In recent years, many people who have chosen to adopt a vegetarian diet no longer have difficulty finding animal alternatives such as milk, cheese and eggs. In fact, sales of substitutes have skyrocketed over the years showing a growth rate more than 2.5 times higher than total food sales.
A study from 2021 found that sales of substitutes grew 27%, from US$5.5 billion to US$7 billion between 2019 and 2020 in the United States. However, there is still a lot of misinformation and misconceptions regarding the vegetarian diet, the vegetarian diet is still not fully accepted by many experts in the healthcare community as a healthy option. strong.
To correct misconceptions, demystify the vegetarian plate, and educate the medical community about vegetarian diets, the International Alliance of Vegetarians, a more than 100-year-old organization with representatives worldwide world, has just released a 500-page Vegan Nutrition Guide for Adults. Comprehensive literature on vegetarian diets based on sound information supported by more than 700 peer-reviewed studies.
“Our aim with this guide is to educate the healthcare community about the benefits of a vegetarian diet by informing how each essential nutrient works and by correcting misconceptions. mistakes, so doctors and nutritionists will be better prepared to support their patients’ dietary choices,” Eric Slywitch, lead author of the Guide, said.
The guidelines cite peer-reviewed studies that have demonstrated vegetarian diets can be used as a treatment for specific conditions or as a way to prevent conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. , cancer and obesity. Regarding supplements, the Guide corrects the long-held misconception that vegans need to add supplements to their diet while omnivores do not. The truth is that comparative diet studies do not consider the fact that farmed animals receive the multitude of supplements that end up being consumed on the plates of meat and animal products consumers.
In fact, the only supplement that balanced vegetarians need is vitamin B12, and when it comes to B12 deficiency, vegans are not alone. Studies have shown that 40% of the population worldwide does not have adequate levels of B12. The guide has more than 40 pages dedicated to this vitamin explaining its metabolism, how it is absorbed, recommended levels of B12, how to treat a B12 deficiency and how to maintain adequate levels of this vitamin. .
Another misconception regarding vegetarian diets clarified in the Guidelines concerns phytoestrogens, which are found in soybeans, a staple food for many vegetarians. Because phytoestrogens share structural similarities with estradiol (17-β-estradiol), several studies have investigated whether a high intake of soy foods may affect gender balance. and thyroid hormone or not. Several studies have also investigated whether phytoestrogens may be associated with an increased risk of developing estrogen-dependent breast cancer.
In 2016 and again in 2019, two meta-analyses showed that consumption of soy foods was in fact associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer and improved survival in women. sick people. Although the American Cancer Society has been encouraging breast cancer survivors to eat soy since 2012, many doctors still advise their patients to avoid eating a lot of soy foods.
The guide provides detailed information on all the major nutrients required for the proper function of the human body, including vitamins, proteins, calcium, iron, zinc, iodine and omega-3s, referring to some nutrients. It shows how nutrients are absorbed, how much is recommended, what nutrient-rich food sources are available, what symptoms are associated with nutrient deficiencies, and the benefits associated with intake. that nutrient.
A Guide to Vegan Nutrition for Adults is the first of its kind. After the first part begins by explaining what a vegetarian diet is exactly, the following sections shed light on the nutritional adequacy of a vegetarian diet, the macro and microelements, and anti-nutritional factors. In addition to the PDF document, the Guide also directs the reader to classes available on YouTube taught by the Lead Author of the Guide, Dr. Eric Slywitch.
Finally, the Guide offers a 30-day vegetarian menu that includes dishes from around the world and recipes. The guide is freely available in PDF format at the International Vegetarian Union website and can be used to consult with doctors and healthcare professionals to gain a better understanding of how the regimen works. Vegetarianism can help their patients and anyone interested in just having delicious food. their plate.
Source: Eurekalert
