The Benefits and Drawbacks of a Vegetarian Diet

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VEGETARIANS: THE QUEST FOR THE PROPER NUTRIENTS
Vegetarians are a growing community in our nation. They are still, however, by and far, the minority in our countries eating habits. There are less than 10% in our nation. Given this minute number, most people are not completely acquainted with this diet. There are aspects that remain unclear. The general public wonders how anyone can survive on rabbit food. So what is unclear is then assumed. Vegetarians become defined as skinny and weak. Data, however, is increasingly growing covering the benefits or lack thereof on this subject. It is a topic that contains passionate beliefs and opinions. Discussions can include, how the meat industry causes more pollutants that the car industry, if it’s moral to eat animals, animal rights, vegetarianism as a religious tradition or the different types of vegetarians. Yet, the main question remains to be whether this form of diet can even provide the nutrition a person needs. If so, how much extra effort does it take? Health Organizations are a good source for this information. Actual vegetarians’ are a great source too. Friends of mine have existed on this diet for over 5yrs and for all intensive purposes, seem to be doing fine. They should be 90 lbs. due to the benefits they are missing from meat. The thing is, they are not. They appear to be very healthy. Certain studies (Prevention.com, Everydayhealth.com) show that they are. I’d like to explore the idea of whether vegetarians can get the proper nutrients and vitamins without a great deal of effort. Is it possible they can find their needs at the local supermarket rather than a specialty organic or wholesale store? Is it too much work to sustain a plant-based diet and stay healthy? Cetainly ve...

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...tober 11). Daily Dose. The Dr. Oz Show. Retrieved November 4, 2013, from http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/daily requirements
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Sears, D. A. (n.d.).International Wellness Directory.International Wellness Directory. Retrieved November 4, 2013, from http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/nutrition/meat.htm
Sifferlin, A. (2013, June 4). Vegeatarians May Live Longer. Time, 126, 17-20.
Staff, M. C. (2012, July 11). Health. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 31, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vegetarian-diet/HQ01
Suzanne, S. R. (2013, January 10). Intro to Plant-Based Eating.The Vegetarian Resource Group.Retrieved October 31, 2013, from http://www.vrg.org/move2veg.com/uploads/Rotary_Club_13.pdf
The Nutrition Source.(n.d.).Harvard School of Public Health. Retrieved November 4, 2013, from http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource

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