Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Why vegetarians and vegans need to be mindful of bone health

From uk.sports.yahoo.com

The rise of vegan and vegetarian diets is undeniable - more and more people are turning to plant-based meals for their health, the lives of animals, and the planet.

The rise of vegan and vegetarian diets is undeniable - more and more people are turning to plant-based meals for their health, the lives of animals, and the planet.

But when embarking on a plant-based journey, keeping your bones healthy and strong is essential. That's why there are plenty of options to choose from: meat-free restaurants sprouting up around the globe, plus new high-protein brands popping up in food aisles.

                                                                                                  AGE FOTOSTOCK

As awareness of the environmental effects of consuming meat and the potential health advantages of not doing so rises, some resist experimenting with a vegetarian diet as they fear their bodies will lack vital nutrients. However, research has revealed that even though vegetarians and vegans typically have a lower bone mineral density (BMD) than those who consume meat, a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of developing illnesses like cancer, hypertension, cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.

Osteoporosis is a prevalent chronic illness connected to the decline of BMD and bone strength, increasing one's vulnerability to fractures and breaks. It has been demonstrated that plant-based diets contain lower levels of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B-12, protein, and fatty acids, which are integral for preserving bone health.

Fortunately, with some preparation, mindful product selection, or the addition of supplements, you can guarantee your daily calcium needs are met. Vegans who don't consume dairy products can get their calcium from other sources, whereas vegetarians who still consume milk products can mostly get it from dairy foods such as yoghurt, cheese, and milk.

Ensuring our bone health is a priority for all of us - regardless of dietary choices. We must be mindful of the suggested calcium intake and take the necessary steps to keep our bones strong and healthy. Vegans have a variety of sources to get their recommended daily allowance, such as dark leafy greens (broccoli, cabbage, kale), fortified soya, rice and oat drinks, calcium-set tofu, chia seeds, oranges, almonds, dried fruit (raisins, prunes figs apricots), sesame seeds and tahini; pulses & legumes; calcium-fortified brown bread.

If you are worried about your diet, please speak to your doctor about seeing a dietitian.

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/why-vegetarians-vegans-mindful-bone-121208895.html

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