Introduction The plant-based diet includes vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fruits, tree nuts and seeds. The American Academy of Nutrition (formerly the American Dietetic Association) has formally endorsed the plant-based diet as both nutritionally adequate for all phases of the life cycle, and as having all necessary nutrients except Vitamin B12Continue Reading
This article was published in Advanced Research in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Abstract Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential in the human diet, in that they cannot be synthesized physiologically. The Omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, is highly concentrated in the brain and is important for brain function. Omega-6 fatty acidsContinue Reading
This article was published in the Journal of Gynecology and Women’s Health. Abstract Vegan pregnant women have a lower-than-average rate of cesarean delivery, less postpartum depression, and lower neonatal and maternal mortality. Well-planned plant-based diets have been confirmed as safe during pregnancy and lactation, as well as conferring additional healthContinue Reading
This article was published in Journal of Otolaryngology Abstract People with thyroid disorders in the US usually have an autoimmune disease, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease. Those following a plant-based diet are much less susceptible to auto-immune diseases in general. They also have a lower BMI on average. Continue Reading
This article was published in Advanced Research in Gastroenterology & Hepatology. Abstract Zinc is an essential mineral that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. It is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism, and also supports normal growth and development. FrequentContinue Reading
This article was published in Orthopedics and Rheumatology Open Access Journal. Abstract Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in a few foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. It is also produced endogenously when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and triggerContinue Reading
This article was published in Orthopedics and Rheumatology Open Access Journal Abstract Patients on a plant-based diet consume no dairy products and so must get their calcium from plant foods. Fortunately, a number of plant foods can supply the calcium needed. However, care needs to be taken to obtain calciumContinue Reading
This article was published in the journal Advanced Research in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Abstract Many people, including some physicians, are concerned about iron deficiency anemia in patients consuming a plant-based diet. However, studies show that the risk of anemia in vegetarian and vegan patients is no greater than in omnivorousContinue Reading
This article was published in the journal Advanced Research in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Abstract Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. All naturally occurring B12 is produced by bacteria in the soil. Animals ingest these bacteria along with their feed, resulting in their presence in animal-derived foods. It is also addedContinue Reading
The myth that plant proteins must be combined at every meal to be of any use to the body was popularized in the early 70’s by the book Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappé. The author has since been retracting the statement frequently. “In combating the mythContinue Reading