Vegetarian Myths

About this topic

A traditional vegetarian is a person who eats a plant-based diet. Traditional vegetarians do not eat red meat, poultry, seafood, or other byproducts of meat. There are a few kinds of vegetarians: ‚

Those who do not eat eggs or dairy. These are vegans.
Those who eat eggs and dairy. These are lacto-ovo vegetarians.
Those who eat dairy, but no eggs. These are lacto vegetarians.
Those who eat eggs, but do not eat dairy products. These are ovo vegetarians.
Some people eat a mostly plant based diet. They may eat meat at times. These are semi-vegetarians or flexitarians.
Those who eat seafood, but not red meat or poultry. These are pesci-vegetarians.

General

Myth: You can get vitamin B12 from plant sources. ‚
Fact: Vitamin B12 is only found in animal products. You can add it to your diet by eating fish, meat, or poultry. You can also get it from eggs, milk, and milk products. ‚
Myth: You can get plenty of vitamin D from sunlight. ‚
Fact: Vitamin D comes from 2 main sources. They are the sun and some of the foods you eat. The flesh of fatty fish and fish liver oils is among the best food sources of vitamin D. These are fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. You may also get a small amount of vitamin D from beef liver, cheese, milk, or egg yolks. ‚
Myth: You can get plenty of vitamin A from plant sources. ‚
Fact: There are two types of vitamin A. One kind is found in dairy products, fish, and organ meat, like liver. Another is found in carrots, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe. ‚
Myth: Eating meat can cause problems like kidney disease, heart disease, and cancer. ‚
Fact: Eating red meat may raise your risk of heart problems. You may also be at a higher risk of some kinds of cancer. People with kidney problems may have to limit their protein intake based on their disease. For most people, plant based proteins are healthy choices. These are found in beans, nuts, and whole grains. ‚
Myth: Vegetarians live longer and have more energy and staying power than meat-eaters. ‚
Fact: There is no research that a healthy vegetarian lifestyle, when compared to a healthy low-fat meat-eating lifestyle, will result in a longer life. ‚
Myth: Vegetarians do not get certain nutrients like protein. ‚
Fact: You can get lots of protein from plant sources. Try eating beans, peas, tempeh, or seeds. Soy, tofu, and other soy products also will provide protein. So can nuts, nut butters, and dairy products or yogurt. ‚
Myth: Being a vegetarian means having the same carbohydrate-rich diet over and over. ‚
Fact: Many vegetarians eat more types of foods because they plan meals. There are many different dishes to try. Be creative! Try pasta, quinoa, couscous, or mashed cauliflower, to name a few. ‚
Myth: Dishes made of vegetables tend to be high in fat. ‚
Fact: Vegetables alone are not high in fat. Adding a high-fat product like butter will turn the vegetables into a high-fat meal. Try steaming or sauteing your vegetables. Use olive oil and herbs to add flavor. ‚
Myth: You will never feel full. ‚
Fact: Many plant foods add fiber to your diet. This may help you feel full for a longer time. ‚

Will there be any other care needed?

If you are a vegetarian you may need to take a multivitamin. Ask your doctor before you start any supplements. ‚

Where can I learn more?

American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/Vegetarian-Diets_UCM_306032_Article.jsp ‚
The Vegetarian Resource Group ‚
http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/vegan.htm ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

Home

Erectile Dysfunction