Some People Refuse To See Fact

By : Lauren Woods

How come even when you present people with fact about the vegan lifestyle, people don't believe? It is so frustrating! I don't push it in anyone's face, because I'm fresh as a vegetarian and still learning myself- but the more I learn, the more I want to share.

All those years I was drinking milk I was feeling so good about it... I just can't see how myself, and so many people remainignorant about nutrition.

http://saveourbones.com/osteoporosis-milk-myth/

The milk myth has spread around the world based on the flawed belief that this protein and calcium-rich drink is essential to support good overall health and bone health in particular at any age. It is easy to understand that the confusion about milk’s imaginary benefits stems from the fact that it contains calcium – around 300 mg per cup.

But many scientific studies have shown an assortment of detrimental health effects directly linked to milk consumption. And the most surprising link is that not only do we barely absorb the calcium in cow’s milk (especially if pasteurized), but to make matters worse, it actually increases calcium loss from the bones. What an irony this is!

Here’s how it happens. Like all animal protein, milk acidifies the body pH which in turn triggers a biological correction. You see, calcium is an excellent acid neutralizer and the biggest storage of calcium in the body is – you guessed it… in the bones. So the very same calcium that our bones need to stay strong is utilized to neutralize the acidifying effect of milk. Once calcium is pulled out of the bones, it leaves the body via the urine, so that the surprising net result after this is an actual calcium deficit.

Knowing this, you’ll understand why statistics show that countries with the lowest consumption of dairy products also have the lowest fracture incidence in their population (there’s more on this later).

Source: Vegetarian Friend

Plant-Based Diets: Facts and Fiction II

Myth 5: Certain combinations of foods have to be eaten at the same meal to get the right amino acids (the building blocks of protein).

FACT: There is no need to combine foods at meals to get right proteins in the diet. If one follows the recommended amounts and number of servings of the Vegetarian Food Pyramid, one will be getting adequate amounts of the protein..

Myth 6: All vegetarian diets are low in fat.

FACT: Vegetarian diets may or may not be low in fat. It all depends upon the choices one makes. Some high fat foods commonly used by vegetarians are avocadoes, olives and olive oil, nuts, nut and soy based milk type beverages and seeds. These fats are moderate to low in saturated fats. They can also choose cheese, egg yolks and cream which are foods high in saturated fat.

Myth 7: Vegetarian diets are dull and boring.

FACT: A diet can become boring when one eats the same foods every day. With the abundance of foods to choose from and the variety of ways to prepare them, a diet without meat need not be either dull or boring.

Myth 8: Vegetarian diets can cure cancer and heart disease.

FACT: Because most lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets are nutritionally sound, higher in fiber, lower in cholesterol and contain more fruits and vegetables, this diet pattern can reduce a person's risk of many cancers and certain types of heart disease. However, even vegetarians must follow all the precautions physicians prescribe for decreasing the risk of these diseases.

Plant-Based Diets: Facts and Fiction Part I

Source: http://www.sdada.org/plant.htm

Plant-Based Diets: Facts and Fiction I

In our meat and potatoes or hamburger and fries American diet, there is often concerned about the health of those who eat mostly plant-based foods.  The following will help separate the fiction from the facts.

Myth 1: All plant-based diets are about the same.

FACT: No. Vegetarians who eat milk or eggs are called "lacto-ovo-vegetarians".  Those who eat no animal products are called "vegans", or strict or total vegetarians.  There are many variations of these two main types of plant-based diets.

When someone declares himself/herself a "vegetarian" it is best to ask the person exactly which foods are eaten and which are avoided.  Most likely, the person is a"lacto-ovo-vegetarian".

Myth 2: There are very few vegetarians.

FACT: Recently it is estimated that about 10% of the USA is vegetarian.  Restaurants report that about 27% of the customers want a vegetarian option when they order.

Myth 3: A diet without meat is nutritionally deficient.

FACT: All vegetarian diets can provide all the essential nutrients to a person choosing from an abundant food supply.  However, as a diet becomes more restrictive, it may be more difficult to get all the necessary nutrients.  Following the guidelines outlined in the Vegetarian Food Pyramid provides most nutrients in adequate supply. Remember that the adequacy of any diet depends on the variety and the amount of foods that are included.  Consult a registered dietitian for accurate diet instruction.

The nutrients of greatest concern in the vegan or macrobiotic-type diets are vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and zinc.  Nutrient needs are greatest during periods of growth.

Myth 4: One can't possibly get enough protein without meat and/or milk and eggs.

FACT: It is difficult not to get enough protein if one eats sufficient amounts and variety of food to maintain a healthful body weight. All foods, except sugar and oil, contain some protein. Plant-based diets get protein from legumes (dried peas and beans), seeds, nuts, whole grains, and for the lacto-ovo-vegetarian, also from milk and eggs.

Plant-Based Diets: Facts and Fiction Part II

Source: http://www.sdada.org/plant.htm

Be Vegetarian to Save Our Environment

Cause of global warming: greenhouse effect

Primary cause of greenhouse effect:carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels

Fossil fuels needed to produce meat-centered diet vs. a meat-free diet: 3 times more

Percentage of U.S. topsoil lost to date:75

Percentage of U.S. topsoil loss directly related to livestock raising: 85

Number of acres of U.S. forest cleared for cropland to produce meat-centered diet: 260 million

Amount of meat imported to U.S. annually from Central and South America: 300,000,000 pounds

Percentage of Central American children under the age of five who are undernourished: 75

Area of tropical rainforest consumed in every quarter-pound of rainforest beef: 55 square feet

Current rate of species extinction due to destruction of tropical rainforests for meat grazing and other uses:1,000 per year

Source = "Diet For A New America" by John Robbins

Be Vegetarian to Save the World from Hunger

Number of people worldwide who will die as a result of malnutrition this year: 20 million

Number of people who could be adequately fed using land freed if Americans reduced their intake of meat by 10%: 100 million

Percentage of corn grown in the U.S. eaten by people:20

Percentage of corn grown in the U.S. eaten by livestock:80

Percentage of oats grown in the U.S. eaten by livestock: 95

Percentage of protein wasted by cycling grain through livestock: 90

How frequently a child dies as a result of malnutrition: every 2.3 seconds

Pounds of potatoes that can be grown on an acre: 40,000

Pounds of beef produced on an acre: 250

Percentage of U.S. farmland devoted to beef production: 56

Pounds of grain and soybeans needed to produce a pound of edible flesh from feedlot beef: 16

So, why don’t you choose to be a vegetarian and save the world from hunger? Be Vegetarian and save the world from hunger!

Source = "Diet For A New America" by John Robbins