Veganism versus Omnivorism

Every generation or so, an enlightened individual or group of individuals will come along and write a book about why Vegetarianism or Veganism is the way to eat for health and longevity, and for the betterment of our Earth and all that inhabit it. Back in 1971, Diet For A Small Planet became a best seller; in 1987, Diet For A New America, written by John Robbins, an individual related to the Baskin and Robbins Ice Cream empire, became a best seller; and now, Skinny Bitch, written in 2008 by two females in the fashion industry, has also become a best seller. None of the authors have degrees in the medical field. Perhaps that was and is part of the allure for such readability and therefore success. Maybe we can relate better to people who put in the effort to compile the unbiased research, who come across as everyday people, and who are not connected with the meat, dairy, egg, or medical organizations.

But how much quality research has really been done on this topic and how unbiased is it? Although there have been many University studies done over the years that have not contributed to any noteworthy nutritionally sound conclusions about vegetarianism (actually, go to any university and inquire about what research topics are being covered with grant money in the field of nutrition and you will cringe), I found one longitudinal study very impressive. It is with this impressive study that I gathered all of my information for this Blog. For thirty years, Seventh-day Adventist Loma Linda University in California teamed up with Harvard University for much comprehensive data, a small percentage of which I have gathered below, comparing vegetarianism to omnivorism.

Regarding Heart Disease:

Fact:

There was a 60 – 70% greater chance of a fatal heart attack in men who ate beef at least 3 times a week compared with non-beef eaters.

There was a 30% greater chance of a fatal heart attack in women who ate beef at least 3 times a week compared with non-beef eaters.

Vegetarians have lower total cholesterol levels due to high fiber and polyunsaturated fat intake, and lower cholesterol and saturated fat intake.

Vegetarians have a healthier (lower) bodyweight than meat-eating individuals, which could contribute to their slight decrease in blood pressure to that of non-vegetarians.

Vegan weaknesses:

Blood Clotting tendency. Vegetarian intakes of omega-3 fatty acids are only about half that of non – vegetarians. Omega-3 fatty acids produce potent hormone-like substances that reduce platelet aggregation, and thus reduce the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke from thrombus formation. Remedy: supplement with omega-3s, such as Flax seed oil, Fish oil, or a DHA supplement from a non-fish source.
Homocysteine Levels. This amino acid is produced by the body during the breakdown of methionine, which is concentrated in animal foods, but found in the vegan diet as well. When homocysteine is elevated in the body, it is an independent risk factor for heart disease, and may increase the risk for heart attack and stroke by two to three times. The vitamins B12, Folic acid, and vitamin B6 all lower homocysteine in the body. The problem: vegan menus are low in these B vitamins, resulting in higher homocysteine levels. Remedy: supplement with B-Complex tablet or sublingual (for better B12 absorption) lozenge.

Regarding Cancer:

Fact:

Lung Cancer. Risk is 50% greater with non-smoking non-vegetarians compared with non-smoking vegetarians. That risk increases to 100% greater with less than three servings of fruit per week.

Prostate Cancer. Risk is 54% greater with non-vegetarians compared with vegetarians. Consuming one serving of soy milk daily decreases risk by 70%.

Colon Cancer. Risk is 88% greater with non-vegetarians compared with vegetarians.

Bladder cancer. Risk is double for those that ingest meat three times per week. The risk is also double for those that drink 2 or more cups of coffee daily.

Pancreatic Cancer. Risk is decreased by 20% in individuals who consume legumes, dried fruit, and vegetable protein products at least four times per week compared with people seldom eating these foods.

Ovarian Cancer. Risk is 66% greater with non-vegetarians consuming meat four or more times a week compared with vegetarians.

Breast Cancer. Lifetime risk is 57% greater in an overweight 30 year old (BMI over 50th percentile) compared with normal weight 30 year olds.

Some concluding thoughts:

The above information is very powerful ammunition for becoming a vegetarian, but understand this: strict vegans have to eat a large variety of fruits and vegetables, nuts and grains, beans and rice, as well as supplement their diets with B-Complex and the healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Otherwise, an Omnivore diet would be healthier overall. Further, living on pasta and other grains alone, or worse, consuming low nutrient dense foods like processed and refined junk will cause deficiencies in the long run. Knowledge is power. Do the research. This blog is something to get your brains potentially thinking in another direction. Thanks for your time.

Ben

Attached Link:
http://books.google.com/books?id=XPTa8AL_fGUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=diet,+life+expectancy,+and+chronic+disease#v=onepage&q=&f=false