The vegetarian diet is a widespread phenomenon, which leads to its current criticism. It is generally known that meat is abundant in protein supply. Vegetarians, whose diet excludes meat, are said to be predisposed to deficiency in proteins. The diet may also induce serious diseases. For example, soy, which is commonly consumed by vegetarians as a replacement of meat, increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, osteoporosis and even Alzheimer´s disease. However, the problem lies in unbalanced diet which represents the cause of numerous health problems for vegetarians. This essay discusses the matter of health of vegetarianism from nutritional and diseases perspective.
Greb Peggy, Vegetarianism, wikipedia.cz, October 2000, (public domain)
Firstly, it is necessary to understand the importance and function of proteins. They are made from amino acids, which are required for building of muscles, tendons, bones, skin, hair and blood vessels. As well, proteins create substances for everyday important processes such as digesting or energy use. Concerning the occurrence Palmer claims that, proteins do not appear only in meat as mentioned before, they are present also in legumes like beans, lentils, dried peas, soy, nuts, seeds, or in whole grains such as wheat, or they are part of vegetables. In addition, plant proteins include significant nutrients for instance vitamins, minerals, health fats and antioxidants that lower the diseases risks.
Furthermore, based on several calculations, it can be inferred that just from a meal, composed of a lentil with an egg, a person receive 15,1 grams of proteins, which is over 25% of daily recommended amount of proteins. Beside that we should be aware of other resources like seeds and nuts as components of breakfast or vegetables as part of our dinner. While the medical issues on insufficient amount of proteins are blamed due to lack of meat in their diet, it has been proven that proteins can be acquired without consuming any meat products.
Finally, regarding the diseases that are link to deficiency in proteins due to vegetarianism, people should be conscious that there are also other affecting factors such as genetics. As stated “proteins are synthesized (made) under the genetic control of the genes (DNA) of an organism” (Wrigley). Therefor genes are one of the causes of proteins disorders. Also the way how vegetarian diet influences person´s body, depends on daily nutritional output. Meaning a diet of a person, who spends day by physical work, should be adapted to nutritional need. As well, living conditions and age should be taken in consideration as affecting factors.
In my opinion, vegetarian diet does not bring any health problems, unless it is spoken in general. Proteins are easily obtained without any meat source, because of the variety of vegetarian rich protein food. However, talking about each individual separately, several fall-outs may appear. Everyone´s body has different requirements, either due to genes or an environment that the body lives in. For example, I´m not a vegetarian but I have no problem with exclude meat from my diet. Hence, vegetarianism is entirely an appropriate diet for every healthy person.
SOURCES
Fraser, Gary E. Diet, Life Expectancy, and Chronic Disease: Studies of Seventh-Day Adventists and Other Vegetarians. New York: Oxford UP, 2003. Questia School. Web. 16 May 2015.
„Normal Adults Need Not Restrict Egg Consumption.“ Manila Bulletin 28 Dec. 2003. Questia School. Web. 16 May 2015.
Palmer, Sharon, RDN. „Protein in Vegetarian and Vegan Diets“ Vegetarian Nutrition. Vegetarian Nutrition, 15 Feb. 2015. Web. 16 May 2015.
Wrigley, Colin. „Proteins-The Basis of Life.“ Teaching Science 58.2 (2012): 56+. Questia School. Web. 24 May 2015.