A Scientific look at vegetarianism Sarah Edsall University of Northern Colorado

1. A Scientific look at vegetarianism Sarah EdsallUniversity of Northern Colorado ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Many vegetarians focus on what is best for their bodies when they choose their diet. Looking at vegetarianism on a scientific level might give the diet a whole new meaning. When the body’s normal functions are studied in closely, certain misconceptions can be addressed and put to rest. Everything from the breaking down of protein into amino acids, to the heart benefits of vegetables are viewed in a laboratory in order to come up with answers to the questions presented by the diet. Studies have proven that the health of non-meat eaters is much better than that of meat-eaters. By dissecting the specific common deficiencies that are often assumed in vegetarianism, solutions can be found to make the diet more accessible to the general public. DISCUSSION SOLUTIONS • Deficiencies can all be countered by monitoring diet carefully. There may also be more health benefits that come along with cutting meat out of the diet. Many animal products are attributed to health risks. Some health risks are: • Weight gain • Cardiovascular disease (5) • Cancer (5) • Many vegetarians are healthier than non-vegetarians because of their modified diet and lifestyle changes. Some of the health benefits of cutting out meat, or all animal products are: • Leaner body mass (3) • Less saturated fat (3) • Mental and emotional stability (2) • With the help of science, the common deficiencies can be combated. • Solutions have been found through science that allow vegetarians to get an adequate amount of everything that a healthy body needs. When all of the nutrients are readily available for vegetarians, they can be just as healthy as non-vegetarians. • Protein • Many plant products contain significant • amounts of protein. In order for this • protein to be enough for a diet, however, • certain vegetables must be consumed • together (8). • B12 • Because B12 is only found in animal • products, a supplement needs to be • taken in a supplement, of foods that • have been fortified with B12 must be • consumed (4). • Calcium/ Vitamin D • In order for vegetarians, especially • vegans, to gt enough calcium, a • supplement might need to be taken. This • is not automatically true though because • it can also be found in certain vegetables • like spinach (5). • All of the common deficiencies can be accounted for when a vegetarian diet is practiced with care. This means that any person can choose to be a vegetarian without fear of a major health consequence due to a lack of any nutrient. Only about three percent of North Americans claim to practice any form of vegetarianism (1). This means that only three percent of the continent is benefiting from the health advantages that avoiding meat can have. Many deficiencies are associated with vegetarianism, but once they are looked at with a scientific lens they are easily avoided. Figure 1: Primary structure of protein made up of amino acids. COMMON DEFICIENCIES • When meat and/or animal products are removed from a diet, there can be a loss of certain components that are vital for survival. Some of the most common deficiencies are; • Protein • A lot of protein is consumed through animal • products like meat, cheese, and eggs. Protein is broken • down into amino acids, which are used • to make DNA (See figure 1) (8). • B12 • B12 can only be obtained through animal • products because here are no plant • products that contain it. It is necessary for transporting • oxygen in the blood. Naturally, without B12, an without • oxygen, humans cannot function (4). • Calcium/ Vitamin D • Manny dairy products contain a lot of • calcium and vitamin D is usually • supplemented in to products like milk. Calcium is • needed for bone density and for muscle function (5). CONCLUSION AND FUTURE DIRECTION Few tests about the affects that a vegetarian diet on cancer, and cancer prevention have been done up to this point. This is because the study has to be done over a long period of time. Based on the positive affects that cutting out meat has other other aspects of health, the assumption is that the same would apply to cancer. This research would require a lot of funding because of the duration of the study. Also, participates would have to have cancer and taking part in a study is the last thing that some people want to do when they are that sick Figure 2: B12 transporting oxygen in blood. REFERENCES 1. Barr, Susan I., and Gwen E. Chapman. "Perceptions and Practices of Self-defined Current Vegetarian, Former Vegetarian, and Non-vegetarian Women." The American Dietetic Association 102.3 (2002): 1-7.  2. Beezhold, Bonnie L., Carol S. Johnston, and Deanna R. Daigle. 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