Is a vegetarian diet healthy?

Is a vegetarian diet healthy?

Experts still point to balance as the best menu choice.
Updated:
2009-10-18 19:03
Published:
2002-09-30 00:00
By 
Kathy English

The benefits

Of course we all know that eating our vegetables is good for us. But for years, nutrition experts have questioned whether vegetarians could get all the nutrients essential to good health. These days, as researchers increasingly extol the benefits of eating more veggies, fruits and whole grains and less saturated fat to prevent cancer, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and obesity, the question seems to be: Is a vegetarian diet actually the healthiest choice?

Like so many issues related to diet and health, there is no firm conclusion to this question. In fact, few studies have actually compared the health benefits of a vegetarian diet with a nutrient-rich diet that contains minimal amounts of lower-fat meat products. Add to this the fact that most vegetarians tend to be more active and abstain from smoking, caffeine, refined foods and heavy alcohol use and you can see why it's difficult to ascertain whether vegetarianism is the healthier way.

The benefits
According to Canada's National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), a research organization that studies health and nutrition, evidence is "strong" that a vegetarian diet leads to lower mortality rates, and reductions in chronic diseases such as constipation, obesity and several types of cancer, especially colon cancer. Data indicating a correlation between vegetarianism and a reduced risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, adult-onset diabetes and gallstone is rated "good."

Still, the "bottom line," according to the NIN, is that most researchers believe it's not the absence of meat, but the abundance of plant foods that explains the health benefits of a vegetarian diet. "People who give up meat and switch to a vegetarian diet do often lose weight and say they feel better, but there is no evidence that eating a little bit of animal products every day is conducive to ill health," says Dr. Rejeane Gougeon, an NIN trustee and assistant professor at McGill University's Nutrition and Food Science Centre and Faculty of Medicine. "The main message from most studies is that meat should be a complement to a meal that contains vegetables, fruits and whole grains, not the main event."

That's a view even Vesanto Melina, the author of Becoming Vegetarian: The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Vegetarian Diet (Wiley, 2003), concurs with. "I think there's evidence for what I call a near-vegetarian diet -- mostly plant-based with very small amounts of meat -- being considered healthy," says Melina, a Langley, B.C., registered dietitian and author of several other books on vegetarian eating. "All the studies are so clear in concluding that eating more vegetables and cutting back on saturated fat brings great health benefits."

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  • Mike Wright wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:46 AM

    To quote an article that compared vegan diets to your average American diet: The latest data on the dietary intakes of vegans was just published last month. The diets of about 100 vegans were recorded for a week and were found deficient in calcium, iodine and vitamin B12. Using the same standards, though, the standard American diet are deficient in 7 nutrients! The diet of your average American is not only also deficient in calcium and iodine, it's deficient in vitamin C, vitamin E, fiber, folate, and magnesium as well. Not only does the American public have over twice as many nutritional deficiencies in their diets, vegans were shown to have higher intakes of 16 out of the 19 nutrients studied, including calcium. The vegans were getting more than enough protein on average and three times more vitamin C, three times more vitamin E, three times more fiber. Vegans got twice the folate, twice the magnesium, twice the copper, twice the manganese. And of course the vegans had twice the fruit and vegetable intake and half the saturated fat intake, meeting the new 2003 World Health Organization guidelines for fat intake and weight control. Almost 2/3 of Americans are overweight. In contrast, only 11% of the vegans were overweight. Almost one in three Americans are obese. Zero of the 98 vegans in this study were obese. So when a meateater asks you "Where you get your B12?" You can counter with "Where do you get your vitamin C, vitamin E, fiber, folate, and magnesium? And while you're at it, you can ask them how they keep their sodium, saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol intake under control (not to mention their weight). ~from Michael Greger, M.D., Chief BSE Investigator for Farm Sanctuary

  • craig wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    you sound more like a politician than a dietician. if you ask a question when you put it like you have the answer, make a committment and give us an answer!!! no wonder people don't care or believe what you so called experts have to say. one time meat's bad for us and twenty years later it's good for us. I for one don't live by what the so called experts say and neither does most of my family. for the record most of my relatives have meat as a essential part of their diets and have lived long healthy lives well into their eighties and nineties.

  • Nandini wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I liked this article because I am a pure vergetarian. Well, this article makes me think that meat is also important for a perfect health but not a lot of intake of that product. But the thing is that I have not eaten meat from when I was born. So, its my choice not to eat meat.

  • Matt wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    So, even though there is STRONG evidence that a vegetarian lifesytyle leads to lower mortality rates and longevity, you STILL don't buy it? WAKE UP and STOP taking this bitter pill from the Dairy and Meat producing associations. Maybe you need to visit the meatrix (http://www.themeatrix.com/)

  • Rekha Krishnaswamy wrote:

    Mar 17, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I think your article stresses a bit about how meat helps you maintain a balanced diet. I have been a vegetarian-so have my parents and my grand parents. I can go back 4-5 generations -all of them have been healthy and complete with their vegetarian diets. We get a lot of proteins from lentils and beans. All my family have stayed healthy and lived upto 83-86. I can give you examples of thousands of families in India who all don't eat meat and live healthy lives. I think there is too much emphasis on the contribution of meat to our diets in the western civilization.

  • Gizella Szabo wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    people with different consitutions require different foods. Beans or no good for people witl liver dysfunction. Fruit today is full of silisalic acid and genetically grown veggies have no nutrients. it amazes m how peple neglect to teach others that our organ ,body is nothing more than intestinal tissue. I belive by building up the weak inner tissues of the body allowing for proper obsorption and circulation is far more effective than changing diets. just my opinion.

  • nicole wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Although a fairly well-balance article, the article does not consider other 'health' benefits of vegetarianism such as the reduction of toxins, antibiotics and other chemicals used in factory farmed meat. Second, the likelihood of vegetarians dining in fast food places is also decreased partly due to consciouness and partly due to lack of options other than a salad here or there in fast food places. Third, the health of the environment benefits from vegetarian diets (meat ills on the environment include deforestation, animal diseases, water contamination, methane related ozone destruction etc) and thus the interconnected increased health benefits to people. the article also presents vegetarianism as a 'lack of ' diet rather than a socially and health conscious choice. go veg.com has lots of great info on why vegetarianism is a smart choice.

  • Margaret Panter wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Being a vegetarian means not having to worry about BSE or fowl flu.

  • stacey dunn wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Hi! Just writing in to respond to your article on being vegetarian. I thought it was a very interesting article informing readers on the up side of being a vegetarian and it's benefits to health. I must say though I was a little put off with the ending suggestions of what canadians are adding to their diet to add that dose of healthiness. What I mean by this is that for someone to write the article listing such great findings about the benefits of a vegetarian diet and then to have the ending lines list such drab ideas for people to healthy up their diets left me a bit turned off the article. My suggestion is when someone writes such a good article to help people with their diet, they should really go the full mile and list some educated and healthy ways to help people reading the article change or add to their own diet. The suggestions of canned beans was not satisfactory in my books. How about suggesting fresh vegetables and whole grains. It seemed that who ever wrote the suggestions has no idea about healthy diet.

  • john wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    thanks for the information, but i'll stick to my no meat meals.. and of course you are aware of the various things that meat contains..i wont mention them, but most of us know what they are... seems that every time someone puts in a good word for meat, a research into the advice usually shows that it comes from someone who has a definite benefit for doing so.. thanks, but no thanks, ill keep my healthy habits and i wont let anyone sway me from it

  • Steve wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Every person I know that is hardcore vegetarian, are sick a lot of the time. Veggies lack complete proteins. Yes we need them in balance, but if you just eat veggies, you are in for trouble. This is lacking in your article. Steve

  • Ian McTavish wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    It isn't solely about what is the 'best' or the 'healthiest'. It is about what is ethically proper in a day and age when eating meat is no longer necessary. It is high time that we stopped looking at other life forms solely as 'resources' for the deluded human being. In a world increasingly dominated by those whose thinking is directed by consideration of the 'economy over all else', it is time that we become more mindful of correct thinking first and secondly thinking directed by our particular basis. All life needs to be honoured for us to honour human life. All issues are connected. If we honour other forms of life, we are less likely to involve ourselves in conduct which will destroy life on this planet as we know it. Peace begins with ourselves and if we refuse to take the life of other species of animals simply because it is 'good' for us, we will be just that little bit closer to peace on this planet. Whether we eat meat or don't is not how we should be looking at this question. It is not solely about our diets. One must consider whether it is ethically right to use other life as a 'resource' for human beings and whether it is ethically right for us to kill to satisfy our dietary requirements. Once we begin thinking in this way, we will be approaching life correctly. In this way, we will be giving life on this planet a chance to survive. Thank you. Ian McTavish, Canoe, B.C.

  • danielle wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    "Vegans, who only eat plant-based foods and don’t consume milk products..." Actually, we vegans don't consume ANY animal products - not for our health, that's just a side benefit - but for the animals. It's not only 'plant based food' that we eat. You should do more research and write an article on true vegetarianism - VEGAN!

  • Lindsey Wood wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    This article fails to mention cholestrol. Cholestrol teamed with fat will kill you. By cutting out both of those you need not worry about having heart attacks or strokes. Also this article only further pushes the sterotype that vegetarians don't get enough protein. Almost all vegetarians or vegans eat meat subsitutes such as soy and tofu on a day to day basis and in some cases can have more protien than it's fattier, more cruel counter-part meat. Try picking up a package of Betty Crocker hot dogs, now pick up a package of Yves soy or tofu dogs. What is the fat content in both? The Cholestrol? The protein? The protein is the same, but the fat in the Betty Crocker dogs is through the roof! That's enough proof for me that a vegetarian diet is far more healthy and not to mention cruelty-free.

  • A. Ernyes wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Vegetarians do not necessarily live longer than those of us who are omnivorous. I do not know of a vegetarian, who lived to the age of 120 plus. If you know of a case, please e-mail me the occurrence. Evolution has made us omnivorous, if we look at our digestive tract design and the fact that we have only one stomach, as opposed to cattle, which have four stomachs. As to the quality of life each person enjoys, well, that is a highly subjective matter.

  • maureen wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    You have no idea of the suffering these animals go through so you can eat them. Corporations keep these "details" overt and many consumers are totally disillusioned because they only see the "final product" on the shelf. They miss seeing the animals being tied up in harnesses so their legs become weak and thus "tastier." They miss chicken's feet being tied to wire floors and their beaks sliced off with hot blades and they miss those animals that get thrown into scalding water so they boil to death...to say a few things. And you want to eat the products of this type of torture? Personally, it doesn't appeal to me because I have seen the "other side." I can understand the oblivion of those who have not seen that side and only wish they could understand.

  • vj wilson wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I hear so much about being a vegetarian . In readers digest it was said that lettuce has no real nutritional value and shouldn't be fed to rabbits. A cow has 4 stomachs to digest the grass it consumes. A closer look at the animal population shows that most of the animal population which are grass/vegetation eaters are large animals. In just a couple of months in the summer some cattle can put on as much as 400 lbs.. Pigs raised on a farm fed a diet of chop (oats) are ready to slaughter in just a couple of months. When we want a leaner animal ( because society has demanded less fat in their meat) farmers have fed their animals a higher PROTEIN diet, in order to achieve this they have resorted to adding dead animal to their feed. This has resulted in MAD COW . lbs. Most meat eating animals are lean mean running machines. Many can go for weeks befor their next meal, unlike the vegetable animals who have to consume food on a steady basis or they would be weak from hunger. .A pound of meat is a pound of meat, a bushel of any grain can be made into a room full of cereal?? Who stands to benefit by this. . I have also had the opportunity to observe senior citizens, Many problems develop in the senior years...could it be the diet, and lack of protein and fat. Researchers know that mother's milk is the best for newborns, mainly because of the fat content which is needed to help the brain grow properly. And yet as that child matures we replace that food(fat) with mainly surgar based products and then in the senior years fat and protein is almost nonexistent. If we want a healther society start watching the animals then compare it with humans. One need only look at societies already eating like the animals. Eskimos who have eaten mainly meat and fat forever are a lean sociaty. People who live in the warmest climates who have an abundance of fruits and vegatables are big people, with lots of health problems.

  • Liz wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    As a vegetarian of several years, I am glad to see that there is more information on vegetarian living available to the general public. Thank you for publishing this article, as it had some excellent points on the importance of protein-intake. A good tip to boost protein in the morning is to add some wheat germ to your oatmeal. It really kick-starts my day, and offers a tasty alternative to chalky protein shakes. As well, adding 1% cottage cheese to one's diet offers a low-fat, very high-protein snack for dairy eaters. ~Liz

  • Elise S wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    "A vegetarian diet is only as healthy as the foods chosen" That statement applies to all diets. Vegetarian diets are shown to be much healthier than meat-eating diets and all nutrients that humans need to have can be found in a vegan diet. Protein and calcium are not something to worry about. Protein can be found in beans, nuts, and vegetables. Your article makes it seem like vegetarians eat only vegetables. Vegetarians do have a great balance of foods: vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, nuts, and oils. There are some people who do eat only vegetation; they are called raw foodists. Also, b-12 is not only found in animal products. B-12 can also be found in dirt, and from unwashed organic vegetables, b-12 can be consumed naturally. As for calcium, Harvard studies have found that drinking two glasses of milk or more a week have no greater chance of avoiding osteoporosis than those who don't. The recommended calcium intake is 1 gram, but they found 500 mg may be sufficient. From personal experience, veganism has given me energy, weight-loss, and a new perspective on food. Meat now looks like a bad habit, like eating cookies or cake everyday. You fail to mention other benefits of a vegetarian diet. There is no cholesterol, since cholesterol comes only from animal products, the extra fat, hormones, risk of diseases such as salmonella and mad cow disease, blood pooh and pus, and chemicals. Vegetarians are not supposed to 'nibble' on meat every once in awhile. They are suppose to only eat from a plant-based diet. That is the definition of vegetarianism.

  • Justine wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I've been a veg for 2 years, and think that it was the best decisionI have ever made. With all the news coverage on mad cow I feel that I really made a very wise choice indeed!!!!!

  • dpschulz wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Hello... Regarding your article about vegetarians. Wake up... those that believe that fleshly foods are needed or (dairy) white blood is needed to live a healthy life; are either sellers of it or are just plain addicted to the adrenalin that is in it. If you love to push the eating of flesh and endorse the use of it; eat it raw as it is better that way. When you cook meat or vegetables you alter the ph and oxygen and minerals to a dead state. Meat also needs a higher heat to digest than the human basel temperature. It appears you and your so called experts need a lot more than less flesh. Sorry about being so harsh as it is what I have come to believe. Dave

  • Roland Eben-Ebenau wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Good article, some red meat is a good thing in a diet, the trick is to keep it lean and uncontaminated by hormones, steroid implants, antibiotics. your article mentions beef, but as usual, fails to mention the most natural, lean meat out there...the legendary North American Buffalo (Bison). The animal is back in big numbers across North America, and the healthy lean meat is a natural for the health conscious diet. A direct comparison to other meats is startling...it beats them out empiricly in leanness, nutritive value, and more subjectively, flavour and tenderness. And it's avilable in the marketplace in increasing volumes. Check out www.albertabuffalo.com bisoncentral.com and others. Thank you

  • Peter wrote:

    Feb 18, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    What a load of BS and an 'Animal rights activists' propaganda. There are studies that show if everyone turned vegetarian, the whole planet would be finished in no time. On top of that I, as a species, have not evolved to eat a bunch of grass, I'm way different than a cow or a sheep. Go to Africa and tell the lion that it is unethical to kill the gazele or the wildebeest and should rather eat some wonderful, juicy grass or mend a soyfield, but he first has to buy the geneticaly engineered stuff. Give me a nice, fat, juicy and bloody steak, please. Thanks

  • Melissa wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I just wanted to say that not all people turn to vegetarianism as a source to stay healthy. Some people turn vegetarian for the animals sake. With strong beliefs that animals should not be used for the benefit of man kind. And the classification that we only eat vegetables is totally faux. We get our protein from eating fabulous fake "meats". In everything from tofurky,to veggie burgers-to whatever our non-compassionate alternative would have been. I suggest people read up on books to do with vegetarianism, for the connection of how much healthier it is for us,the animals, & the environment.

  • Harold Woods wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Today, the average vegetarian lives to an age of 67 years while the meat eaters live to 74 years. Check it out.The carnivores seem to be coming out on top. Why push us all in an unhealthy direction?

  • Lindsey wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    As an advocator of vegetarianism, I found your article not at all concise and at times, misinformed. It seems you are suggesting that vegetarians are on the right track but that a diet with a little meat is the healthiest. This viewpoint completely ignores several reasons that vegetarians choose their lifestyle. Abstaining from meat is most often a choice of animal rights. But many vegetarians, such as myself, choose this lifestyle because of the sickening state of the meat farming industry which includes the hormones animals are fed and the genetic modifications which generations of farm animals are induced with. It seems that in light of the fat epidemic that is sweeping the nation and the public obession with securing a healthier lifestyle, you have chosen to focus solely on the fat content being the only reason meat is unhealthy. Therefore, your suggestion that a healthier way to eat is to consume at least a little meat is insulting and ignores these important issues. You futhur neglect to include meat alternatives which are complete proteins such as tofu as well as meat alternatives like many kinds of beans and nuts. A diet of vegetables and these meat alternatives leaves nothing out and is therefore far healthier than even a little meat can afford.

  • stephen gillis wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I myself am a meat eater. I'm 14 and know a few vegetarians and I think its all a matter of choice. Both sides have their benefits. When you eat meats and poultry you get protien which plants can not give you (possibly in small doses but not like meats) I myslef couldn't be a only vegetable eater because I dislike the taste of many vegetables. But as i said its all a matter of choice.The argument on whether it's inhumane to kill and consume another aminal from this planet i find absurd. Lions eat gazelles and no one is having protests against that. It's fine to be a vegetarian but you shouldn't complain to those who eat meats because we do not complain about you. Thank you for your time.

  • CINDY wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    On this topic of the better diet, I can speak from both sides of the coin. I am a 26 year old type 1 diabetic, who also has an underactive thyroid problem. I am also a college student. In the past year I have gone from a meat eater (of very lean meat) to a vegetarian that eats fish and once in a while chicken. During this time my husdand and doctors were worried about my level of B12. And then 6 months later I become very sick, my doctor then told me that I was deficient in B12 and that I was either going to go back to eating meat, or receive B12 injuctions every 2 weeks. I went back to eating my very lean meat even though I still consume a diet heavy in the fruits and vegatables. And I feel much better and my body is much healthier according to my medical team of doctors.

  • Adrian Hughes wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    This article looks as if it may have been written by a meateater. Not that that is meant to be taken in a judgemental way, but, there is no mention at all in the portion on "boosting protein intake" on any protein alternatives to MEAT. I have seen a few articles lately that lead me to believe that some people are writing for the sake of filling up space, not to be comprehensively informative in any way, shape, or form, and frankly, it annoys me. If you're going to write an article on which is healthier, a meat-based diet, or a vegetarian-type diet, then maybe some coverage of the alternatives to meat proteins might be in order, yes? And, not in the little tiny list at the bottom of the page, but in the bulk of the article, most appropriately in the section on boosting your protein. There are a thousand ways of increasing one's protein without going and cutting the fat off a steak, for crying out loud. Whether it be through eggs, cheese, or fish, or through vegetable proteins such as soy and nuts. I find it to be irresponsible to say, "go and get yourself a steak and trim the fat off". Yeah, that and $2 will get you on the bus. Have a nice day.

  • Lisa Olsen wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    As a vegetarian for 10 years, I read with interest your article "Is a Vegetarian Diet Healthy?" Although there were some good points made, the fact that Ms. English chose to quote a spokesperson for Canada's beef information centre is simply biased. If she wished to express this woman's viewpoint of a healthy diet, she should have also interviewed the spokesperson for Vegetarian Times in order to make the article fair and legit. And finally, a vegetarian is classified as someone who does not eat anything that an animal and/or sea creature would be slaughtered for, from beef to chicken to fish to rennet, and even gelatin. A vegetarian is not someone who still eats poultry. Unfortunately, these dieters are still referred to as vegetarians, possibly because there is no other classification. Perhaps sometime in the near future we will be calling them by their proper descriptions: white-meatarians.

  • Sherry Knettle wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I have been vegetarian for 30 years. Most people believe that meat is a necessity in our diet. It is not. I am far more healthy than most people my age. One of the philosophies about nutrition I once read was that people crave food according to what they eat. e.g. If you eat a lot of junk food, you crave more of it. If you eat a lot of healthy food you crave more of it. This is my basis for what I eat lately. And the more healthy I eat, the more I crave healthy activities such as exercise & fresh air. Healthy food begets a healthy lifestyle. And yes, I drink alcohol & have done so for about 10 years. (I even smoked for about 10 or 15 years of my vegetarian life but don't now). As a vegetarian, I get sick of the comment from people that they couldn't go without their meat. I wish people would stop saying that. Why do they all find it necessary to say that?

  • JP Peretti wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Voici quelques versets de la Genèse qui illustrent bien que, l'humain étant un être complexe, il peut manger une variété de choses, tel que prescrit par son Créateur. Au chapitre 9, nous lisons: 1 Dieu bénit Noé et ses fils et leur dit : ---Soyez féconds, multipliez-vous et remplissez la terre. 2 Vous inspirerez désormais la crainte et la terreur à toutes les bêtes de la terre et à tous les oiseaux du ciel ; tous les animaux qui se meuvent sur la terre et tous les poissons de la mer sont livrés en votre pouvoir. 3 Tout ce qui remue et qui vit vous servira de nourriture au même titre que les légumes et les plantes : je vous donne tout cela. JP

  • Croft Woodruff wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Have you never heard of the Jains of India? with the exception of dairy - milk, butter, cheese, and yogurt - these people have been virtual vegetarians and have survived generation after generation on a diet free of fish, fowl or meat. It is also known that people can survive on a total vegetarian diet if they incorporate nutritional yeast, fermented products such as soy, miso, sea weed, mushrooms - the later we were told in school by dietitians in the 1950's was that mushrooms had no redeeming food value what-so-ever. Subsequent analysis proved them wrong. Mushrooms are a good source of B-12, other vitamins, minerals, and quality protein.

  • Jacquie Fraser wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    What about people who don't like vegetables? I live with a man who won't eat anything but potatoes and rice; he can't stand lettuce, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, green or yellow beans.

  • Jay Shah wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Human body is not made for eating meat or fish, and even a small portion each day is also not good. Please do not direct readers in wrong direction. It is wrong to say that small quantiity of meat each day does not harm, it does affect mental and physical health. For answer to WHY visit www.jaina.com and learn more about the scientific reasons for why to quit non vegetarian diet and become vegetarian. Jay Shah

  • brian nelson wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Hi, I realize that things that are difficult to substantiate are simply difficult. That said, if we were to explore the concept of karma in our diet we would see that a great percentage, but not all, of our health comes from our past life, and what we are eating for, not just daily health and sustenance, but also for future lives. Why do bad things happen to good people etc. In this vein the taking and consuming of higher life forms, cattle etc, has a far greater reach than we can imagine, and the true and full value of the vegetarian avenue for our sustenance is scarcely touched. If we love God, we will also love Gods creation and seek to do the least harm. I did enjoy the article. peace and love to all. Brian.

  • joy wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Your 'bait' line: True or false - Don't eat meat, live longer, better? sucks, the question is never truly answered with a true or false. A lot of companies are doing this sort of thing, misleading, to get you to read/use/buy your product (consumable or nonconsumable) & I personally am getting tired of it. For myself & quite a few friends, we have, for the most part, quit falling for these lines (i.e. taking us to other websites to get us to see your products), the answers are usually not given & it al,most seems like a trick to get us to your 'product.'

  • Mike Long wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Your story is about 25 years behind. I'm vegan, I know all about nutrition, and no, no one needs to eat meat. Unless, not men. I know that women can have iron deficiency problems, that's another story though. I will not have a heart attack. The chances are 2 in one hundred that I will. That's enough for me. Also, if you all stopped eating meat altogether, we'd have enough grain to feed 4 times the amount of people on earth. Don't feed the cows, feed the poor AND the cows.

  • Sheila Fretwell wrote:

    Jan 26, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    This article made me laugh out loud - the subheading of the article "Experts still point to balance as the BEST menu choice" implies that eating meat as part of a balanced diet is actually healther than vegetarianism. You then go on to say and I quote: " evidence is “strong” that a vegetarian diet leads to lower mortality rates, and reductions in chronic diseases such as constipation, obesity and several types of cancer, especially colon cancer. Data indicating a correlation between vegetarianism and a reduced risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, adult-onset diabetes and gallstone is rated “good.” Then, the article concludes that in spite of the evidence, people should still eat meat because it's a good source of protein and b vitamins. So essentially the article says that yes, scientific evidence does show that vegetarians are healthier and live longer, but don't bother becoming a vegetarian. ????? Wake up and smell the coffee - Meat and dairy producer lobbyists push the notion of 'balance', there's no bad foods they say, just eat everything in moderation. Well the evidence, as this article clearly lays out, is to the contrary. People who abstain from animals products are healthier and live longer. With obesity, diabetes and coronary disease rates skyrocketing in recent years, it's too bad your publication didn't have the guts to stand up for the truth.

  • celeste toledo wrote:

    Nov 15, 2006

    2009-09-22 10:48 AM

    just a reminder that beef and other meats are not the only sources of B12 and essential fatty acids. it is entirely possible to be a healthy, well balanced vegetarian. maybe you should do more research before publishing incorrect information.

  • Jen wrote:

    Jun 18, 2006

    2009-09-22 10:48 AM

    Everybody has their own notions on what is 'correct' or 'ethical'. Myself, I was interested in the facts on health and found the article helpful as it confirmed what I already knew. I also know that eating meat is a personal option that no one has the right to judge or debate what is right for another person or animal. Bears attack humans and it doesnt appear to be relevant whether the victim is vegetarian. The bear is caught and killed, as unfortunately it cannot testify in a court of law. And it meant nothing personal, it just wanted to eat. This is a concept that is part of animals' existence. If they can understand it, what does this say about those who cannot?

  • Leana wrote:

    Jun 18, 2006

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    I think being vegetarian is healthy because even if you do not eat meat you still get protein from beans, peanut butter etc. so it has the same value.

  • Brian Nelson wrote:

    Jan 27, 2005

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    There is also karma involved. Vegetarians cause less suffering in the conscious oversoul. These are circumstances that benefit ones future lives. The suffering and slaughtering of so many millions upon millions of animals is unnecessary. Almonds are a complete food.

  • Mrs.C. Smith wrote:

    Nov 15, 2006

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    FOR GODS SAKE PEOPLE!!!! Do animals not eat other animals?? Lets think about it.

  • Eryn Waters wrote:

    Nov 18, 2006

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    As a vegetarian, this article hit very close to home for me. While I will try not to reiterate what other people's comments have already stated about health not being the only reason people choose to become vegetarian... what bothered me the most about this article was that it appeared above all to be trying to persuade people that vegetarianism is not the end-all solution to unhealthy eating habits. I find this idea rather ridiculous. Anyone who decides to become a vegetarian in the hopes of losing weight or because somone (a doctor perhaps) has told them they need to rethink their diet is seriously misguided. Vegetarianism is a life-style choice adopted by people for a wide range of reasons and it is unfair and naive to assume that vegetarians are people who are looking for a quick fix to weight problems or unhealthy eating styles. As a vegetarian myself, I often find that it takes more effort to be a healthy vegetarian than to be a healthy meat eater because essentially you are limiting your sources of nutrients and thus it takes more effort and careful planning to ensure that your nutritional needs are met. People who take their health seriously, be they vegetarian, vegan, or meat eaters must always be conscious of what they are putting in their body. Health is not related to the very personal choice of living as a vegetarian but it is certainly a factor of how much of a conscious effort a person puts in to planning their diet and ensuring for themselves that they are getting the required nutrients. Please keep in mind that a person's well-being is a personal thing and everyone must decide for themselves the best course of action to maintaining their own health.

  • Ashley wrote:

    May 01, 2008

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    My choice to switch to a mostly vegetarian diet was primarily to do with the benefit to the environment and to the animals. I consume very small quantities of meat (fish, chicken or pork) and only when I know as much as possible about where the animal has come from. I opt for organic and free-range or free-run meat products, and limit consumption to only once or twice a week. It's a small contribution to helping the environment and the animals of the world, but in my opinion it's better than consuming meat every day, two or three times a day and always as the main product of a meal.

  • Elisabeth wrote:

    Nov 15, 2006

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    Not to be too picky here, I am by no means a strict vegan, or have the healthiest diet even though I am a vegetarian; However, your quote from the National Institute of Nutrition that says a vegeatarian diet includes"the occasional touch of chicken or fish" is false. That is what is referred to as partial vegetarianism, and has more to do with the users health concerns than religion or in a lot of cases of western vegetarianism (including my own) a concern for animal well-being as well as one's own. I have had to explain this to so many people, and I am dissapointed that your article did not break down vegetarianism into its THREE categories. Partial, lacto-ovo, and vegan. Thanks for your attention.

  • Sarah Tombler wrote:

    Nov 16, 2006

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    Having been a vegetarian for over 10 years, I found this article offensive, and much of the information misleading. In particular with reference to protein, it is widely known now that most North American's receive way too much protein, and it is almost impossible to not get enough protein from a vegetarian diet. Similarly, in relation to calcium, consuming meat products actually diminishes one's capacity to absorb calcium. Also, the author did not take into account the harm that meet can cause do to hormones and chemicals used in meet production. Nor did the author make mention of the enormously high instances of colon cancers related to consuming meat products. To say that meat is not harmful is in fact a lie. The health hazards of meat also go beyond personal health: the author did not explore the health of the planet, as the meat industry accounts for much of the pollution and mis-use of land resources. This article is perpetuating stereotypes, and I urge the author to do more research (a good starting point is John Robbins "a diet for a new america"). I wish you the best and hope that you will continue researching this matter. Sincerely, Sarah Tombler

  • Jen wrote:

    Apr 30, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    The author of this article may want to get their facts straight. For example, saying:" "Many people are meat-nibblers and still view themselves as vegetarians. More traditional vegetarians ... limit their choices to plant foods, dairy products and meat alternatives with the occasional touch of chicken or fish," says a National Institute of Nutrition statement. ", is completely inacurate. The definition of a vegetarian is "one who does not eat meat" This article just seems like no real research went into it, other than a few seconds on the internet of something. Also when the article stated that "A vegetarian diet must have balance to be healthy", it really bothered me. Don't meat-based diets also need balance? The vegetarian diet is extremely balanced. Just because one doesn't eat meat doesn't mean the only other foods are lettuce and potatoes. In fact, I've found vegetarian diets to be extremely varied. Furthermore, this article seems kind of stuck in the past. It really isn't that hard to get protein in a vegetarian diet whatsoever. Infact, most western countries eat far too much protein, which has been linked to health risks, such as inhibiting the absorption of calcium, contributing to osteoperosis. All of your articles on health issues seem far too short and simplistic. Many times, there seems to be a bias or lack of actual research.

  • Sue wrote:

    May 01, 2008

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    You've totally missed the point as to why some people turn vegetarian. Not only is meat scary to eat nowadays, with the antibiotics etc. pumped into it, it's also an animal rights issue. Do we really have to be cannibalistic? So who's healthier, those that choose to ingest antibiotics etc. or those that don't?

  • Phil wrote:

    May 01, 2008

    2009-11-18 2:59 PM

    There is no physical reason to eat meat. It was brought to us because 50,000 years ago a tribe may have seen a lion eating a dear. Since then it was passed down from generation to generation. Many traditions are passed down from generation to generation -- it doesn't mean they are right. Look at the tribes that still believe cannibalism is good -- or the ones that circumcised young girls! I saw a video on MSN yesterday about people in India throwing babies from 50 feet high! I would like to think that we are more knowledgeable and educated than the people of our past. In today's world, with Internet and advertising the way it is we take a more information in a date that our forefathers did in an entire lifetime! The only thing that keeps us eating meat today is tradition, and the most important thing -- the dollar bill! Large corporations basically have us eating out of their hands! Adds that you might not even remember you've seen are stuck in your head and running like a broken record -- which is exactly what they want! A further study of NLP -- neurolinguistic programming is highly advised -- Google it! Learn more by going here http://www.goveg.com/ Best, Phil

  • m mcclellan wrote:

    May 02, 2008

    2009-11-18 2:59 PM

    it never ceases to amaze me of the subtle bias of unbias articles. if you want moderate health,then of coarse you need a moderate diet and it follows that if you want a moderate amount of life, a balanced amount of cancer, a balanced amount of surplus fat, a middle of the road amount of heart disease with a average amount of fatique then you will also read this article with a moderate amount of tonque in your cheek. it also follows that. he or she, who desires an extreme amount of life, health, and happiness willl have no touble making extremely important decisions on what they eat, drink, breath, and do. by the way, i just spent the last 5 days with my mom. we were celebrating her 90th. i felt honored and blessed to walk with her as she delievered some newspapers to her neighbors and walked down the block to get her mail. her memory isn't so good these days but the present is still her source of happines and actually all she needed, to enjoy her many children, grand-children, and great-grand- children (the newest one, 8 days old), and the many hugs and kiss's that filled up those few days. she turned complete vegetarian 20 some years ago and even before that she eat smalls amount of beef, chicken, or fish; no other meats. she taught us that any drink with caffine in was not good for us, and only breathed in smoke when she had trouble getting the wood stove burning. yeah, you could say that my heart is extremely greatful the my mom didn't live a balanced life. but then she didn't have the wonderful knowledge of all our present day "scientific" test and studies; that promote a balanced life. but then, this is just one more thing i thank god for.

  • jenny ong wrote:

    May 02, 2008

    2009-11-18 2:59 PM

    as a vegetarian, i would liketo point out that if one was to look out a window, the last thing they would see in our society is a deficiency in protein. and where, even in one's own home, do they find a serving of animal protein approx. the size of a "deck of cards"? restaurants would bankrupt if they served something that size.

  • Chris Jenkins wrote:

    May 02, 2008

    2009-11-18 2:59 PM

    The horendously bad advice given out in the Canada Food Guide has misguided people for so long that they have mistaken it for the truth. If one were to follow the guide to the letter we would be a country of extremely sick people, the high carb and far too low protein combination would turn us into obese slobs unable to get up off the couch. As humans we are at the top of the food chain for a reason, we are meant to have a diet rich in all foods in cluding good high quality protein. I am aware that not all people are going to agree with this and that's fine that's what makes the world interesting, but given all the research that points to the problems with males eating soy based proteins in appreciable ammounts there is really only one choice that makes sense. Physiologically we are also designed for eating meat more so than fibrous matter which we cannot completely digest. So put me on the list of those not afraid to stand up and say proudly that I am, and will always be, a proud meat eater who knows I'm doing the right thing for my body.

  • Bill Grubb wrote:

    Nov 16, 2006

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    No part of the article stated that some people have actually lost a considerable amount of weight after going off a vegetarian diet; there are many examples of overweight vegetarians. However the problem that causes these people to be overweight is that the vegetarian diet still leaves them feeling hungry so they overeat. When they switch back to eating some meat, their hunger is more easily satisfied but they have also learned to eat lots of vegetables and fruits and in so doing they return to a properly balanced diet which we humans as omnivores should follow; it has worked for millennia !!

  • Heather McLeod wrote:

    Nov 15, 2006

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    I just want to point out that we are relying on the opinion of someone who works for the "beef information centre" on whether or not women are getting enough protein. I did extensive research before becoming vegetarian, and everything else I have read says North Americans get waaaay to much protein.

  • iain downie wrote:

    Oct 01, 2006

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    love the info on veggie diets, but noticed that there was no info introduced about the environmental cost of vegetarianism, decreasing meat intake decreases greenhouse gases. thought that that may be a factor in chosing a a more vegetable rich diet. it is a factor for me

  • jessica wrote:

    Nov 15, 2006

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    I'm very frustrated with you article on vegetarian diets: "Tradtional Vegetarians" do NOT occasionally "touch..chicken or fish" as the National Institute in your article states. NO FLESH eating is being vegetarian, and it's really frustrating to vegetarians, especially vegans when people say "I'm vegetarian, I only eat chicken and fish." If people still consume a dead animal-feathered or not--as part of their meals, they are not a vegetarian!

  • S. Amodeo wrote:

    Nov 15, 2006

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    Your article contains a glaring error.A 'meat nibbler' or a 'more traditional vegetarian' who eats'... the occasional touch of chicken or fish..' is no more a vegetarian than one who eats roast beef every day. It is a myth that fish and chicken are part of a vegetarian diet. 'Vegetarianism' as defined by The New World Dictionary: ':.... A person who eats no meat: one who advocates a diet of only vegetables,fruit, grain and nuts.....' A VEGAN is a person who also does not eat any animal products, ie butter cheese etc..
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