Eating meat is likely required for optimal health. However, some choose not to eat meat and therefore must compensate their diet in order to provide the same level of nutrition as would be found with a meat and plant diet. The most common nutritional deficiency in the world is iron deficient anemia, and a diet with no red meat significantly increases the risk of developing anaemia. Care must therefore be taken to ensure adequate absorbable iron in any vegetarian diet. Vegetarian diets may also be low in protein. Although plants contain protein, they do not contain complete proteins and so the amount, and type of vegetable protein consumed must be carefully considered. Lastly, a vegetarian diet cannot contain fish. As fish is a rich source of essential fatty acids, care must also be taken to ensure that the essential fatty acids are consumed in vegetable product. Iron supplements, food combining to provide complete proteins, and consuming foods high in essential fats can therefore negate many of the negative effects of a vegetarian diet.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
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