Vegetarianism is becoming a health option
CRITICISM THAT A VEGETARIAN DIET IS DEFICIENT IN ESSENTIAL TRACE NUTRIENTS IS A MYTH, HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST SAYS
More and more people around the world are turning to vegetarianism as a health option. Some opt for raw food, others turn vegan or eat glutenfree food. Whatever the case, vegetarians say every kind of subcategory has its benefits.
Aris Latham, the guru of raw vegetarian food from Arizona, was one of the 300 delegates attending the 42nd International Vegetarian Union’s Vegfest in Dubai yesterday.
Latham manned a stall and provided live demonstrations of hummus made from raw soaked chickpeas, fresh salads and juices at the venue.
“Raw vegetarian food not only cuts back on social and economic costs, but energises you. A vegetarian meal that has not been cooked does not produce this lethargy nor challenges the body for the natural energy that it generates to meet its needs.”
Withdrawal symptoms
Making the switch to a vegetarian option is as difficult and challenging as going through a de- addiction programme with some withdrawal symptoms,
Raw vegetarian food not only cuts back on social and economic costs but energises you. A vegetarian meal that has not been cooked does not produce lethargy.”
Aris Latham
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Raw food proponent from Arizona
according to Sandhya Prakash, the founder of Middle East Vegetarian Union ( MEVEG).
“Meat is addictive and so is milk and cheese and so is salt. So at 40 or at any age, stopping meat is a decision that must be instantaneous and, to last, the cause has to be rooted in oneself and it must be one’s own decision. The human body takes about 21 days to adjust to a new routine and tongue craving stops when the mind rules over matter. Training the mind needs at least 21 days during which the body undergoes detoxification and one can have symptoms of headaches, tiredness and frequent bowels as fi- bre intake goes up,” she added.
Criticism that a vegetarian diet is deficient in essential trace nutrients is a myth, said Ali Canani, a holistic nutritionist from Canada and a delegate at the conference.
Misconceptions
“There are several misconceptions in the arguments of non- vegetarian supporters mentioned above. Proteins are made up of amino acids some of which the body can produce and others which need to be part of our diet ( essential amino acids). Amino acids are available in plant proteins as well as animal proteins. Animal proteins generally contain all the essential amino acids. but eating a variety of plant proteins will supply all the ones we need as well. The second misconception is that carbohydrates lead to obesity,” said Canani.
The China Study, published by Dr T. Colin Campbell, has made it clear that a vegetarian diet may be your best defence against cancer and other common health problems in today’s carcinogenic world, he added.
Vegetarians have to be especially mindful of getting adequate vitamin B12, calcium, iron, zinc and Omega 3 fatty acids. Vitamin B12 is best taken as a supplement. Vegetarian sources of calcium include dairy, almonds and beans.