Vegetarianism Assignment

2/10/12

Amber Hileman

1. What type of diet does a vegetarian follow? What different types of vegetarian diets are there, and what do individuals consume or not consume when following them? A vegetarian follows a diet that does not include meat, fowl, seafood, or products containing those foods. There are different types of vegetarians and different extents to each one. A lactoovo-vegetarian eats grains, vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, dairy products, and eggs. A lactovegetarian does not eat eggs, meat, fish, or fowl. A total vegetarian, classified as a vegan, excludes eggs, dairy, and other animal products.

2. Does a vegan consume dairy? No.

3. List 4 common reasons a person may choose a vegetarian diet. Four common reasons in which a person may choose to be a vegetarian are health considerations, concern for the environment, animal welfare factors, and ethnical beliefs.

4. Do you think it is considered easier for vegetarians to obtain adequate nutrients from foods today than 2 decades ago? Explain. I think it is easier for vegetarians to gain adequate nutrients from foods today than 2 decades ago because the market makes products such as soy milk and other dietary supplements more available.

5. When following a vegetarian diet, which chronic diseases and/or conditions are individuals at a decreased risk of obtaining? When a person follows a vegetarian diet, their risks for obtaining high cholesterol, heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, blood lipid levels, and cancer are significantly decreased.

Vegetarianism Assignment

2/10/12

Amber Hileman

6. Plants can provide adequate protein to support the diet of a vegetarian. The article supports this statement by stating that plant protein can meet protein requirements when a variety of plant foods are consumed and energy needs are met. The article also states that eating plant foods over the course of a day provides all essential amino acids and ensures adequate nitrogen retention and use, so other proteins do not need to be consumed at the same meal. The article goes against this statement by stating that although isolated soy protein can meet protein needs, as effectively as animal protein, wheat protein eaten alone may result in a reduced efficiency of nitrogen utilization.

7. The lower total fat intake of vegetarians provides long term health benefits. The article supports this statement by stating that vegetarian diets are generally rich in n-6 fatty acids. Pregnant women with increased amounts of n-3 fatty acids benefit from DHA-rich microalgae. The article goes against this statement by stating that diets that do not include fish, eggs, or generous amounts of algae generally are low in EPA and DHA, fatty acids that are important for cardiovascular health as well as eye and brain development.

8. Iron absorption is higher in a vegetarian diet. This article supports this statement by stating that the iron in plant foods in nonheme iron, which is sensitive to both inhibitors and enhancers of iron absorption. It also states that vitamin C and other organic acids found in fruits and vegetables can enhance iron absorption as well. I couldnt find anything in this article that does not support this statement.

9. Calcium intake may actually be higher in vegetarians than meat eaters. This article supports this statement by stating that the calcium intake of lacto-ovo-vegetarians are similar to, or higher than, those of nonvegetarians. The article goes against this statement by stating that vegans tend to consume less calcium than meat eaters and may fall below recommended intakes.

Vegetarianism Assignment

2/10/12

Amber Hileman

10. In infants and children on vegetarian diets, growth is inadequate when compared with nonvegetarians. This article supports this statement by stating that vegetarian diets can be very low in energy, protein, some vitamins, and some minerals, and cannot be recommended for children and infants. The article goes against this statement by stating that the growth of young vegetarian infants receiving adequate amounts of breast milk or commercial infant formula is normal. It also states that when solid foods are introduced, provision of good sources of energy and nutrients can ensure normal growth.