As the number of "rich necks" gradually increases, people are becoming more and more interested in vegetarianism. Some even believe that all diseases are caused by excessive consumption of animal-based foods. It is undeniable that a vegetarian diet can reduce the intake of cholesterol and saturated fatty acids, prevent cholesterol from entering the bloodstream, reduce the incidence of obesity, hypercholesterolemia, coronary heart disease, and other conditions, and can also regulate metabolic functions and enhance skin nutrition. However, the latest research shows that while a vegetarian diet can be health-preserving, it is not beneficial for building a strong body.
Due to the monotony of the diet, it can lead to nutritional imbalance and a weakened immune system. Experts believe that vegetarianism should only be used as a temporary dietary measure under special circumstances. As is well known, plant-based foods are rich in vitamins, inorganic salts, and organic acids, but lack trace elements necessary for blood production, such as cobalt, manganese, iron, and copper. In addition, with the exception of oilseeds, plant-based foods contain very little fat, but the human body needs at least 60-70 grams of fat per day. To meet this requirement, one would need to eat 5 kilograms of plant-based foods. Moreover, plant protein can never replace animal protein.
Nutritionists believe that only by combining plant-based and animal-based foods in a reasonable proportion can the body's needs for growth, development, and daily life be met. Long-term vegetarianism leads to insufficient protein supply, which can result in decreased memory, listlessness, and slow reactions. Clinical doctors have found that protein deficiency is an important cause of digestive tract tumors. Furthermore, most of the essential nutrients for the formation and development of the human brain must be obtained from animal-based foods; a deficiency can lead to brain degeneration and dementia.
Recently, American medical experts pointed out that a purely vegetarian diet cannot provide Vitamin B12, which can only be obtained from animal-based foods. A lack of Vitamin B12 in the body can lead to mental and psychological defects, decreased memory, a swollen and sore tongue, difficulty swallowing, and fatigue. If a pregnant woman follows a long-term vegetarian diet, it can cause permanent damage to the fetal brain tissue. For young girls, being vegetarian is not conducive to normal physical development.
Nutritionists unanimously agree that from the perspective of human evolution and anti-aging, purely vegetarian or absolutely vegetarian diets are not advisable. People should abandon the traditional concept of preserving health through vegetarianism. Only by combining meat and vegetables with comprehensive and balanced nutrition can one achieve a path to a long and healthy life.