By Len Gibb
There’s news that we read and hear about, all the time, people do not eat healthy. The average diet contains elements that can lead to heart disease, obesity and other serious health conditions. It usually comprises of too much of saturated fat and simple carbohydrates.
There are three main sorts of vegetarians. The ones that do not consume any meat, but feed on fruits, vegetables and dairy are called Lacto vegetarians. The ones that follow the same diet as the lacto vegetarians with the inclusion of eggs are called Lacto-Ovo vegetarians. The third category is called fruitarians, and as the name suggests these follow a diet restricted to fruits, but may also eat nuts and seeds. They are considered the strictest vegetarians; they do not eat meat, eggs, or use dairy products.
The only thing wrong with the vegetarian lifestyle is that the vegetarians are at a high risk of developing vitamin deficiency. No matter which type of vegetarian diet is followed, a person may not get the proper nutrients that are required for the body to function properly. B-12 is one such vitamin that is absent in most vegetarian diets. Vitamin B-12 exists in meat, dairy, eggs, and poultry. It is essential in the improvement of red blood cells and a healthy central nervous system. B-12 deficiency can cause symptoms including dementia, fatigue, hallucinations, balance problems, and vision disturbances.
People who are vegetarians most of their life are at a higher risk of B-12 deficiency. People do not suffer this deficiency for as long as five years, if they had been non-vegetarians and later on in life became vegetarians. The reason is that B-12 can be reabsorbed. It is a good idea to think of ways you can prevent vitamin B-12 deficiency from occurring. It is relatively difficult to reverse the effects of vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Homocysteine is an antioxidant that can produce a toxic effect when its levels rise in the body. And you will be surprised to know that 20% people diagnosed with heart disease have elevated levels of homocysteine in their blood. An elevation in the level of homocysteine is caused due to Vitamin B-12 deficiency.
The required minimum amount of vitamin B-12 is 10 micrograms. If you are a vegetarian, it is advised that you have your blood checked for vitamin B-12 deficiency. And if the results are positive, then your doctor must be able to provide additional information about the amount of B-12 you should take.
There’s news that we read and hear about, all the time, people do not eat healthy. The average diet contains elements that can lead to heart disease, obesity and other serious health conditions. It usually comprises of too much of saturated fat and simple carbohydrates.
There are three main sorts of vegetarians. The ones that do not consume any meat, but feed on fruits, vegetables and dairy are called Lacto vegetarians. The ones that follow the same diet as the lacto vegetarians with the inclusion of eggs are called Lacto-Ovo vegetarians. The third category is called fruitarians, and as the name suggests these follow a diet restricted to fruits, but may also eat nuts and seeds. They are considered the strictest vegetarians; they do not eat meat, eggs, or use dairy products.
The only thing wrong with the vegetarian lifestyle is that the vegetarians are at a high risk of developing vitamin deficiency. No matter which type of vegetarian diet is followed, a person may not get the proper nutrients that are required for the body to function properly. B-12 is one such vitamin that is absent in most vegetarian diets. Vitamin B-12 exists in meat, dairy, eggs, and poultry. It is essential in the improvement of red blood cells and a healthy central nervous system. B-12 deficiency can cause symptoms including dementia, fatigue, hallucinations, balance problems, and vision disturbances.
People who are vegetarians most of their life are at a higher risk of B-12 deficiency. People do not suffer this deficiency for as long as five years, if they had been non-vegetarians and later on in life became vegetarians. The reason is that B-12 can be reabsorbed. It is a good idea to think of ways you can prevent vitamin B-12 deficiency from occurring. It is relatively difficult to reverse the effects of vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Homocysteine is an antioxidant that can produce a toxic effect when its levels rise in the body. And you will be surprised to know that 20% people diagnosed with heart disease have elevated levels of homocysteine in their blood. An elevation in the level of homocysteine is caused due to Vitamin B-12 deficiency.
The required minimum amount of vitamin B-12 is 10 micrograms. If you are a vegetarian, it is advised that you have your blood checked for vitamin B-12 deficiency. And if the results are positive, then your doctor must be able to provide additional information about the amount of B-12 you should take.
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