Good afternoon, Dear friends! I, Ekaterina Kalmykova, am with you again! Today we will discuss whether it is worth drastically changing food addictions. In particular, "leave" in vegetarianism.

What is it and what is it eaten with? How dangerous are such food "perversions"? Let's answer the question together: "Vegetarianism - harm or benefit?"

The roots of the term "vegetarianism" should be sought in the English vegetable, which translates as both vegetable, vegetable, and vegetable. There is another "echo" - this is the Latin vegetus, meaning "peppy, lively." But in fact, this is the refusal to eat meat and other products of animal origin.

Before delving into the subtleties, what is more in vegetarianism: harm or benefit - let's see how different it is. Someone considers it necessary to strictly exclude all animal food from the diet. Others carry out the "cutting" sparingly, partially. Each of the groups sums up a certain ideological justification for its choice.

But now we will not delve into the subtleties of the psychology of this phenomenon. Let's just figure out how physiological it is.

So, what are the main types of this food system?

• Strict refusal of any food of animal origin - veganism;
• Only plant foods and without heat treatment - raw food diet;
• Admission to the menu of honey, eggs and dairy products - lacto-ovo vegetarianism;
• Nutrition, the basis of which are sprouted cereals and legumes - sproutarianism;
• Eating all foods except red meat.

There are also other shades of this phenomenon, different combinations of individual “permissible” food groups.

Benefits of avoiding animal foods

If you approach the matter philosophically, then any phenomenon in the world has a bright and dark side. Let's evaluate the merits of vegetarianism of any kind, which even official medicine recognizes:

• Grains, fruits and vegetables, for the most part, are low in calories. This is helpful for maintaining weight;
• There is a lot of fiber in such a menu, which has a beneficial effect on intestinal function, on metabolic processes in general;
• Useful for people prone to diabetes and a number of other diseases, as it supports optimal level sugar and cholesterol;
• Helps the body cleanse itself of toxins;
• It rejuvenates the body as a whole, having a positive effect on blood vessels, as well as on the skin.

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But the main positive quality of vegetarianism is its philosophy. This is a different attitude to the world: more holistic, thoughtful and careful.

Harm of vegetarianism

The disadvantages of this power system are not less. Especially when people choose the most severe restrictions. Indeed, each type of menu component has its own characteristics, its own nuances of composition. Depriving the body of some elements, we make food not just monotonous, “boring”, but also poor in nutrients. Distortions are created in the balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and this is the foundation of a healthy diet.

For a normal metabolism, the harmony of these nutrients, combined with an abundance of vitamins and trace elements, is simply necessary.

Unfortunately, plant foods are not able to fully compensate for the loss of a number of substances that are present in abundance in animal counterparts. It is especially important to remember this for beginners, those who are just switching to vegetarianism and sometimes sin in extremes, do not take into account the characteristics of their own body.

Consider some of the "harmful" features of this power system.

Protein - basic construction material our fabrics. Without it, the muscles will not function at full strength, they will gradually atrophy. It is believed that it is in abundance in legumes, in a number of cereals and some other plants. But the problem is not even general content squirrel. Just its vegetable forms are much worse absorbed by the body. For example, from millet we are able to utilize only 45% of the proteins contained in it, from buckwheat - 60%, potato protein "takes root" by a maximum of 65%. But animal protein is absorbed almost completely.

The second almost indispensable element - vitamin B12. In herbal products, it is rare and in small doses. Except that sea ​​kale can partly compensate for its deficiency. But this vitamin is vital for the nervous system to work like clockwork.

Calcium . This trace element is an invaluable component of the health of the skeleton, nails and hair. It is also found in leafy vegetables, but the "milk" source is much richer and more productive.

Iron present in sufficient quantities in meat and fish products. But from greens, cereals, legumes, we can “absorb” only seven% of this useful element.

Who is contraindicated

Before rushing headlong into the “pool” of vegetarianism, you should definitely consult with your doctor. He will tell you how to start, and in general, whether it is worth abandoning the usual food algorithm. After all, there are absolute contraindications for this system.

Vegetarianism can cause irreparable harm to health if a person suffers from diseases such as osteoporosis, anemia, joint problems, and reduced vision. It is strongly not recommended to part with animal food and those who have recently been ill are in the recovery stage. Children, pregnant and lactating mothers, people whose immunity is weakened are at serious risk.

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Long-term observations show that people who choose this way of life often suffer from violations nervous system. This is partly due to the deficiency of certain nutritional components. But there is another problem: not everyone around perceives such features tolerantly. Vegetarians have to take a "defensive" position, and not everyone has enough mental strength and psycho-emotional mobility to resist public opinion.

And one more nuance: such a diet is a rather expensive pleasure.

Looking for the golden mean

Historically, it so happened that a person ate both meat, and fish, and crop products. And our digestive system configured accordingly - for this mixed diet.

If a person, for purely personal reasons, has chosen vegetarianism, well, this is his decision, it is worthy of respect. Especially if it is not a "fashionable" fad, not an emotional imitative impulse, and even more so not a show.

Such a decision must be made consciously. The transition to vegetarianism must be made less painful, especially at the beginning. As we have already found out, first of all, consultation with a specialist is necessary in order to cut off possible contraindications.

If you have colitis, pancreatitis, acute or other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, be sure to be treated first. Otherwise, the consequences may be irreversible. Absolutely no change eating behavior at the moment of stress.

But also in calm state, without serious health problems, this should be done gradually, carefully. Refuse first from red meat, then from its other types, then exclude fish and milk. Or maybe it’s still worth stopping at some intermediate, compromise option. In any case, try to ensure the maximum variety of food within the framework of your chosen system.

The lack of vitamins, especially D and B12, calcium and other trace elements, will have to be compensated with vitamin-mineral complexes. Be sure to control your condition, if you feel worse, consult a doctor and make an informed decision to adjust your diet.

That's all the main thing that I wanted to convey to you on this topic.

The decision is yours, but do not forget: the choice is also a responsibility! Be healthy!

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The decision to become a vegetarian comes in different ways - someone refuses meat according to the diet, while others do it because of moral and ethical convictions. Adherents plant food instill the same principles in their children. Will the exclusion of meat products from the diet harm the child's body?

The advantages of a vegetarian diet include the presence of fiber in plant foods, which promotes digestion. Maintenance gastrointestinal tract in good shape prevents many diseases caused by malnutrition. In addition, vegetarians try to avoid all kinds of semi-products of dubious origin, teeming with preservatives, dyes, flavors and other chemicals from the giants of the advanced Food Industry. A ban on artificial sugar can also be put in the top three in favor. Natural dried fruits, honey and syrups do no harm if consumed in moderation. Almost all the dishes of an accomplished vegetarian gourmet abound with useful substances and microelements, and the views that he instills in his children take root in the minds of kids, form their worldview in general and habits in choosing a diet in particular.

Child and Vegetarianism

It is worth noting that the body of a child differs from an adult in that it is constantly growing, developing and getting stronger, any deficiency of nutrients is fraught with disastrous consequences. Exclusively plant foods cannot provide full complex vital components necessary for a full physical and mental development children. In meat, milk, eggs and other food products animal origin contains unique proteins and amino acids, iron and many vitamins that cannot be found in plant foods. By restricting the child in food, ardent vegetarians run the risk of bringing their child to a very serious problems with health. Studies show that along with the ban on meat, the body suffers from a lack of vitamins A, D, some B vitamins, iron and other trace elements, the consequences are visual impairment, misdevelopment bone tissue, up to rickets, impaired blood formation, insufficient body weight, weakened immunity, apathy, mental disorders. This terrible list can be continued. That is why it is so important to build balanced diet for the child, based on the recommendations of highly qualified specialists, and not be led by charlatans and subject the fragile bodies and minds of children to experiments.

Ideally, the child should make a choice consciously. He should not be told about how animals are killed and how they are tormented. Moreover, showing various kinds of scary films can negatively affect the weak child's psyche.

If a vegetarian child does not see meat in the family, then in kindergarten and the school will have to face him. And of course, he will have a natural desire to try it. Do not put pressure on the child when choosing whether to be a vegetarian or not, let him do it himself.

natalykitik 12.09 18:58

I have never understood parents doing such experiments on their children. How much has already been said that a growing organism has special needs, which are almost impossible to cover due to vegetables and fruits alone. And besides - what percentage of vegetarians can actually make up correctly balanced menu- for this you need to take the issue very seriously. It’s another matter if the child simply doesn’t really like meat products - then you can focus on dairy products, fish, if the child is a little older, but intentionally depriving him of all animal proteins is, in my opinion, already just a crime. And by the way, to the question of religion - even during fasting in Orthodoxy there are concessions for pregnant women and small children. And if we talk about more exotic religious movements, like Buddhism or Hinduism, for example, it would be worth remembering that every nation and, especially, race has certain features in the food culture and even the process of digestion that have developed over the centuries, and rebuild your body under them not given to everyone, especially a child.

Vegetarianism has many supporters and opponents. This way of eating involves the rejection of the consumption of meat food, fish, poultry and seafood of meat origin. Is Vegetarianism Good or Bad? What is it all about? The diet of vegetarians includes plant and dairy foods. The reasons for switching to such a diet can be different: medical, ethical, religious, economic.

A bit of history

Vegetarianism, the tendency of which is to eat plant foods and rejection, in whole or in part, of products of animal origin, does not apply to modern look diets that ultimately lead to weight loss and a possible improvement of the body. Vegetarianism can be called a human nutrition system, created over several millennia.

The term, called vegetarianism, first appeared in the everyday life of the inhabitants of England. It probably originates from the word " vegetus", which in Latin is interpreted as energetic, vivacious, strong. In the forties of the nineteenth century, members of the Vegetarian Organization, active in Britain, made sure that the plant-based diet, common among the people of India, is certainly good for human body.

The Vegetarian Society began to promote such principles of nutrition in its territory. He created the concept of Homo Vegetus, which means a comprehensively developed (harmonious) person. At first, the word "vegetarian" was given a philosophical meaning. But over time, the adherent of plant foods began to be called that.

Basic information about vegetarianism

This system has more to do with people's life beliefs than with certain composition nutrition. For example, animal advocates feel their involvement in the environment of the living world. Thus, Buddhists are vegetarians, for whom even the destruction of insects serves negative side their karmas.

Compassion, mercy and love, which are the basis of Vedic culture, call for life in complete harmony with the surrounding flora and fauna and reject their destruction. The sacred literature of different peoples contains information about the preference for a plant-based way of eating.

The Bible book of Genesis indicates that at the very beginning of existence, man had to eat plant foods. The Qur'an used by Muslims says that one should not turn the stomach of people into a grave tomb for animals. Vegetarianism was common in ancient Greece and Egypt.

Different types of vegetarian food

Among vegetarians there are various groups with their food habits. The common thing is that all supporters of a vegetarian diet do not eat products obtained from animals. But different groups common system have their own list of prohibited products. According to their preferences, vegetarianism is divided into the following groups:

1. Veganism;
2. Fruitarians;
3. lacto-vegetarianism;
4. Lacto-ovo vegetarianism;
5. Young Vegetarianism.

Adherents veganism (vegans) do not eat meat and fish products, caviar. In addition, they do not eat dairy products, eggs. That is, in strict vegetarianism, everyone with eyes is rejected, and food produced by all owners of eyes. If the diet of strict vegetarians contains mainly grains, then we are talking about proponents of macrobiotics.

Those who eat more vegetables, berries, fruits, nuts - Fruitarians . In addition to supporters of strict vegetarianism, there are also lacto-vegetarians , whose diet includes dairy products and their derivatives, providing the body with calcium. Lacto-ovo vegetarians they also use honey, eggs, with which, in addition to useful calcium contained in dairy products, the body is supplied with B12. At young vegetarianism sometimes it is allowed to eat white meat of birds, fish.

The motives leading to vegetarianism are as follows:

- energy motive when it is believed that all the necessary energy comes into the body with vegetables;

- vitamin and mineral motif . The main importance is given to health, since many useful substances and vitamins enter the body. With such a diet, there is no place for cholesterol. This means that vegetarians are less likely to experience heart disease and blood vessels or atherosclerosis;

- ethical when the refusal of meat is caused by the inhuman treatment of animals in slaughterhouses;

- physiological motive - it is justified by the fact that, in terms of physiology, a person is further from carnivores and closer to herbivorous representatives of animals. It is believed that a person does not have a mechanism adapted to the eating and assimilation of the meat component of food. In addition, the intestines of meat-eating animals are 3 times their length, and in herbivores and humans - more than 6 times. This means that the meat leaves the body of a carnivore faster and at the same time, toxins are not formed that interfere with the efficiency of the kidneys.

Benefits of Vegetarianism

In the event that a vegetarian food system is provided for by ethical or religious preferences of a person, then in most cases there is not even in question about the benefits and harms of this type of food. In this case, the main focus is on life principles and prejudice. But when a person comes to the decision to become a vegetarian for economic or medical indications, then he should adequately evaluate all the pros and cons of such nutrition, because it is absolutely easy to change your daily diet. This can be done at any time. But in some cases it can be very difficult to restore health after an incorrectly chosen diet. Therefore, you will first need to weigh the pros and cons.

The direction of vegetarians, which allows the use of dairy products, eggs and seafood in their diet, does not cause any concerns at all among nutritionists and many doctors. Such nutrition can be called healthy, balanced and correct for many people.

The diet of a vegetarian is based on products with plant properties, rich in vitamin components of the class "P", "C", necessary elements: magnesium, potassium, other substances that increase the immune resistance of a person. Plant components help to remove from the body substances that are harmful to it, including toxins.

Phytoncides contained in most plants contribute to the death of putrefactive microbes. O useful properties Vegetarianism has been talked about for a long time. Its benefits are seen in a decrease in the number of diseases of diabetes, cancer, hypertension, blood vessels and the heart, atherosclerosis, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Vegetarianism contributes to the extension of the life cycle.

Harm of vegetarianism

Besides good points, you should never forget that a vegetarian type of diet can lead to some negative consequences. Those people who for a long time and rather strictly adhere to vegetarianism, do not receive such vitamins necessary for the body at all, as well as - this can harm the body. Vitamin B12 is vital for our body, because it is directly involved in the processes of cell division.

But if its deficiency is detected, then this can even lead to total destruction nerve fibres. B12 is found in seafood, meat and kidneys. And everyone knows that vegetarians impose a ban on the use of these products. Only a few of them can afford to consume low-fat milk and cheeses, which somehow replenishes the body's need for essential vitamin B12. With a lack of vitamin D, problems with hair appear, they begin to fall out quite actively. Nails also deteriorate.

The condition and strength of the bones of our body is deteriorating. Children with a lack of vitamin D may develop serious disease like rickets. This vitamin is most can be obtained from fish oil or cod liver. Vitamin D is also found in eggs, whole fat milk and usual butter. However, our body has the ability to independently synthesize not a large number of vitamin D. It is formed in the skin under the direct influence of direct sun rays. Thus, even if the food is inadequate, our body will be able to make up for the lack of this vitamin.

Vegetables and fruits consumed in vegetarianism contain a very small amount of vitamin B2 or the so-called riboflavin. Its direct deficiency can lead to weakness, dizziness and even damage to the mucous membranes. This vitamin the largest amount is found in milk, eggs and liver, which are prohibited with a vegetarian type of diet. A very small amount in plant foods and calcium, iron and iodine, which are very necessary for our body. You can fill their deficiency only with the help of special vitamin complexes.

Iron from vegetables and fruits is absorbed much worse than from animal products. Therefore, the diagnosis is often common among vegetarians - Iron-deficiency anemia. In addition, many vegetarians are found to be deficient in these important elements and substances like: omega-3 polyunsaturated acids, calcium, zinc, iodine.

Excess fiber (vegetarian foods are very rich in it) is also not good. It reduces the digestibility of proteins, which are already not rich in the menu in their diet.

Vegetarianism for pregnant women: benefits and harms

There are many myths about a vegetarian diet during pregnancy. Vegetarianism among pregnant women or children constantly causes, as a rule, a negative reaction. Some doctors practically force expectant mothers to return to meat products. It turns out that a vegetarian diet shouldn't hurt either mom or baby—but only when it's well planned.

Scientists note that there are no studies indicating that the problem of miscarriages is more common in vegetarian women. Women who don't eat well but eat meat may have more problems conceiving than a vegetarian mom. In both cases, the main thing is common sense, health care and a varied menu. It cannot be argued that vegetarianism is the cause of infertility. However, a well-balanced vegetarian diet, which is carried out under the supervision of a doctor or nutritionist, can deliver the same amount of nutrients like meat.

Women who don't eat meat consciously buy groceries highest quality, make up the menu so as to provide the body with everything it needs, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Expectant mothers, for the most part, often do not care about their menu at all, they eat irregularly, it happens that they do not pay attention to the quality and origin of products. But every woman, wanting to give birth healthy child, should first of all think about your diet, give up bad habits malnutrition to provide the body with all the necessary minerals and nutrients.

What should be the menu

Of course, it may happen that a vegetarian woman will wait a little longer for a pregnancy than a woman on a meat diet. Diet, rich in proteins plant origin, affects elongation menstrual cycle, which leads to an increase in ovulation intervals. Therefore, vegetarians who want to conceive a child should be aware of this. A child developing in the mother's womb is in great need of protein (although not necessarily of animal origin), and the need for protein doubles during pregnancy. Animal proteins can be successfully replaced with vegetable ones. To do this, it is recommended to include legumes (soybeans, beans) and cereals (buckwheat, millet) in the diet.

Of course, a vegetarian diet is quite difficult to maintain during pregnancy and lactation. On the other hand, it is difficult to expect rapid changes from someone who has not eaten meat for several decades. Therefore, it is always worth contacting a nutritionist before a planned pregnancy, who, based on a thorough diagnosis, will create a balanced vegetarian diet menu so that it is safe for the woman and her unborn child. The diet should include foods containing iron, calcium, folic acid and vitamin B12.

A good source of iron for vegetarians is green leafy vegetables, grain products, mashed lentils and beans. It is worth introducing fish into your menu at this time. It contains useful fatty acid and vitamins that dissolve in fats. Meat can be replaced with milk and eggs - so that there is no deficiency of calcium and vitamins. richest source easily digestible calcium are: milk, cheese, egg yolks. The absorption of calcium also depends on sufficient amounts of protein, magnesium, zinc and vitamins D and C. Fruits contain fiber, minerals(calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium) and vitamins (B1, B2, C, E, A, folic acid). Easily digested and absorbed by the body. It is worth eating them instead of sweets.

How to avoid risks?

According to proponents of a vegetarian diet, health future mother and the child is not only safe, but entails a number of additional benefits. Vegetarians usually have low level cholesterol and their digestive system is less burdened (meat stagnates in the intestines much longer than plant foods). There are many iron fortified products on the market, folic acid and vitamins - it is good to use them, both before and during pregnancy.

However, this does not mean that all women in the early stages of pregnancy should switch to vegetarianism. On the contrary, the body needs time to reorient itself to the new kind diets, and pregnancy, of course, is not the best period for any experiments with your own body.

First of all, it is necessary to systematically monitor the state of health and do all gynecological examinations. If a vegetarian is under the constant supervision of a specialist, her pregnancy should not be in danger. Thus, a woman who follows a vegetarian diet will not be afraid for her health and the safety of her child.

Vegetarian diet: menu, pros and cons

For those who do not want to completely give up animal products, there is a vegetarian diet. With which you can not only reset overweight, but also recharged with health, strength, energy.

This diet will help get rid of toxins, unnecessary salts and water in the body. It will cleanse the skin of sores and rashes, and the nails and hair will be much stronger. The diet is quite inexpensive, but very effective.

Sample food menu

First day of the diet

Breakfast: Two glasses of water vegetable salad seasoned olive oil, any two fruits, tea or coffee without sugar, with milk.

Snack: Any fruit.

Dinner: Stewed vegetables, eighty grams of buckwheat and bean cutlets. As well as tea or coffee to taste, without sugar.

Snack: Any vegetable.

Dinner: Smoothie with banana, strawberry, honey and milk.

Second day of the diet

Breakfast: Two glasses of water oatmeal, any fruit or vegetable and tea or coffee.

Snack: Apple with cinnamon.

Dinner: Boiled pasta with stewed vegetables and a piece of baked red fish, tea / coffee.

Snack: A glass of coffee without sugar, with milk and two toasts.

Dinner: Soup - carrot puree (three hundred grams), tea / coffee.

Third day of the diet

Breakfast: Two glasses of water buckwheat porridge on milk plus apple, tea/coffee.

Snack: Fruit.

Dinner: Rice with vegetables, pea cutlets and tea.

Snack: Vegetable.

Dinner: Vegetable soup with mushrooms.

Vegetarian diet- one of the most effective diets, because vegetarians are more enduring, healthier and slimmer than meat-eaters. Also, studies have shown that vegetarians make love much longer and more often than game lovers.

Pros of a vegetarian diet:

1. Animal proteins do not bring as much benefit to the bones as vegetable proteins, because animal proteins, as it were, “wash out” calcium.
2. Proteins in a vegetarian diet do not put a heavy burden on the kidneys and liver.
3. With a vegetarian diet, vitamins and minerals are replenished.
4. Meat contains a large amount of hormones, which leads to cancer.
5. Thanks to this species nutrition strengthens the immune system.
6. Improving the physical state, the person becomes more enduring, shortness of breath goes away.
7. Vegans lose weight much faster than meat eaters. After all, the rate of kilocalories is reduced by one and a half times (due to the abundant amount of vegetables).
8. People who eat mostly vegetables go to the toilet more easily, because the work of the intestinal tract is stimulated.
9. The metabolism and vitamins are normalized.
10. Vegetarians live longer than people who eat meat.

Per Last year about twenty-nine percent of Americans went vegetarian, nine of whom gave up meat entirely.

People think that you need to completely give up meat. But this is not necessary, it can be eaten, but not often. For example, twice a week chicken fillet or three times - stewed fish.

The main thing is to balance your diet correctly and varied.

Cons of a vegetarian diet:

1. The meat contains essential amino acids, the rejection of which can lead to visual impairment (but this is only a small percentage of vegans).
2. Vegetable protein is less digestible in the human body. For example, buckwheat porridge is digested by sixty-five percent, millet - by seventy, potatoes - by sixty-seven. But meat, fish and poultry - from eighty-nine to ninety-eight.
3. With prolonged and strict vegetarianism, immunity decreases after six to seven years.
4. Children are contraindicated in the rejection of animal proteins because it slows down the growth of the child.
5. If you do not calculate the budget correctly, then you can spend more on this diet than on meat-eating.

Thus, becoming a vegetarian or not is a personal matter for everyone. In fact, there is absolutely nothing critically bad for our body in vegetarianism. It can be considered, most likely, just a decisive life position. But, before making any final decision, you need to weigh all its pros and cons very well for yourself (evaluate all the benefits and harms of vegetarianism). After all, no one can take care of your health better than you. Always keep this in mind and make the right choice.

Adherents of strict vegetarianism argue that the exclusion from the diet of meat and other products of animal origin does not negative impact neither on well-being, nor on the state of the body as a whole. However, science has proven that a person is neither a herbivore nor exclusively a predator - the whole complex of substances necessary for health can be obtained only under the condition of a balanced diet. organized meals with the inclusion of all useful products.

With vegetarianism, this balance is slightly disturbed, so this system, with its undoubted benefits, also has disadvantages, and in some cases can seriously harm health.

Harm

Harm of vegetarianism

Disadvantages of giving up animal food due primarily to the fact that it contains trace elements and vitamins that are absent in vegetables, cereals and fruits. Lack of these substances in the diet can lead to metabolic disorders and, as a result, harm health.

• Iron is one of the most important trace elements that primarily affects the composition of the blood. The maximum of iron is absorbed precisely from the liver, meat and fish rejected by vegetarians. Some of them may object that there is iron in nuts and fruits, but at the same time, plant foods contain tannins, phytates, calcium - everything that can prevent the full absorption of the trace element. From greens, legumes and cereals (spinach, soybeans, rice), a maximum of 7% of iron enters the human body, which is much less than the required intake rate - its deficiency can cause weakness, dizziness, anemia and total loss vital energy.
• Protein is needed to maintain normal operation muscles and structures connective tissue. Contrary to popular belief that legumes contain enough protein and can satisfy the needs of the body in full, it has been found that it is absorbed worse from plant foods (from potatoes - by 65%, from buckwheat - by 60%, from millet - 45%, although animal protein is digested almost completely).
• Calcium is an extremely important trace element for hair, nails and skeleton. It is believed that it is absorbed better from leafy vegetables than from milk or cottage cheese, but strict vegetarians often have dangerously low levels of calcium.
• Vitamin B12 - is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system. No one herbal product cannot satisfy the need for it in full.

In addition, proper healthy vegetarianism is a rather costly food system. To provide the body with all the necessary substances, the diet must be varied and of high quality, and fruits, vegetables, nuts and cereals are not available to everyone.

Observations of scientists confirm that if the principles of vegetarianism are observed for more than 7 years, there is a significant decrease in immunity and disturbances in the psycho-emotional state, which are expressed in fanatical adherence to one's beliefs and a sharp condemnation of those who do not share them.

And finally, vegetarianism is harmful:

• People with weakened immune systems.
• Persons recovering from illness.
• Children.
• Pregnant and lactating.
• People with anemia, osteoporosis, joint diseases, visual impairment.

Benefit

Benefits of Vegetarianism

However, giving up meat also has positive sides- it is not for nothing that this is not only a nutrition system, but a whole philosophy, the origins of which go back to ancient times. Proponents of vegetarianism note the following advantages:

• Vegetables, fruits and cereals are characterized by a low energy value- they are low in calories, but at the same time useful and very nutritious. Therefore, their use helps to avoid excess weight and maintain a figure.
• High content fiber in vegetarian products has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the intestines and stomach, normalizing and stabilizing everything metabolic processes.
• This nutrition system has an extremely high cleansing potential: toxins and toxins are removed from the body, resistance to diseases is significantly increased.
• Vegetarianism helps maintain optimal levels of cholesterol and sugar: people with atherosclerosis, cancer, heart disease and diabetes are almost never found among vegetarians.
• Antioxidants contained in vegetables and fruits maintain skin tone and keep it youthful.
• Complex carbohydrates, for which vegetables and grains are famous, support excellent energy levels and promote active image life and longevity.
• A balanced intake of salt, common to all vegetarians, helps maintain vascular health.

In addition, vegetarianism helps to realize oneself as a part of nature and the surrounding world, while feeling harmony - the rejection of meat is nothing but the acceptance of living beings in the most humane way. This approach brings balance and peace of mind.

Safe transition to vegetarianism

Refusal of meat and the transition to plant foods is quite a serious stress for the body, so the adoption of vegetarianism should be approached very thoughtfully.

1. It is necessary to consult a general practitioner, a gastroenterologist, a nutritionist and a psychologist, take tests and go through all the prescribed examinations to identify diseases in which vegetarianism is contraindicated: these include gastritis and pre-ulcerative conditions of the stomach, colitis, hemoglobin deficiency, pancreatitis. If any of the diseases was detected, it is necessary to be treated before changing the diet, i.e. prepare for this in advance - get rid of existing diseases.
2. When switching to plant foods, a favorable psycho-emotional background is extremely important: during depression, stress or nervous exhaustion vegetarianism can only aggravate the harm to the body. Most the best time for giving up meat - a period of calm and well-being, without worries and serious shocks.
3. master new system nutrition should be smooth and gradual, while making the diet as diverse as possible: if legumes - then peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils in turn, if vegetables - then different colors, if dairy products - then curds, and natural yoghurts. Step by step, food variety can easily replace the usual meat.
4. Vegetarianism denies alcohol and smoking: refusal bad habits is required in this case.
5. With such a diet, it is necessary to take vitamins B12 and D, as well as calcium supplements.
6. And, finally, for everyone who adheres to this nutrition system, regular testing is recommended.

The slightest signs of deterioration in health or well-being require a transition to a more sparing vegetarian diet or a return to the usual food system.

ADDITIONALLY

Types of Vegetarianism

To people who are not too familiar with this philosophy, vegetarianism is seen simply as the rejection of animal products. In fact, this power system is divided into several types:

• Veganism is a complete rejection of animal food in favor of plant food, eating exclusively vegetables, fruits, and cereals.
• Raw-mono diet - involves the same strict approach to the choice of food as veganism, but it rejects any food that has been subjected to heat treatment.
• Fruitarianism is a deeply philosophical approach to nutrition based on the belief that plants can also experience pain. Therefore, fruitarians use only what can be obtained without damaging the plant - fruits, berries, nuts, even excluding root crops.
• Su vegetarianism - the exclusion of all animal foods and strongly smelling vegetable products (onion, garlic, durian).
• Sprautarianism is a food system based on the use of sprouted grains and legumes.
• Lacto-ovo vegetarianism is a diet that allows the use of dairy products, eggs and honey.
• Lacto-vegetarianism - when eating plant foods, both dairy products and honey are acceptable.
• Ovo-vegetarianism - plant foods, eggs, honey are acceptable.
• Semi-vegetarianism - allows the use of all products except red meat, fish and poultry are allowed. This system are often referred to as vegetarian diets.
• Pesko-vegetarianism - in addition to plant foods, the use of fish and seafood is allowed.
• macrobiotic diet- based on the use of legumes, cereals, fruits and vegetables, with particular preference seaweed and daikon.

Of all the above areas, nutritionists most welcome lacto-ovo-vegetarianism, lacto-vegetarianism, pesco-vegetarianism and semi-vegetarianism - according to experts, these food systems can be considered the most balanced: the use of plant, dairy foods and seafood can satisfy the human body's need for vitamins and minerals almost completely.

Veganism, raw food and fruitarianism, on the contrary, are marked by rather severe criticism: nutritionists are sure that eating according to these systems can lead to a deficiency of many important trace elements and consequently health problems.

Popular vegetarianism, which has received many adherents, has its own forms of impact on the body, like any diet that is followed for a long time. But what is the use of it and what are the consequences of vegetarianism?

Conscious refusal to eat animal products is called vegetarianism.. A lot of ongoing research and scientific disputes have not led to a consensus among scientists. Reasons for switching to vegetarian food usually three:

• Ethical Considerations
• Opinion on the benefits of vegetarianism
• Taste preferences

Types of Vegetarianism

There are four types of vegetarianism:

1. Forbidden: meat, fish, poultry. Allowed: eggs, honey and milk. This is classic vegetarianism.
2. Forbidden: meat, fish, poultry, milk. Honey allowed. This is ovo-vegetarianism.
3. Everything is forbidden, except for food of plant origin. This is strict vegetarianism or veganism (veganism). Among vegans, there are also raw foodists, as well as fruitarians - eating only the fruits of plants - fruits, berries, nuts ...

In the scientific literature, there is no clear division of the types of vegetarianism, so the subspecies are very conditional. Some vegetarians consider it possible to eat fish, but do not eat meat.

Are there any benefits to being a vegetarian?

Meat quality leaves much to be desired, because modern technologies animal husbandry are based on the application various drugs for enhanced animal growth. Introduction powerful antibiotics, hormonal injections, this whole set also penetrates into the human body, creating increased morbidity, cell and DNA mutations. If you refuse such food, then health will only improve.

People who watch their diet will not consume a lot of starchy foods and sweets, so vegetarians do not gain excess weight. Also, plant-based foods do not contain saturated fats. Instead, the body receives useful substances. Among vegetarians, as a rule, there are no people with hypertension, less often they complain about the presence of stones in the organs. Fiber, contained in plants, improves intestinal contractions, thanks to which the intestines maintain the correct microflora. Nuts, peas, soy and rice are rich in protein, they replace the lack of animal protein.

What harm does vegetarianism cause?

If you do not eat meat, but your body needs a certain amount of calories, therefore, nutrition should also increase in volume. There is a myth that vegetarians don't gain weight. This has yet to be proven. Depriving yourself of meat a person deprives himself and proteins of animal origin, the entire spectrum of amino acids contained there. A lack of cyanocobalamin leads to disruption of the nervous system. Deficiency of some minerals and vitamins obtained from meat food provokes pernicious anemia.

In vegetarians, bone density is significantly reduced. The lack of dairy products, and with them calcium and vitamin D3, is the reason increased fragility bones. Without vitamin A, nails and hair cannot feel quite healthy, and the skin ages.

There are people who, for medical reasons, should not occupy themselves with vegetarianism. First of all, these are children. The slightest absence or deficiency essential substances lay in the child errors in development and health. For the same reasons, vegetarianism is harmful to pregnant women, as well as the elderly, with their increased need for useful substances. If there are problems with the pancreas, plant based diet- it is a bad idea.

Vegetarian people are often so protective of their way of life, fiercely standing up for its place in the world, that they give the impression of morally unstable personalities. It is clear when a person defends his principles, but vegetarians tend to impose them, and sometimes very aggressively. Confirmation of this can be obtained in any online community where discussions about vegetarianism and meat eating are unfolding. In fact, vegetarianism is fraught with the occurrence nervous disorders different plan.

Alzheimer's disease is very common and is a consequence of vegetarianism, and far from advanced age. This is expressed not only in the cessation cognitive activity but also in the loss of the knowledge that has been accumulated over a lifetime. Rejection of the main source of B12 lowers brain activity, memory does not function fully. What could be more important in the body than the functioning of the nervous system? Or maybe it will make the animal world happier?

Criticism of vegetarianism is not unfounded. Thanks to religious movements India became the most vegetarian country. So the same Indian scientists have already tracked early occurrence dementia in vegetarians, which occurs due to the scarcity of their diet.

The maximum number of patients with Alzheimer's disease is located in India. Three and a half million people in the country are subjected to this terrible disease. Even age category has already crossed the line of 65 years towards a younger age.

We can conclude about the consequences of vegetarianism: overuse meat is no less harmful than vegetarianism. Measure and the golden mean - that's what should be in harmony. Our stomach is able to digest meat, which means that it must receive it, otherwise it leads to terrible diseases. The more global the idea of ​​vegetarianism is, the more threatened humanity is.