In recent years, more and more people are becoming vegetarians because people feel that a vegetarian-based diet is healthier.
But a recent study in the United Kingdom shows that those on vegetarian and vegan diets may have a higher risk of stroke.
The results of the study were published in the British Medical Journal. Researchers followed nearly 50,000 people over 18 years.
Half of these volunteers were meat eaters, 16,000 were vegetarians or vegans, and another 7,500 ate fish instead of meat.
At the same time, there were 10 fewer cases of heart disease per 1,000 people among vegetarians and vegans compared to meat eaters.
During the 18-year follow-up, volunteers were asked to fill in their daily diet, medical history, whether they smoked, and their daily activity level.
During the survey, nearly 3,000 volunteers had coronary heart disease and more than 1,000 had strokes, including 300 cases of cerebral hemorrhage.
Although the percentage of those who ate only fish products, vegetarian and vegan volunteers had lower rates of heart disease than meat-eating volunteers, their risk of stroke was 20% higher than that of meat-eaters.
Why is that, exactly?
Researchers think it may be related to lower levels of vitamin B12 in vegetarians. But the researchers say further research is needed on this.
However, the study could not prove whether it depends entirely on the diet or is related to other lifestyle differences?
At the same time, there is a possibility that it is not related to people’s diet. It is likely that the lifestyle of people who do not eat meat is very different from that of meat eaters.
Eating only meat and potatoes for dinner may not be healthy either.
So, does this mean that vegetarian and vegan diets are unhealthy?
Dr. Philip of the British Dietetic Association believes that this should not be understood. She says that although there is a link between the two, it is not a cause and effect relationship.
Dr. Phillip said that one of the most important messages it sends to people is to eat a balanced diet, the more types of food, the better.
But she also pointed out that those who eat mainly meat should also be careful, not their diet is not insurance. Because some meat eaters eat a single type of food, for example, only eat meat and potatoes every night, no vegetables. Obviously, this is not the best diet.
Dietary Changes
Because the survey data spans nearly 20 years, people’s diets have changed over that time.
For example, Dr. Phillip says that the diets of vegetarians and vegans today are very different from the recipes of vegetarians 20 or 30 years ago.
In addition, Dr. Phillip said that today there is a greater understanding of the link between processed food and red meat consumption and health risks, especially the link to colon cancer risk.
Eat a balanced diet
More and more people are switching to a vegetarian diet.
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Image annotated with text.
More and more people are switching to a vegetarian diet.
Nutrition experts believe that no matter what diet people choose, the key is to be diverse and that a balanced diet is best for health.
Therefore, the NHS in the UK, in its dietary guidelines (the Eatwell Guide), wants people to be able to
Eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables
Staple foods are high-fiber starch foods, such as potatoes, bread, rice and pasta.
Don’t forget protein foods, including lean meats, fish, seafood, beans, tofu and unsalted nuts
Dairy products and dairy alternatives
Eat small amounts and less foods that are high in fat, sugar or salt
Eating meals
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Image annotated with text.
Vegans are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency or low levels.
In addition, vegetarians and vegans need to pay special attention to the absorption of specific nutrients, such as choline, in order to maintain brain health.
Choline is an essential nutrient for normal growth, development and healthy functioning of all body functions, and plays an important role in the growth and development process.
Also, don’t forget about vitamin B12.
Usually, meat eaters get enough vitamin B12 from dairy products, meat and fish, and vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining a healthy blood and nervous system.
However, some vegans may experience vitamin B12 deficiency or low levels.
Iron is also an element that is not readily absorbed from plant-based foods. Therefore, vegetarians need to make sure that their diet includes foods such as whole grain breads and flours, dried fruits and legumes.
