healthnut

As a former vegetarian for at least 10 years and a former vegan for 3 months, I have nothing against diet if you eat ALOT. You do need to EAT ALOT in order to get adequate nutrition. And you do need your B12. Below is a link to Dr. Klaper’s video on the myths of vegan / vegetarian diet. Dr. Klaper is a well respected vegan / vegetarian doctor, who has done numerous tests on the vegans. Here are the highlights:

http://vsh.voip-info.org/Klaper.html

1) It is possible to be obese as a vegetarian/vegan. Too much sugar, fat and, a lack of exercise play a role.

2) If your B12 supplement does not absorb instrincally, it will exit right back out of your system, and you will be B12 deficient. A lack of B12 can damage your arteries. As people get older, they are not making as much intrinsic factor. Years of poor diet may play a role.

3) The vast majorities of vegans are low in zinc, manganese, and other minerals. High fiber can block the absorption of minerals, ie. zinc, manganese, copper, from entering into the blood stream.

4) Most cholesterol comes from the liver, not from food. If the thyroid isn’t working, the cholesterol will go up. Vegans can have high cholesterol. (This is so true. I had two cholesterol tests done recently. One test was done during the week when I did not consume any meat, and one test was done during the week when I consumed meat everyday. Surprisely, my triglycerides only shot up 8 points during the week with meat, but my cholesterol remained the same. I will post the results later.)

5) Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones. (And not all processed food contains iodized salt.)

6) Vegans can have high blood pressure and heart attacks, too.

7) High salt, sugar, and caffeine will rob calcium. Though kale is high in calcium, it is not easily absorbed. High protein diets like the Zone and the Atkins can lead to osteoporosis, and vegans can get osteoporosis.

A lack of exercise will “rob” the bone calcium. (I’m not sure about this one. When you exercise your muscles, you will utilize calcium. If you lack calcium from your diet, those osteoclast will start “chipping” the bones away. )

9) Eating too much fruits, especially dried fruits, may signal a protein and trace mineral deficiencies.

10) Vegans do not necessary live longer or have a lower cancer rate than meat eaters.

11) Dried skin maybe an indication that the body is low in DHA.

12) Eat foods high in antioxidants before exercising because exercise can be an oxidative stress. Your body should be high in antioxidants at all times due to environmental pollutants.