In this blog post, we will look at whether vegetarianism is the right choice for health and the environment, or a challenge that comes with the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
The vegetarian craze is in full swing all over the world. As people began to pay attention to their health and pursue well-being in the 21st century, vegetarianism also became very popular. A long time ago, the number of vegetarians in Korea was estimated to be 500,000 as of 2007. It is estimated that many more people are now vegetarian in Korea. In particular, as more people, especially young people, are embracing vegetarianism as a part of their lives, vegetarianism is becoming a way of life and a belief that goes beyond just a diet choice. As a result, various strategies are being rolled out by companies targeting the vegetarian population and meeting their needs. Food industry conglomerates are coming up with a variety of products and services for vegetarian consumers. In addition, most catering companies provide meals that cater to vegetarian customers. Even at bookstores, there are many guidebooks and vegetarian recipe books for vegetarians. Vegetarianism is no longer a unique way of eating but is becoming a culture in itself. Vegetarian-related events and gatherings are being held everywhere, and the vegetarian community is also becoming more active. This social trend is making vegetarianism more popular, and as a result, the need for interest and understanding of vegetarianism is also increasing. Therefore, before starting vegetarianism, it is necessary to have a general understanding of vegetarianism and be familiar with the nutritional guidelines.
The reason why vegetarianism has become popular can be understood through the nutritional characteristics of plant-based foods. First of all, plant-based foods do not contain any cholesterol, which helps to maintain a healthy circulatory system. Therefore, it can reduce the incidence of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, and also reduce the risk of stroke. In addition, it is rich in moisture and fiber, so it is effective in preventing obesity and is excellent for treating constipation and maintaining digestive health because it is very filling for its calories. Eating a large amount of plant-based food on a regular basis can also prevent diabetes and its complications. Vegetarian diets are becoming extremely popular because they are very good for preventing various adult diseases and chronic diseases mentioned above. At one time, the voices of experts who criticized vegetarianism and strongly warned vegetarians were loud. However, in recent years, research in academia has been actively conducted to recognize the health benefits of vegetarianism and to find ways to eat healthy vegetarian food. In particular, as awareness of the negative impact of meat consumption on the environment has increased, vegetarianism is attracting attention as a sustainable diet that goes beyond simply being a choice for personal health to protecting the health of the planet.
However, eating vegetables and fruits indiscriminately can actually lead to a less healthy life. When you are on a vegetarian diet, you are likely to be deficient in nutrients that are mainly obtained through animal products. Examples include essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, riboflavin, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and calcium, which are essential nutrients for basic metabolism and the maintenance of life. Fortunately, essential fatty acids, essential amino acids, and most minerals can be easily obtained from soy foods to meet the recommended intake. However, vitamin B12 is a nutrient that can only be obtained from animal foods. Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that is crucial for the production of red blood cells and metabolism, and a deficiency of which can have a significant impact on health. In addition, since it is a water-soluble vitamin that does not accumulate in the body, it must be taken on time. Lacto vegetarians, who eat dairy products, can supplement vitamin B12 through dairy consumption. For vegans, who do not eat any animal products, it is important to eat legumes fortified with vitamin B12 or take a multivitamin.
Vegetarianism is not a diet that can be started without careful consideration, as there are many health benefits to it. You should specifically check how much food you will eat per day and what sources you will use to supplement the nutrients that are prone to deficiency, as mentioned earlier. Also, it is not good for your health to suddenly stop eating animal products when you start a vegetarian diet. It is better to gradually reduce your intake of animal products and find your own way to make vegetarianism tasty and sustainable in the long run. I want to emphasize that a healthy life can only be achieved when a vegetarian diet is followed correctly and enjoyed. It is especially important to eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, and beans in a balanced manner and to use nutritional supplements as appropriate. If you consider these points and maintain a vegetarian diet, you will be able to enjoy the positive effects of a vegetarian diet to the fullest.
