_Vegetarian Protein
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Vegetarian Protein - 5 Mistakes Most Vegetarians Make
1. Not getting enough protein
A diet deficient in protein can lead to a multitude of health problems and prevent you
from reaching your fitness goals. A lack of protein can cause fatigue, vulnerability to disease,
injury recovery, and stunted growth. Over time, protein deficiency can cause edema and liver
damage, increasing susceptibility to toxic injuries. Protein deficient children can develop
Kwashiorkor, a disease marked by
hyperpigmentation, severe diarrhea, and muscle atrophy.
The American Dietetic Association points to protein as a major contributor in muscle
tissue repair and the formation of antibodies to fight disease and resist infections. Without
adequate antibodies, we become sick easily, which will drive up our health care costs and
decrease our overall quality of life.
Protein can also elevate our metabolic rate by increase the body’s heat production up to
30%
Without enough protein, muscle decay can occur. Protein helps your muscle grow and
develop, which is essential to living a long and healthy life.
2. Eating too many processed foods
Processed foods high in sugar and fat have been shown to increase the risk of heart
disease (616,067 Deaths in 2007), diabetes (71,382 Deaths), and obesity (112,000 Deaths). The
high presence of sugar and fat in processed foods has been shown to create addiction to
processed foods, creating a vicious cycle of poor nutrition and health problems. The irradiation
techniques used on popular processed foods have also been shown, through experimentation, to
cause stillbirths and genetic abnormalities in laboratory rats.
3. Eating Too Many Refined Carbohydrates
Not all carbohydrates are created equal. Refined carbohydrates found in white breads,
pasta, pastries, and bleached flour can throw your blood glucose levels out of balance and leave
you swinging between quick energy bursts and sleepiness or general fatigue. These
carbohydrates typically lack nutritional value, and are essentially empty calories. Refined
carbohydrates can also lead to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
Instead, go for nutrient-dense complex carbohydrates found in fresh vegetables, legumes,
nuts, seeds, and whole grains. These carbohydrates will provide sustained energy and promote
fat loss when consumed in appropriate amounts.
4. Not eating enough grains
Whole grains are a great source of many essential vitamins and minerals, and provide
even more antioxidants than other plant-based sources. Studies have shown a strong correlation
between appropriate whole grain consumption and a decreased risk of heart disease.
Whole grains also provide high levels of fiber, which is beneficial in a variety of ways.
Fiber aids in digestion, reduces risk of certain cancers, and can lower LDL cholesterol (the bad
cholesterol).
5. Not eating enough Organic foods
Vegetarians who choose Non-Organic fruits and vegetables put themselves at risk of
exposure to potentially harmful pesticides used by farmers. A study done by Canadian
researchers using data collected by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that
children with high exposure to pesticides in food were twice as likely to develop ADHD.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the health effects depend on the type
of pesticide used on food. The most widely used pesticides have been correlated with endocrine
system dysfunction, skin irritation, and carcinogenic effects.
Organic foods are produced without pesticides, irradiation techniques, or other synthetic
processing methods. By choosing Organic foods, vegetarians and the population as a whole can
greatly reduce their risk of harmful health effects brought on by pesticide exposure.
Vegetarian Protein
Vegetarian Protein - 5 Mistakes Most Vegetarians Make
1. Not getting enough protein
A diet deficient in protein can lead to a multitude of health problems and prevent you
from reaching your fitness goals. A lack of protein can cause fatigue, vulnerability to disease,
injury recovery, and stunted growth. Over time, protein deficiency can cause edema and liver
damage, increasing susceptibility to toxic injuries. Protein deficient children can develop
Kwashiorkor, a disease marked by
hyperpigmentation, severe diarrhea, and muscle atrophy.
The American Dietetic Association points to protein as a major contributor in muscle
tissue repair and the formation of antibodies to fight disease and resist infections. Without
adequate antibodies, we become sick easily, which will drive up our health care costs and
decrease our overall quality of life.
Protein can also elevate our metabolic rate by increase the body’s heat production up to
30%
Without enough protein, muscle decay can occur. Protein helps your muscle grow and
develop, which is essential to living a long and healthy life.
2. Eating too many processed foods
Processed foods high in sugar and fat have been shown to increase the risk of heart
disease (616,067 Deaths in 2007), diabetes (71,382 Deaths), and obesity (112,000 Deaths). The
high presence of sugar and fat in processed foods has been shown to create addiction to
processed foods, creating a vicious cycle of poor nutrition and health problems. The irradiation
techniques used on popular processed foods have also been shown, through experimentation, to
cause stillbirths and genetic abnormalities in laboratory rats.
3. Eating Too Many Refined Carbohydrates
Not all carbohydrates are created equal. Refined carbohydrates found in white breads,
pasta, pastries, and bleached flour can throw your blood glucose levels out of balance and leave
you swinging between quick energy bursts and sleepiness or general fatigue. These
carbohydrates typically lack nutritional value, and are essentially empty calories. Refined
carbohydrates can also lead to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
Instead, go for nutrient-dense complex carbohydrates found in fresh vegetables, legumes,
nuts, seeds, and whole grains. These carbohydrates will provide sustained energy and promote
fat loss when consumed in appropriate amounts.
4. Not eating enough grains
Whole grains are a great source of many essential vitamins and minerals, and provide
even more antioxidants than other plant-based sources. Studies have shown a strong correlation
between appropriate whole grain consumption and a decreased risk of heart disease.
Whole grains also provide high levels of fiber, which is beneficial in a variety of ways.
Fiber aids in digestion, reduces risk of certain cancers, and can lower LDL cholesterol (the bad
cholesterol).
5. Not eating enough Organic foods
Vegetarians who choose Non-Organic fruits and vegetables put themselves at risk of
exposure to potentially harmful pesticides used by farmers. A study done by Canadian
researchers using data collected by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that
children with high exposure to pesticides in food were twice as likely to develop ADHD.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the health effects depend on the type
of pesticide used on food. The most widely used pesticides have been correlated with endocrine
system dysfunction, skin irritation, and carcinogenic effects.
Organic foods are produced without pesticides, irradiation techniques, or other synthetic
processing methods. By choosing Organic foods, vegetarians and the population as a whole can
greatly reduce their risk of harmful health effects brought on by pesticide exposure.
Vegetarian Protein