause and effect." From PCRM
"Did you know that approximately 70 percent of all antibiotics and related drugs produced in the United States are given to livestock and poultry? These drugs are used for nontherapeutic purposes such as
accelerating growth and preventing the diseases caused by overcrowded and unsanitary conditions on "factory farms." Unfortunately, this practice results in antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can cause difficult-to-treat diseases in humans."
