Vegetarians lack protein
In the past, nutritionists believed that a vegetarian diet would lead to protein deficiency. Nowadays, it's known that vegetarians can still obtain enough protein through a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, without experiencing excess protein intake like many meat-eaters.
Vegetarians lack calcium
Vegetarians typically avoid dairy products, which are considered a primary source of calcium. However, leafy greens are also an important source of calcium. In reality, vegetarians are less likely to experience bone loss because the type of calcium they absorb is easily digestible.
A vegetarian diet is unbalanced and can be harmful to health
In fact, the fundamental nutrients in a vegetarian diet—carbohydrates, protein, and fat—are all balanced. Additionally, fruits and vegetables are healthier than meat. Compared to meat-eaters, vegetarians are less likely to have an imbalanced diet because they tend to consume more vegetables.
Vegetarianism is only suitable for adults, and children need meat to grow
This belief stems from the notion that plant-based protein is inferior to animal protein. The truth is that all types of protein are composed of the same amino acids. Children need 10 types of amino acids for development, and these can be found in both vegetables and meat.
Humans are naturally meat-eaters
While humans can digest meat, our bodies are more inclined towards a plant-based diet. If humans were "programmed" to eat meat, they would never suffer from heart disease, cancer, gout, diabetes, or osteoporosis.
According to research from the United States National Institutes of Health, vegetarians are less likely to develop certain diseases like type 2 diabetes, partial heart failure, high blood pressure, obesity, and some cancers.
To maintain a healthy vegetarian diet, it's important to:
- Not substitute meat with processed or fatty vegetarian foods.
- Ensure that the vegetarian diet provides all the necessary nutrients.
- Estimate the amount of protein needed by the body each day to ensure adequate nutrition. On average, each meal should provide 20-30g of protein.
- Diversify the menu to stimulate appetite and ensure adequate nutrition.
- Choose a vegetarian diet that suits one's health condition.