Is It Reasonable To Be A Vegetarian 1

Running head: IS IT REASONABLE TO BE A VEGETARIAN? 1

Is It Reasonable To Be A Vegetarian?

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IS IT REASONABLE TO BE A VEGETARIAN? 2

Is It Reasonable To Be A Vegetarian?

Vegetarians are a group of people whose diet comprises exclusively of plant-based

food products (Buscail et al., 2017). They avoid consuming animal products and primarily

consume fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Lately, the debate on the

viability of the vegetarian diet has gained renewed attention with the rising awareness about

animal rights. Increased exposure to technology has facilitated access to information through

social media and the internet. While many people believe that vegetarian diets deny a

consumer essential elements recommended in one’s diet for healthy living, the practice has

numerous health benefits. The countless benefits make it reasonable for one to be a

vegetarian.

Research shows that vegetarians are exposed to low risks of cardiovascular diseases

and some types of cancer (Kumar et al., 2015). Their diets contain more fiber and low

saturated fats. Saturated fats found in animal products have been associated with

cardiovascular diseases and cancer (Kumar et al., 2015). The harmful products are primarily

found in red meat and dairy products. Therefore, it is advisable to reduce their intake.

Medical researchers recommend consumption of lots of fruits and vegetables to curb those

ailments(Kumar et al., 2015). Evidently, the diet helps minimize the risk of contracting the

illnesses.

Vegetarians can still obtain vital nutrients found in animal products from other

sources through fortification. Fortifying refers to adding nutrients to food products, in the

process exceeding their original amount (Kahraman & Ustunol, 2012). The additional

elements added can be harnessedfrom other dietary sources such as other plants or animal

products. For instance, those who keep away from dairy products can eat fortified foods such

as orange juice and cereals to gain calcium. According to Kahraman & Ustunol (2012),

fortification can be done on any food product. Fortification helps the vegetarians avoid

IS IT REASONABLE TO BE A VEGETARIAN? 3

deprivation of vital nutrients only found in animal products.

Studies show that on average, vegetarians enjoy a longer lifespan compared to non-

vegetarians (Kumar et al., 2015). Researchers argue that the increased life expectancy among

vegetarians is as a result of the reduced consumption of potentially harmful animal products.

According to Kumar et al. (2015), saturated fats, cholesterol and iron contained in animal

products are potentially unsafe as they can cause a proliferation of a host of diseases.

Therefore, animal products can significantly reduce one’s life expectancy. Vegetarian diets

assist in disease management and prevention. Therefore, they enjoy longer and healthier

lives.

Vegetarians can also gain enough proteins from their diets. The main criticism about

vegetarian diets has been on the potential deprivation of proteins. Although plant-based food

products contain limited amounts of essential amino acids, it is possible for one to gain

sufficient essential amino acids by combining more than one plant foods (Ou et al., 2016).

Researchers have indicated that a strict protein combination is not necessary as long as one

includes an adequate amount of energy giving foods in their diet. Ou et al. (2016) states that

further findings suggest that plant products such as soy protein contain essential amino acids

found in meats and other animal products. Plants that rich in proteins include soy milk,

legumes, and nuts. Grains and vegetables also contain small amounts of proteins. Therefore,

it is not necessary for one to resort to animal products for the nutrients.

In conclusion, it is reasonable to be a vegetarian. The common perception that

vegetarians are deprived of essential nutrients obtained from animal products does not hold.

On the contrary, they enjoy an array of health benefits and face reduced risks of

cardiovascular disorders and cancer. They can also substitute nutrients obtained from animal

products through fortification. Besides, they can also consume a combination of plant-based

food products in one meal to boost their nutrient intake. The benefits of being a vegetarian far

IS IT REASONABLE TO BE A VEGETARIAN? 4

outweigh the drawbacks. Therefore, it is reasonable to be a vegetarian.

IS IT REASONABLE TO BE A VEGETARIAN? 5

References

Buscail, C., Sabate, J., Bouchoucha, M., Torres, M. J.,Allès, B., Hercberg, S., &Julia, C.

(2017).Association between self-reported vegetarian diet and the irritable bowel

syndrome in the French NutriNet cohort. PlosOne, 12(8), 1-16.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0183039

Kahraman, O., &Ustunol, Z. (2012).Effect of zinc fortification on Cheddar cheese

quality. Journal of Dairy Science, 95(6), 2840-2847.

Kumar, K. N., Aggarwal, A., Singh, M., Deswal, S., &Kaushik, P. (2015). Vegetarian diets:

Health benefits and associated risks. International Archives of Integrated

Medicine, 2(3), 206-210.

Ou, S., Chen, M., Huang, C., Chen, N., Wu, C., Hsu, C., &Chen, C. (2016). Potential role of

vegetarianism on nutritional and cardiovascular status in Taiwanese dialysis patients:

A case-control study. Plos One, 11(6), 1-11. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0156297

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