Changes

==Nutritional Issues==

==Nutritional Issues==

the American Dietetic Association and the Dietitians of Canada have taken the position that properly planned vegetarian diets can be nutritious, healthy, and provide benefits in helping prevent and treat some diseases, possibly with the help of nutritional supplements.<ref>[http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/advocacy_933_ENU_HTML.htm Vegetarian Diets]</ref>  Indeed, because a proper vegetarian diet is low in cholesterol and saturated fats, many vegetarians are healthier than some meat-eaters.

The American Dietetic Association and the Dietitians of Canada have taken the position that properly planned vegetarian diets can be nutritious, healthy, and provide benefits in helping prevent and treat some diseases, possibly with the help of nutritional supplements.<ref>[http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/advocacy_933_ENU_HTML.htm Vegetarian Diets]</ref>  Indeed, because a proper vegetarian diet is low in cholesterol and saturated fats, many vegetarians are healthier than some meat-eaters.

In contrast, some nutritionists have argued that vegetarianism is an unsustainable diet, claiming that it can be difficult to regularly get all of your daily required [[nutrient]]s without eating animal products. [[Soy]], [[nut]]s and [[bean]]s are often used as a source of protein and a substitute for meat, but nonetheless many vegetarians have to take vitamin supplements or eat enriched foods - although lacto-ovo vegetarians usually have their needs met by dairy products and eggs.<ref>According to Olivant, the most useful supplements for the vegetarians contain nutrients that may be limited in their diet, such as omega-3. [http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=65255-vegetarian-supplements]</ref> Nutrionist Dr. Ray Sahelian warns "Those who eat very little meat, fish and foul (sic) and ... may be missing, or getting very little, crucial nutrients for optimal health such as [[vitamin B12]], [[iron]], [[creatine]], [[carnitine]], and several other [[nutrient]]s"<ref>[http://www.raysahelian.com/vegetarian.html Dr. Ray Sahelian]</ref> Vegetarians suffer from higher rates of certain diseases, such as [[osteoporosis]], [[anemia]], and [[thyroid]] problems due to the lack of [[calcium]] and other nutrients in their diets, although this should be compared with the much higher rates of [[heart]] disease and high [[cholesterol]] suffered by non-vegetarians.

In contrast, some nutritionists have argued that vegetarianism is an unsustainable diet, claiming that it can be difficult to regularly get all of your daily required [[nutrient]]s without eating animal products. [[Soy]], [[nut]]s and [[bean]]s are often used as a source of protein and a substitute for meat, but nonetheless many vegetarians have to take vitamin supplements or eat enriched foods - although lacto-ovo vegetarians usually have their needs met by dairy products and eggs.<ref>According to Olivant, the most useful supplements for the vegetarians contain nutrients that may be limited in their diet, such as omega-3. [http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=65255-vegetarian-supplements]</ref> Nutrionist Dr. Ray Sahelian warns "Those who eat very little meat, fish and foul (sic) and ... may be missing, or getting very little, crucial nutrients for optimal health such as [[vitamin B12]], [[iron]], [[creatine]], [[carnitine]], and several other [[nutrient]]s"<ref>[http://www.raysahelian.com/vegetarian.html Dr. Ray Sahelian]</ref> Vegetarians suffer from higher rates of certain diseases, such as [[osteoporosis]], [[anemia]], and [[thyroid]] problems due to the lack of [[calcium]] and other nutrients in their diets, although this should be compared with the much higher rates of [[heart]] disease and high [[cholesterol]] suffered by non-vegetarians.

Another danger of the vegetarian diet is an over reliance on highly processed soy products, which contain phytoestrogens (plant estrogens), impair proper thyroid functions and contain compounds that inhibit absorption of minerals and protein. Many people mistake the historic use of soy in Asian countries (with high life expectancies) as evidence that soy is healthy, however these cultures use different methods of preparing their soy foods, and consume far less than the average vegetarian. <ref>http://www.foodrenegade.com/dangers-of-soy/</ref>

Another danger of the vegetarian diet is an over reliance on highly processed soy products.  Some critics have alleged that because soy contains phytoestrogens (plant estrogens), it can impair proper thyroid functions and contains compounds that inhibit absorption of minerals and protein. Many people mistake the historic use of soy in Asian countries (with high life expectancies) as evidence that soy is healthy, however these cultures use different methods of preparing their soy foods, and consume far less than the average vegetarian. <ref>http://www.foodrenegade.com/dangers-of-soy/</ref>

==Biblical Issues==

==Biblical Issues==