Is The Vegan Diet Healthy Or Unhealthy? Opinions Vs Actual Facts and Studies

By Loren Antonios  

The debate of whether the vegan diet is healthy or unhealthy is not new. The majority of folks will assert that a person who adopts veganism will be deficient in essential nutrients found only in animal products, namely, animal-based protein. These folks cherish the belief that dairy milk will help keep their bones strong and that red meat will provide essential protein for their muscles.

On the other hand, there is a small minority of folks (2% vegan and 5% vegetarian) who give credit to the plant-based diet curing their serious health problems, enabling them to lose excess weight, clearing up their skin and allergies, and giving them an amazing zest for life.

So based on these two differences in opinions, how can one determine whether the vegan diet is healthy or unhealthy? It all comes down to, not matters of 'opinion,' but rather, on solid facts, evidence, case-studies and truthful stories of real people.

Meat Eaters Vs. Veggie Eaters

Numerous studies indicate that eaters of red meat are more likely to die prematurely than those who eat little to no red meat. One US-based study of 120,000 people determined that eaters of red meat are 20% more likely to die younger. Those who ate processed meatsregularly boosted this premature death rate to a further 20% higher.

On the other hand, Michael F. Roizen, MD, concludes that those who switch from eating meat products to vegetarian foods could easily add at least 13 years to their life. Why? Vegetarians eat less animal fat and cholesterol, whilst vegans consume no animal fat or cholesterol. Professor T. Colin. Campbell (raised on a dairy farm) concludes from his experimental research program that a meat and dairy-free diet can both prevent andreverse 70-80% of disease!

Weight Loss Evidence

Fact: most meat and dairy products are high in fat and calorie content. For example, 100g of lamb contains approximately 294 calories and 21g of fat (9% saturated) whilst 100g of cooked lentils contains only 128 calories and 6.5g of fat (0.8g saturated). Lamb has 0g dietary fiber, whilst 100g of lentils contains 7.5g dietary fiber. Fiber helps you to feel fuller for longer.

Evidence:

Angela Stokes (AKA 'Vegan Raw Food Goddess') lost over 154lbs (70kg) on the vegan raw food diet. This amazing woman, once morbidly obese, attests her weight loss and newfound zest for life to the vegan raw food diet and refuses to return to the standard American way of eating! Why? The health benefits of the vegan diet (particularly weight loss in Angela's case) are too great to give up. Angela adopted raw veganism overnight and has never looked back since.

Physical Benefits

Time and time again, persons who adopt veganism proclaim that their skin clears up (acne, psoriasis, etc.), their eyes become whiter, their hair becomes thicker and healthier, their nails become stronger, their energy levels skyrocket and their allergies clear up. Sound too good to be try, right?

These amazing health testimonials can be attributed to the high mineral and nutrient content found in fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes and beans, leafy greens and whole-grain foods. The American Dietetic Association concluded that a well-plannedvegetarian or vegan diet is most definitely 'nutritionally adequate,' and may provide numerous health benefits and treat or prevent certain diseases. Yes, a 'well-planned' vegan diet will provide you with a generous amount of essential vitamins and minerals, so undoubtedly one's health is bound to improve.

So is the vegan diet healthy or unhealthy? You decide. Those who have adopted veganism however, will always answer 'healthy.' The health benefits of the vegan diet clearly become evident after one adopts this lifestyle.

Get vegan information and recipe e-book suggestions at: "The Vegan Diet: [http://www.fortheloveofrawfood.com/#!the-vegan-diet/c18xo] Save Our Planet - Lose Weight - Glow With Health." Find out the amazing health benefits of the vegan diet, why weight loss is so easy on this lifestyle, where to get your vegan recipes from, recommended vegan recipe e-books, and what to do if you are unsure about going vegan.

Alternatively, visit [http://www.fortheloveofrawfood.com/] for success stories, weight loss testimonials, information and ideas on vegan raw food recipes, e-books and weight loss on the raw vegan diet!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Loren_Antonios/1755192

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Too Much Red Meat Is Carcinogenic   

by Theo Wood

I've just read a report which gives further proof that eating too much red meat is damaging to health.

The American study, involving over 500,000 people, has established that those with a high quota of red or processed meat in their diet increased the chances of early death, particularly from cancer and heart disease.

Red meat contains high amounts of saturated fat, which is linked to breast and colorectal cancer, and the research found that high temperature cooking elevated the risk of meat becoming carcinogenic.

In contrast, low meat intake is associated with a reduced risk to health, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and a diminished prospect of developing heart disease.

A potential danger which can arise from such a study is that the headline may promote a fear that red meat is a hazard to be avoided. As always it is balance which is the key factor, and an appropriate amount of red meat is still advised to feature in a healthy diet.
Red meat is actually the largest contributor of iron and zinc, and the second largest giver of omega 3. It is also a great source of protein and energy.

The recommended amount of red and processed meat is approximately 500g per week. In layman's terms, this equates to two small portions of lean beef or lamb, one small portion of pork, two servings of lean ham and one 100g portion of processed meat. Examples of the 100g portion of processed meat would be minced beef in a chilli, two sausages or a burger.

Therefore if you are currently eating too much red and processed meat, don't cut it out completely. Simply aim to reduce your intake and make sure that you include a wide variety of healthy and nutritious foods in your diet to minimise the risks of poor health.

http://goarticles.com/article/Too-Much-Red-Meat-Is-Carcinogenic/3901009/