All articles tagged with #vegetarianism
The article debunks common myths about vegetarianism, emphasizing that plant-based diets can provide sufficient protein, energy, and muscle-building nutrients, are budget-friendly, socially adaptable, and not all-or-nothing. It encourages starting with small changes, planning for key nutrients like iron and B12, and viewing diet as a supportive tool rather than a perfectionist pursuit.
A study published in eClinicalMedicine reveals that vegetarians and vegans tend to consume slightly more ultra-processed foods compared to red meat eaters, with vegetarians consuming 1.3 percentage points more. This trend is attributed to the reliance on meat substitutes and convenience foods, which are often high in additives and unhealthy ingredients. The study emphasizes the importance of focusing on minimally processed foods when transitioning to plant-based diets, as ultra-processed foods can negatively impact health. The findings highlight the complexity of defining ultra-processed foods and the need for balanced dietary choices.
A study from the University of Georgia, published in PLoS Genetics, reveals that genetic variations significantly influence individual health outcomes on a vegetarian diet. While vegetarians generally have lower cholesterol and reduced risks of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, they may also experience lower Vitamin D levels and higher triglycerides. The research underscores the importance of personalized nutrition, considering genetic factors to optimize health, and identifies specific gene variants that affect calcium metabolism, hormone levels, and kidney function.
A father’s attempt to educate his 6-year-old son about the origins of meat at a local fair led the boy to choose a vegetarian diet. The parents are now supporting his decision by ensuring he gets a well-planned vegetarian diet, which experts say can be healthy for kids if managed properly.
Peter Lord, co-founder of Aardman Animations, has clarified that the new film Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is not a statement against eating meat or factory farming, but rather an entertainment. However, the film does engage the audience with the chickens as heroes and makes them care about their plight against those who want to eat them. Activists have praised the film for its approach, with some seeing it as a morality tale highlighting the realities of poultry farms. The sequel features a James Bond villain-style chicken nugget factory run by the evil Mrs Tweedy, and familiar heroes must rescue a trapped chicken. The film was released in selected cinemas and is available on Netflix.
A recent meta-analysis published in Appetite has found that individuals who identify as vegetarians or vegans tend to score higher in the personality traits of Openness and Agreeableness compared to omnivores. The study, which included data from 69,576 individuals across various countries, also revealed that Openness was the only significant personality trait difference between vegetarians and vegans, with vegans scoring higher. However, there were no consistent associations between other personality traits (Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Conscientiousness) and dietary choices. The study suggests that Openness and Agreeableness are key personality traits linked to vegetarian and vegan diets, but further research is needed to understand the causal mechanisms behind these connections.
Actor Kevin Bacon has revealed that he no longer eats bacon or other meat from pigs due to his personal connection to the animals he keeps on his farm. Bacon, who lives on a farm in Connecticut with his wife Kyra Sedgwick, has decided to keep pigs and goats and feels uncomfortable consuming them. He also grows fresh produce on his farm and enjoys the experience of eating vegetables that he has grown himself. Bacon emphasizes the importance of protecting the environment and having control over what he puts in his body. While he enjoys eating out, he prefers to dine at home for more control over his food choices.
A study conducted by Northwestern University has found that certain genetic variations related to lipid metabolism and brain function may influence an individual's choice to follow a vegetarian diet. The study, which analyzed over 330,000 genomes, identified 34 genes potentially involved in vegetarianism. The findings suggest that genetics play a role in determining dietary preferences and may help nutritionists develop personalized dietary recommendations based on an individual's genetic makeup. Further research is needed to explore the physiological pathways underlying vegetarianism and lipid synthesis and metabolism in vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians.
A new study suggests that genetics may play a role in people's ability to adhere to a vegetarian diet. Researchers compared the DNA of 5,324 vegetarians and identified 34 genes that may be associated with following a strict vegetarian diet. Of these genes, two are involved in lipid metabolism. The study highlights the potential influence of genetics on food choices and the need for further research to determine critical genes and variants. The findings also suggest that even reducing meat consumption can have significant health and environmental benefits.
A new study published in PLOS One suggests that genetics may play a significant role in vegetarianism, with four genes associated with adherence to a vegetarian lifestyle. The study found that some people may be genetically better suited for a vegetarian diet than others. The research highlights the connection between genes and dietary choices, potentially leading to personalized dietary recommendations based on genetic predispositions in the future. However, the study's limitations include a homogenous sample of White participants, limiting its applicability to the whole population.
A study suggests that the ease or difficulty of sticking to a vegetarian diet may be influenced by three key genes related to the processing of fatty nutrients. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to crave the fats found in meat, making it harder for them to adopt a strictly meat-free diet.
A large-scale study conducted at the University of Leeds in the UK has found that both men and women who follow a vegetarian diet are 50% more likely to suffer a hip fracture compared to regular meat eaters. The study, which analyzed data from over 400,000 participants, is the first to indicate that vegetarian men also face an increased risk of hip fracture. The reasons behind this elevated risk are still unclear, but low body-mass index (BMI) may be a contributing factor. While the health benefits of a vegetarian diet, such as a lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, may outweigh the increased risk of hip fracture, it is important for vegetarians to ensure they maintain a balanced diet with enough protein and maintain a healthy BMI to support bone and muscle health.
India has the highest rate of vegetarians, with nearly 24% of the population following a vegetarian diet, followed by Mexico, Brazil, and Taiwan. Vegetarianism is influenced by cultural beliefs, such as non-violence towards animals, and health-conscious choices. Countries like Croatia and Chad have significant differences in vegetable consumption per capita, reflecting efforts to maintain health standards and agricultural abundance. Vegetarianism is considered a sustainable food choice, but it is still not as popular globally, with 86% of respondents surveyed in 21 countries stating that their diet contains meat. Several companies, including Beyond Meat, Kellogg Company, and Tyson Foods, are innovating to create meat alternatives and cater to the growing demand for vegetarian products.
The author shares her experience of feeling constantly hungry and how she discovered the importance of fiber in promoting satiety. Despite having a healthy diet, she realized she wasn't getting enough fiber and started using a fiber supplement called organic fiber potency+. By incorporating this supplement into her routine, she found that she felt fuller for longer and was able to stick to three meals a day without constant snacking. The supplement also provided additional gut benefits and helped maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Woody Harrelson's "Cheers" costars, George Wendt and Ted Danson, once puked with him after he ate meat on set. Harrelson was a vegetarian at the time and now follows a mostly plant-based diet. Wendt recalled the incident at the ATX TV Festival, where the "Cheers" cast reunited. Danson also teased Harrelson about his vegetarianism. The show premiered in 1982 and chronicled the lives of the bartenders and patrons of Cheers, a popular Boston bar.