For years, researchers have found that following a plant-based diet can help reduce heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, as well as help with weight control, and that going vegan can even improve your health in as little as four weeks. However, the meat-eating camp believes that going vegan in the long term can lead to “nutrient deficiencies.”
Eating meat helps to get all the essential nutrients
New research, recently published in the scientific journal Plos One, has brought good news to meat-eaters, according to the New York Post.
Eating meat helps to get all the essential nutrients
Photo: AI
Scientists at Massey University (New Zealand) analyzed the diets of nearly 240 people aged 30 to 75, including long-term vegetarians (including vegans, lacto-vegetarians) and meat-eaters, who were followed for 6 years.
Results showed that the vegetarian group consumed more vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts than the meat-eaters, and also avoided sugary drinks and snacks more.
They also consume more fiber, folate, magnesium, vitamin E, iron, and omega-6 fatty acids than meat eaters. About three-quarters of vegetarians also meet the recommended daily protein intake.
However, it is worth noting that the results are good news for meat eaters, because eating meat helps to get enough essential nutrients. Meanwhile, vegetarians are lacking in some essential nutrients. And this deficiency can be dangerous to their health, according to the New York Post .
Half of all vegetarians are deficient in two essential amino acids: lysine and leucine - which are essential for health.
Additionally, vegetarians also have lower levels of vitamin B12, iodine, niacin, riboflavin, and omega-3 fatty acids than meat eaters.
Vegetarians are deficient in some essential nutrients.
Photo: AI
How important are leucine and lysine?
Leucine is key to making protein and growth hormone, which plays an important role in muscle growth and repair, wound healing, and blood sugar regulation.
Lysine is also important for hormone production, energy, calcium, and immune function.
Researchers warn that long-term lysine and leucine deficiencies can disrupt protein balance, hinder muscle maintenance, and affect other important functions. These risks may be even more severe in older vegans.
The study authors concluded that a vegetarian diet, although more nutrient-dense and whole than a meat-based diet, can lead to nutritional deficiencies if not planned properly. They advise that vegetarians should not only consume enough protein, but also eat a balanced and varied diet of plant foods to provide all the amino acids the body needs.
Scientists are calling for more research into how vegans can increase their leucine and lysine intake.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nghien-cuu-moi-mang-tin-vui-cho-nguoi-thich-an-thit-185250425223223595.htm
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