ARE VEGETARIAN DIETS HEALTHY?
Is the move to a vegetarian diet a health move? This is Dr. Steven Andrew Davis, Speaking of Health. A study published in the Western Journal of Medicine looked at the overall picture of vegetarianism and its health effects. The researchers point out, of course, there are different kinds of vegetarians and that the basic variation is whether, in addition to vegetables, some also take in egg or dairy products. Overall, vegetarians in general take in fewer total food calories than meat-eaters because vegetarian diets usually have less total fat and protein. Vegetarians usually get more total complex carbohydrates, less cholesterol and saturated fats, and more dietary fiber, all of which have positive health effects. The big caveat about vegetarian diets has typically been that the individual may not be taking in enough high qualify protein. But this report says that vegetarians in general do take in enough protein and point out that the American Dietetic Association recommends that vegetarians seek protein from such plant sources as grains , nuts, seeds and legumes.
According to this study, people on vegetarian diets often have lower weight, lower blood pressure measurements, and lower death rates both from heart disease and certain kinds of cancers. So while no single diet is perfect for everyone, this research team encourages people, and especially those at risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer, to consume increasingly vegetarian diets. Speaking of Health, I’m Dr. Steven Andrew Davis, for CBS News.
E-Mail
drdavis@davishealth.com
Dr. Steve Davis
7810 Louis Pasteur #200
210/614-3355
