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"There is no such thing as a human vegetarian, only a malnourished omnivore"
The great vegetarian myth is thus: that eating meat or being vegetarian is a choice. While we can make choices over the quality of food we consume, we cannot change our fundamental nutritional requirements.
Humans are omnivores because that is how we evolved, and that is how we survive. We have a digestive tract that is midway in length between that of herbivores and that of predominantly carnivorous animals. Unlike most herbivores, we are unable to digest plant material very effectively. We need to soak or ferment grains to get the best nutrition from them.
Our requirement for animal products is highlighted by our need for Vitamins B12, B6 , A and D. While all but B12 can be absorbed from vegetables, the forms of these from animal products are usually far more effective or more abundant.
Animal products are also our only dietary source of cholesterol, and apart from tropical oils, are our best source of saturated fats. Short chain saturated fats cannot be synthesized in body, except in lactating mothers.
Eating animal products is a 5 million year old tradition for our lineage. It is quite likely that our common ancestor with chimpanzees was omnivorous given that both humans and chimpanzees are omnivores.
Humans who deplete their diet by trying to subsist on vegetables only, risk problems such as depression from B6 , B12 and vitamin D deficiency, chronic fatigue, infertility, bone and teeth problems.
Soy supplements deigned to replace our need for animal products are likely to further exacerbate problems by high levels of phyto-estrogens.
Human adults can survive about three years without animal products, then B12 deficiency will start taking effect, ususally in the form of irritability and depression.
Initial health improvements associated with vegetarianism are usually a result of the diet having far less MSG and nitrates (assuming a health conscious vegetarian), and possibly the higher levels of vegetables in the diet. However the same health improvement can be achieved by avoiding processed meats, choosing free-range animal products, increasing vegtable intake, without removing meat, eggs or dairy from the diet. If dairy products are a problem, then try using more natural forms (ie full fat, non-homogenised, non-pasteurized) and try fermented dairy products for better digestion.
Adults who force their children to abstain from animal products risk causing them serious health problems. Children require far more good fats and nutrients than adults for growth. Mothers who are breast-feeding should be aware their milk will be depleted of essential nutrients such as B12 and B6, if they do not consume much of these nutrients themselves.
Anyone who wants to know more should take a look at the
Weston A Price Vegetarian Pages |
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Current Poll Results
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The milk I consume most is: |
Naturalea 4% unhomogenised (
12 %)
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Farmhouse (4%) unhomogenised (
4 %)
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Standard (3.3%) homogenised (
9 %)
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Low Fat Milk Homogenised (
31 %)
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Real Farm Milk - non pasteurised (
43 %)
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