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The Pros and Cons of Going Veggie

IN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

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Two-thirds of Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov). That should be no surprise, because meat has been the mainstay of most diets (and food advertising) in this country for decades. If recent government ad campaigns or vegetarian acquaintances have made you wonder about the health benefits to be gained from going meatless, The American Dietetic Association (www.eatright.org) offers some advice on the potential rewards and pitfalls of vegetarianism.

Move Over, Meat
Research has indicated that vegetarians show lower risks for developing heart disease and many forms of cancer than those who eat meat, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (www.fda.gov) and GoVeg.com, an online resource and Web community for vegetarians, vegans, and those considering either dietary lifestyle. Further, vegetarians and vegans live an average of 6 to 10 years longer than their meat-consuming counterparts.

Buyer Beware
Still, the FDA urges consumers to exercise caution when reading studies about the cancer- and heart-disease-preventing powers of plant-based diets. Without undermining the proven health benefits of a diet low in saturated and trans fats and high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, the FDA says more research on statistical correlations between vegetarianism and lower cancer and heart disease rates is necessary.

Sound Advice
If you decide to adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet, follow these recommendations from the American Dietetic Association.

  1. Go with a pro. Consult a registered dietitian, especially during periods of growth, pregnancy, breast-feeding, or recovery from illness.

  2. Be choosy. Limit high-cholesterol, sugary, and fatty foods.

  3. Cover your bases. Select from a wide variety of foods and take vitamin and mineral supplements as necessary to augment your diet.

Are You Getting Enough?

Vegetarians who consume no animal products need to be doubly conscious about getting essential nutrients by making smart substitutions. Here's a list of the nutrients most often missing from American diets and some non-animal sources of these nutrient:

  • Calcium
    Broccoli, kale, bok choy, peas, beans, greens, grain products, lime-
    processed tortillas, and calcium-enriched tofu or orange juice

  • Iron
    Tofu, leafy green vegetables (such as spinach), dried fruit, peas, beans,
    whole grains, and iron-fortified cereals

  • Protein
    Peas, beans, nuts, tofu, and whole grains

  • Vitamin B12
    Fortified cereals and soy beverages

  • Vitamin D
    Sunlight and fortified soy beverages

Sources: www.archinte.ama-assn.org (Archives of Internal Medicine), www.eatright.org (The American Dietetic Association), www.GoVeg.com, www.medicalnewstoday.com © 2013. True North Custom Media. All Rights Reserved.

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