A balanced vegetarian diet will contain all the necessary nutrients for optimum health (including ample protein and iron), and is accompanied by some distinct health benefits. Plant based diets contain no animal protein or cholesterol, and are typically lower in saturated fatty acids, while containing significantly more folate, fibre, antioxidants, phytochemicals and carotenoids than meat-based diets.
For a healthy, well balanced diet, a variety of different foods should be consumed regularly, though it is not necessary to fuss over the special combining of nutrients at each meal.
On average, a typical meat-centric Western diet contains considerably higher protein intakes than recommended (this can lead to some adverse health effects). Plant based diets on average contain significantly less protein than meat-based diets, but do contain adequate amounts to meet recommendations and sustain optimum health. In order to obtain the full range of amino acids, it is recommended that protein from different sources be consumed (for example, rice and lentils, or beans on toast). Protein from different sources should be consumed throughout the course of the same day, but it is not necessary to combine them at the same meal.
Iron
Many people have been led to believe that sufficient iron can only be obtained from meat. This is not true. As the table above indicates, there are many non-animal sources of iron consumed by vegetarians. Consequently, those who follow a plant based diet typically have iron levels that are similar if not higher than those who eat meat. This can be attributed to the fact that the absorption of non-heam iron (that found in plant sources) is enhanced by the presence of vitamin C, which is generally present in higher levels in a vegetarian diet. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike face a similar risk of anaemia.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient which assists with the proper formation of cells and the function of the nervous system. It is particularly important for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers to ensure their B12 intake is sufficient. The vitamin is created by bacteria and is found in high doses on the surface of decomposing substances such as meat and other animal products. It is also known to be consumed in higher doses by communities with lower sanitation and hygiene standards than would be found in a typical Western society. Although only a tiny amount (just 2μg daily) of B12 is required, our hygiene-conscious Western society has made it difficult for those consuming a purely plant based diet to naturally attain adequate amounts of this important nutrient without fortified foods or supplements. Fortunately, today most soy milks and breakfast cereals are fortified with B12. A B12 supplement can also be taken to ensure protection from the risk of deficiency.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
It is essential to consume regular doses of Omega 3 in order to retain optimum brain function, making Omega 3 an important nutrient in a healthy diet. While Omega 3 from oily fish can be accompanied by contaminants including mercury (not to mention the devastating impacts of commercial fishing on the environment), there are sufficient plant-based sources of this important nutrient as well. Reliable plant-based sources of Omega 3 include linseeds (or flax seeds), soybean oil, rapeseed oil, and walnuts. These oils tend to break down under heat, so it is recommended that they be consumed in dishes such as cold salads or seed mixes.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and optimum bone health. It is naturally produced in the body, provided that small amounts of exposure to sunlight is received. Vitamin D deficiency is rare in Australia, but for those who live in darker, colder climates, a supplement is recommended during the seasons where skin exposure to the sun is limited.
Calcium
As the table above illustrates, calcium is found in a wide variety of non-animal foods (despite what the dairy industry would like us to believe!). In fact—it is well documented that high intakes of protein (commonly found in a meat and dairy-laden diets) can significantly reduce calcium retention. In the case of dairy milk, the value of the calcium it contains is compromised by the accompanied high doses of animal protein, resulting in less-than-favourable calcium retention. This is further illustrated by the fact that countries with the highest dairy intakes are also the countries with the highest incidence of osteoporosis. And similarly, those countries (such as Japan) who consume the least dairy, have the lowest incidence of osteoporosis. A plant based diet containing sufficient calcium-rich foods (and sufficient vitamin D) will ensure optimum bone health.
Iodine
Iodine is an important trace element that is necessary for normal physical and mental growth and development. Too little or too much iodine can cause health problems. Vegetarian sources of iodine include seaweed and iodised salt, and small amounts of these should be consumed for good health.
A well balanced vegetarian diet containing a variety of foods including fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains and legumes will ensure optimum health, and even help reduce the risk of some of the major health threats facing Australians today. Naturally, diet is not the only factor in leading a healthy lifestyle. Smoking and the consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and limited exercise are also major factors in health and well-being. However, on average, those who follow vegetarian diets are known to have a greater life-expectancy.
As is the case with any diet, differing life stages (such as pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence) require differing nutritional requirements, and should be carefully considered. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) have published extensive information relating to the nutrition of vegetarian diets. Please follow these links provided by PCRM for further information:
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