Tuesday, December 31, 2013

What is Vegan?

Many people who are vegan have a hard time being healthy. This is because vegans do not eat animal products, so they cannot get the proper nutrients. They won't eat animal products because an animal must be slaughtered to get the meat. They also think that because plants are alive and we are killing them to eat them. Vegans also wont eat things that come from animals because they think that animals are mistreated when they have to get things from them. This is true because we cage these animals and put them in small areas and don't feed them enough and treat them horribly. Vegans also make it so that more people can eat meat. In the world there is not enough meat to go around and there is not enough space to fill the animals needs.


Because vegans don't eat any animal products they have to eat other things. A normal person eats 2 - 3 servings of meat a day. A vegan has to supplement this by eating more fruits and vegetables. Another thing is that in a normal diet we eat a lot of dairy. Vegans cannot eat dairy because it comes from animals so they have to eat fortified dairy supplements. These dairy supplements are not as efficient as dairy (obviously) because they don't provide the right amount of nutrients. When you don't have the right nutrients you can become deficient over time. This can lead to serious health issues in the long. These supplements aren't all bad though, and there are many options for people who are vegan.  



vs. 


As you can see the vegan food pyramid is very different from the normal food pyramid. They differ in many ways because vegans have to eat other things to make up for not eating meat and dairy or eggs and things like that. Vegans have to choose what they eat very carefully. If they suddenly eat meat or an animal product it can lead to health issues because they haven't had it in their system. Being a vegan is not a good or bad thing it is just a life style. There are pros and cons to it and if you believe in the logic behind being a vegan than you could try it. Even if you don't like it, you can always change your mind and go back to a normal diet. 





Website on the Recommended Supplements for Vegans: 

Wimberly Underwood
1B


Sunday, December 15, 2013

Let's Be Honest Santa...

Dear Santa,

Hi. Merry Christmas! How are you? I am fine, thank you. I hope you got my list. I've been awfully good this year.

But Santa, we need to talk. The cookies, the mince pie, the beer, it's all taking a toll on your body.
Check it out.

What is this man? How could you promote this to children all across the world? The cookies, the milk, the Coca Cola commercials, it's a crisis.

Oh Santa! Say it isn't so!

What will the kids say?

And about those cookies...
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 cookie, medium (2-1/4" dia) (16 g)
Per Serving% Daily Value*
Calories 78
Calories from Fat 41
Total Fat 4.5g7%
Saturated Fat 1.3g6%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Monounsaturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 5mg2%
Sodium 58mg2%
Carbohydrates 9.3g3%
Dietary Fiber 0.4g2%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 0.9g
Vitamin A 2% · Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 1% · Iron 2%


Let's start a new tradition. Maybe try some of those carrots you so generously feed your reindeer.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 cup, chopped (128 g)
Per Serving% Daily Value*
Calories 52
Calories from Fat 3
Total Fat 0.3g0%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 88mg4%
Carbohydrates 12.3g4%
Dietary Fiber 3.6g14%
Sugars 6.1g
Protein 1.2g
Vitamin A 428% · Vitamin C 13%
Calcium 4% · Iron 2%


Santa, I ask of you to set a good example for our children.


  • Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years.
  • The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2010. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period.
  • In 2010, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.

Kids these days aren't doing so well. Be the shining example for them.
Immediate health effects:
  • Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • Obese adolescents are more likely to have prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels indicate a high risk for development of diabetes.
  • Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.
Long-term health effects:

  • Children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults and are therefore more at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.  One study showed that children who became obese as early as age 2 were more likely to be obese as adults.
  • Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for many types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate, as well as multiple myeloma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Try this. Just be less annoying. Send a message to our youths, maybe they will catch on to your ways.
Come on Santa, you can do better. I believe in you.

Until we meet again,

Spencer Shelton

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

!!!! LETS GET CITRIC WITH VITAMIN C !!!!

Vitamin C


C More or C Less?


What is Vitamin C?
Another name for ascorbic acid, which is a vitamin found particularly in citrus fruits and green vegetables. It is essential in maintaining healthy connective tissue, and is also thought to act as an antioxidant. As it is swallowed, ascorbate rapidly enters the bloodstream and cell membranes aided by transport molecules. Functions of vitamin C include collagen production, maintain mucus membranes, promotes healing and skin growth. 


Recommended Daily Intake (RDI): is the recommended daily intake of a nutrient. RDI's are set by government health bodies and the World Health Organization based on clinical studies and evidence. The RDI for vitamin C is set at 45-60mg per day. 


Experiments conducted: 

1. Guinea Pig Trials

Aim: to observe collagen structure with varying levels of Vitamin C, collagen is the main structural protein in the body. 
Procedures:  
  • Supplement diet with varying levels of Vitamin C.
  • Test vitamin C levels in urine and blood.
  • Kill and observe collagen in the guinea pigs




Results: If you have low vitamin C it means your collagen is weak. If you have high vitamin C then your collagen is strong. 


2. Human Trials on conscientious objectors during World War II

Aim: to observe healing and scurvy in vitamin C- limited volunteers

Procedures: 
  • They were put on a range of vitamin C restricted diets
  • Effects were logged and measured, including the healing of incisions made on their thighs and observations of scurvy. 
  • Levels of vitamin C was measured in blood and urine. 
Data:


Results:


This  is an illustration of scurvy, what occurred with Group 3 who had 0mg per day of vitamin C. 


Scurvy commonly is associated with sailors in the 16th to 18th centuries who navigated long voyages without enough vitamin C and frequently perished from the condition. Modern cases of scurvy are extremely rare.


Health Conditions

What health conditions require special emphasis on vitamin C?

Most forms of cardiovascular disease, joint disease, cancer, eye disease, thyroid disease, liver disease, and lung disease require special emphasis on vitamin C intake. The process of aging itself requires special attention to vitamin C. In addition to these broader categories, several specific health conditions also require special emphasis on vitamin C. These specific health conditions include:
  • Acne
  • Alcoholism
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Asthma
  • Autism
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Irritable bowel disease
  • Parkinson's disease


Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients, experts say. It may be the cure for the common cold, other benefits of vitamin C include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.

Are you LACKING vitamin C?

While a cup of orange juice or a half-cup of red pepper would be enough to meet your RDA for Vitamin C, here are all the foods and beverages you'd need to consume to reach 500 milligrams (mg):
  • Cantaloupe, 1 cup (8 ounces): 59mg
  • Orange juice, 1 cup: 97mg
  • Broccoli, cooked, 1 cup: 74mg
  • Red cabbage, 1/2 cup: 40mg
  • Green pepper, 1/2 cup, 60mg
  • Red pepper, 1/2 cup, 95mg
  • Kiwi, 1 medium: 70mg
  • Tomato juice, 1 cup: 45mg.













Sunday, December 8, 2013

Medications Affect on the Digestive System

      There are many ways that medication affects the digestive system. It affects the esophagus, the stomach,
       The medication can affect the esophagus because it can irritate it. Many people take pills without drinking liquid with it. This can cause irritation because the pill doesn't get swallowed entirely and then the chemicals are released while still in your esophagus. The chemical release can cause narrowing of the esophagus, hardening of the esophageal skin, and Achalasia which causes the esophagus to have difficulty swallowing.
      Commonly medication known as "non-steroidal anti-inflammatory" drugs cause discomfort to the stomach.  The drugs are more commonly known as pain relievers. For example: tylanol, advil, and ibprofen are all non-steroidal noninflammatory drugs. These drugs cause the stomach acid to not be as strong, this can then lead to swelling.
     The irritation can also cause constipation and diarrhea. constipation is caused by the large intestine being blocked or clogged due to the nerve being affected and the muscles not contracting. Diarrhea is a product normally of antibiotics because it makes your bacteria in your large intestine change.
      To prevent these from occurring, first, know what drugs you are taking and know their side affects because they could cause these things naturally. Second, it is better to take coated pills because they tend not to irritate the stomach as much. Third, make sure to take medication on a full or partially full stomach, never and empty one. Another thing you should do is to make sure you are taking medication with at least 8 ounces of water. Lastly, make sure you take medication while in an upright position so that it can more easily travel down the esophagus.

Link: http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/digestive_disorders/medications_and_digestive_system/Pages/index.aspx


Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08VyJOEcDos
 

Second hand smoke is a serious, and often ignored issue that is happening all over the world, all the time. Second hand smoke qualify as any toxins expelled from the lit end of the cigarette (side-stream smoke) or the smoke that a smoker exhales (mainstream smoke). This smoke usually has over 4,000 chemicals in it. This smoke is extremely harmful for any other people, babies, or even animals in the area..  even up to seven hours after the smoking took place. Carcinogens are present in second hand smoke, this puts everyone who inhales it (even once) at risk. As we can see from above, this boy experienced an extreme asthma from being around second hand smoke just once.

Second hand smoke has more than 250 harmful chemicals, 69 of these are specifically acknowledged as cancer-causing. Along with the possibility of cancer, other side effects can derive from second hand smoke:
-heart disease
-frequent colds
-issues pertaining to lung growth
-asthma attacks
-high blood pressure
-Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
-lower respiratory tract infections
-ear infections
-cataracts
-and endless other issues

Usually people don't realize that even if they go outside to smoke they still put people outside in danger, anyone who passes has the potential of inhaling second hand smoke. And to anyone, especially someone like the boy in the video, can be immediately put into a critical condition putting their life at risk. Parents who smoke in rooms without their kids around, or dismiss them only for a few moments while the cigarette is actually lit, are unaware of how much it lingers. The smoke and spread over the entire house, not to mention that it stays in the area that they did smoke in for hours. Parents are also smoking in cars with their kids where they are in small confined areas, exposed to high concentrations of this smoke (even with the windows open!) Not only are parents putting their kids at risk, they are creating a bad impression.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-6-218894-Kids-living-with-smokers-have-more-ear-infections

In the link above we see information on research discovered showing a correlational connection between children exposed to second hand smoke and the likelihood of them having ear infections or needed ear surgery for the infection. According to the article ear surgery for middle ear infections are not commonly needed, but that they are significantly seen more in cases with children who have been exposed to second hand smoke. There is an apparent 37% higher chance that children exposed to second hand smoke will have middle ear disease, that with a mother smoker living in their house they have a 62% higher chance of developing ear infections or hearing issues, and 86% chance that children with mother smokers will need middle ear surgery for the disease, an uncommon surgery.
Sources:
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/tobaccocancer/secondhand-smoke
http://smokefree.gov/secondhand-smoke
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/healthy_living/smoking/hic_dangers_of_second-hand_smoke.aspx
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/secondhand_smoke/health_effects/
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/tobacco/pages/Dangers-of-Secondhand-Smoke.aspx


Thursday, December 5, 2013

Lysosomal Storage Disease - Paris Brown

Name of Disease: Lysosomal Storage Disease Name/Function of Transport Protein/Enzyme: The enzyme that is missing would serve the function of moving other materials within the organism Etiology: Lysosomal storage disease (or LCDs) are a groupd nor approximately 50 very rare inherited metabolic disorders that result from defects in lysosomal function. The diseases all result when the lysosome malfunctions. nThis is usually a consequence of deficiency of a single enzyme required for the metabolism of lipids, mucopolysaccharides (group of genetic disorders), or glycoproteins (sugar coating proteins). The lysosome is commonly referred to as the cell's recycling center because its processes unwanted material into substances that the cell can utilize. Lysosomes break down this unwanted matter via enzymes (highly specialized proteins essential for life survival). Lysosomal disorders are triggered when a particular enzyme exists in too small amount or is not present at all. When this happens, the excess products destined for breakdown and recycling are stored in the cell. Treatment: As of today, there are no cures for lysosomal storage diseases. Treatmenbts are mostly symptomatic or caters to specific pains and what not. Bone marrow transplantation and enzyme replacement therapy have been tried with some small success. Also, umbilical cord blood transplantation is being done at some specialty centers for some of these diseases. That is a method used to decrease the accuumulation of storage material. CHaperone therapy is also being evaluated and examined for possible cure. It is a technique used to stabalize the defective enzymes prouduced by the body. wont allow me to insert my images, may i show you the ones I found in class?

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Breast Feeding: Friend or Foe?

Breast  Feeding...Taboo? Many moms are judged for breast feeding in public but is this really bad? Breast feeding provides a connection between mother and new born. So breast feeding..I think yes
Mom PROS: 
  • With breast feeding mom lose weight that has been gained throughout their pregnancy
  • Have I mentioned it provides a bond between mom and infant, a bond that lasts a life time 
  • It's FREE!! Breast milk is from the mom and not from some food brand that is overpriced AND it's always on hand
  • It reduces the risk of breast cancer which can affect many women 
  • Breast feeding aids in post-partum depression that can happen after the pregnancy and severely affect the mother-child bond


The immunity provided in breast milk is also very important. Mainly because of the colostrum which provides the infant with antibodies not available in artificial milk or formula milk. Many moms agree that this is why breast feeding is better for their child. The antibodies are also easier to digest than the formula milk. The formula milk might have more vitamins and minerals but it is hardest to digest than the breast milk that might not have as many. 

Colostrum transforms into what is called mature milk this milk with time has the right amount of fat, sugar, water and proteins to help the infant grow and be healthy. And although babies only get a small amount of colostrum at each feeding it amounts into what their tiny stomachs can take to make them healthy. The amount of antibodies in the milk aids against illness for the infant. At times it protects against type II diabetes and childhood leukemia which formula-fed babies aren't protected against. Learn more about protection here

In recent studies breast feeding has been linked to higher IQs in later childhood. Researchers from Boston have conducted rigorous studies with over 1,312 babies and mothers. Recording the amount of time spent breast feeding, if the child spent time in daycare and also how much fish the moms ate. Since omega-3 can be found in fish oils that enhance the brains development. The longer a mother breast feeds the higher a kid of 3 years would get on a vocabulary. So can breast feeding improve the IQ?  It would be safe to say that what the mother consumed throughout the pregnancy is a major role in this discussion. 

Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds?

 Or 

Where are they from? and What are they?

The Chia seed is manly native in Mexico and Guatemala. Mexicans believe Chia seeds are a great part of a healthy diet.Chia seeds come for an `herb` or plant that has white or purple flowers. Flax seeds come form the flax plant that is tall and slender. The flax seed has pale blue flowers on it.  Flax seed are also known as Linseeds. In 3,00 B.C, Babylonians started to cultivate flax seed, and discovered lot of great health benefits. Flax seeds were used by Ancient Egyptians for both food and medicine.    

Benefits?


Both Flax Seeds and Chia Seeds have many benefits. Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have good health benefits, because omega-3 fatty acids can help lower low-density-poprotein(LDL, bad) cholesterol and increase high-density-poprotein (HDL, good) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is bad for the heart, because it can lead to coronary heart diseases. LDL causes a plaque growth in the arteries and leads  atherosclerosis. Omega-3 also protects the blood vessels from hazardous inflammation.  The prevention of inflammation can prevent arthritis. 

 Chia Seeds and Flax Seeds are great source of fiber. Both Chia and Flax seeds help a person feel fuller faster because of the fiber. Since these are high in fiber they help a person loose weight, because when it is consumed before a meal it makes the person fuller and to eat less. The fiber also absorbs the fat and prevents the body from absorbing them. Chia Seeds and Flax Seed block calories leading to weight loss. Since fiber is low  in energy, it is great because it keeps a person fuller longer without that extra energy. 

CHIA SEED                                                 VS                                       FLAX SEED     2 TBL                                                                                                            2 TBL           69                                                         Calories                                               75
    4.4g                                                           Fat                                                   6g
    2.3g                                                         Proteins                                             2.6g
     6g                                                           Carbs                                                 4g
    20%                                          % Recommended Daily Fiber                          15
    9%                                         %Recommended Daily Calcium                         4%


Recent Research?

There are some scientist who are trying to prove that Chia Seeds and flax seed help with diabetes. Consuming Chia Seeds or  Flax Seeds everyday, they improve the glycemic control in obese man and pre-diabetic women. Chia Seeds slow down how fast the body converts carbohydrates into simple sugar, there are studies that show that Chia Seeds can control blood sugar.

Consuming it?

Golden Brown Flax Seed can't be consumed just like it is. The Flax Seed as a whole has an outer layer that the body can't digest. If the body can't digest it then the body doesn't get all the Flax's nutrients. To be able to adsorb all the great nutrients that the Flax Seed has to offer, you have to grind the flax seed until it is powder like. Once it is grinned you can consume it and your body will be able to adsorb all the nutrients. Flax seeds can be added to oatmeal or even your orange juice. 

Chia Seeds are smaller than Flax Seeds. Chia Seeds can be added to your water. When Chia Seeds are added into the water and let to rest there, the Chia seeds will become a little soft. The longer the Chia seeds rest with the water the more dense and gel-like composition it will become. Chia seeds don't have any flavor so you can basically add it to anything. If you add Chia Seeds to your foods, it actually helps intense and bring out the flavor of your  food. Chia Seeds enhance your food with lots of flavor. 
Raspberry Coconut Chia Pudding PopsMake Ahead Chia Seed OatmealAvocado Fruit Salad with Chia Seed YogurtStrawberry Chia Seed Spread

More On Chia Seeds and Flax Seeds

Chia Seed Recipes
Flax Seed RecipesWhy is Everyone Eating Chia Seeds?

Work Cited

Ali, Ali. "Chia Seeds vs. Flax Seeds." My Natural Family. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2013. <http://www.mynaturalfamily.com/natural-health-tips/chia-seeds-vs-flax-seeds/>.
"Chia Seeds." and  Health Benefits Information at Nuts.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2013. <http://www.nuts.com/cookingbaking/chia-seeds/premium.html>.
Horwitch, Katie . "Superfood Spotlight: Flaxseed." The Chalkboard  Superfood Spotlight Flaxseed Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2013. <http://thechalkboardmag.com/superfood-spotlight-flaxseed>.
"Learn about the benefits of flaxseed and how to make the most of your diet with healthy flaxseed recipes.." Delicious Flax Seed Recipes For Better Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2013. <http://www.healthyflax.com/flax-recipes/>.
"MNT." Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2013. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263405.php>.
Wittenstein, Beth. "Crazy for Chia: 10 Must Make Recipes Using Chia Seeds." NoshOnIt. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2013. <http://noshon.it/blog/2013/08/10-must-make-recipes-using-chia-seeds/>.

MLA formatting by BibMe.org.

Plenty of Fish in The Sea - Living a Pescetarian Lifestyle


Pescetarianism is a sect of Vegetarianism in which followers exclude all sources of meat except for fish. This type of diet can have positive and negative effects on the body and environment, the positive outweighing the negative. Most converts to this diet claim that it is the best alternative to all meat diets and vegetarian lifestyles. Pescetarianism provides the protein which vegan and vegetarian diets lack, this type of diet is also beneficial to a wide variety of people because of all the nutrients found in fish. The diet also includes other essential foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, dairy, eggs, honey, and beans. Fish is not only a great source of protein; it provides almost all the healthy omega-3 fatty acids the body needs, providing the body with an ample amount of lipids and long-term energy.
 
 

Fish is very low in unhealthy saturated fats which cause CHD and type two diabetes, and very high in those omega-3 fatty acids which can ward off or reduce the symptoms of CHD, diabetes, and cancer. A study conducted by the Yale College Vegetarian Society suggested that up to 80 percent of cancer cases are preventable through healthy diets that contain low amounts of fats and oils, and high amounts of fiber, a model Pescetarian diet. Fish also is very high in iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B. Iron is extremely important to women who are more prone to iron-deficiency amenia because it provides the body with oxygen for the blood. Magnesium is used in the body to build bones and provide energy to the muscles; zinc is used to support the immune system. The Pescetarian diet provides all of these essential nutrients and vitamins without unhealthy consequences found in an all meat diet.

 Speaking of consequences, there are few consequences associated with the Pescetarian diet. The only consequence regarding personal health is mercury poisoning, commonly found in larger fish. Mercury is a natural-occurring element in the environment found in plants and animals. Due to human industrial activity the amount of airborne mercury increases and eventually ends up in lakes, rivers, and the ocean. This leads to fish consumption of mercury and with the influence of the food chain, larger fish generally contain more mercury in their bodies. An excess amount of mercury in humans can lead to reproductive troubles and immune system failure. One report from The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that human fetuses exposed to mercury before birth “may be at an increased risk of poor performance on neurobehavioral tasks, such as those measuring attention, fine motor function, language skills, visual-spatial abilities and verbal memory.” However, this is the main risk and/or consequences of Pescetarianism. All in all Pescetarianism’s benefits outweigh the negatives. Converting to Pescetarianism is the first step in gaining a healthy lifestyle for yourself and the environment.

Friday, November 29, 2013

The Highs and Lows of a Vegan Diet


         A Vegan has a diet that doesn’t contain anything of animal origin. Vegans do not eat animal products such as eggs, dairy, meat, fish and honey. Strict vegans don’t even wear clothes that contain animal based products. People decide to maintain a vegan diet for many health, environmental, and animal right reasons. A vegan diet has many advantages, but there are some underlying disadvantages that some vegans do not consider. Did you know that two out of three vegans are Vitamin B12 deficient compared to only one out of two meat eaters? Meanwhile the listing of 171 species under the Endangered Species Act are caused by environmental damage from grazing livestock. The question is whether being a vegan is really that great or if the disadvantages out weigh the advantages
Some health advantages of being vegan consist of lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and an increased intake of antioxidants. It has been proven by a nutritionist, Jackie Keller, that vegan diet can lower cholesterol because she conducted a study with people that have Type II Diabetes. She found that when the people with Type II Diabetes switched to a vegan diet their LDL lowered by 21%. A dietician, Paragi Mehta, proved that vegan diets can lower blood pressure by studying people that changed to a vegan diet and resulted in a decreased risk of death from ischemic heart disease. Mehta also suggested that vegan eating also increases the intake of vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes, and whole grains. These foods are rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It has also been proven that eating animal fats and proteins can raise cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Another U.S. study showed a correlation of premature death with consumption of animal meat. These advantages make a vegan diet seem like an incredibly healthy alternative to meat eating diets, but there are still many disadvantages.  
Becoming vegan is a complete change from a regular diet and dining out can become difficult. Not many restaurants are vegan friendly and usually don’t offer anything vegan to eat that contains all of the required nutrients. It is also difficult to change to a vegan diet without being fully educated. Our bodies need a certain amount of certain nutrients, and if we take away our sources for those nutrients we need to replace them with others. There is evidence to show that most vegan diets don’t contain adequate vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and calcium. The only way that vegans can get calcium is by consuming dark leafy greens or fortified soy products to meet the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of 1,000mg. Vegans can only obtain Vitamin D by taking supplements, drinking Vitamin D fortified soy milk, or by sun exposure. To obtain Vitamin B12 vegans can take supplements because this vitamin is mostly found in animal products. Vegans are also at risk of iron deficiency. The most common source or iron is from beef and shellfish, but obviously vegans would not eat these. Between ages 19-50 Females need 18mg of iron and men only need 9mg to avoid iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can result in fatigue and problems with brain function. Vegans need to make sure that they consume plenty of soybeans, white beans, and spinach in order to get the RDI of Iron. Vegans also need to make sure that they receive an adequate amount of protein. Most people get their protein from eggs, dairy, fish, and meat, but vegans need to substitute those foods for beans and nuts to get the RDI of 46mg of protein for women and 56mg for men. There are many health risks for becoming a vegan because they need to make sure that they get a balanced amount of nutrients from their diet. It can be difficult to keep up with all of the supplements and foods in order to get the required amount of nutrients. There are dangerous risks associated with being deficient in any of the nutrients, but there are also health risks with being a meat eater. Here is a great article on how to get the proper amount of protein in your diet in this article by FOXNEWS
Becoming a vegan can be healthy if it is done correctly with plenty of planning, but health reasons are not the only reasons why vegans cut animal products out of their diets. Vegans believe that by going vegan they are preserving animals rights. They believe that by going vegan they are letting the animals exist freely without human interference. They also do not use any animal products because egg laying chickens and dairy cows are killed when they do not produce eggs and milk anymore. They think that just turning vegetarian is not enough because the animals will still be slaughtered when they can no longer produce the needed products. Bulls and cockerels would also be killed at birth because they can’t lay eggs or make milk at all. People kill the “unproductive” animals. Some animals are even given supplements in order for them to produce more. Animals are treated terribly in factories because they are cramped, killed, and have multiple health problems. Choosing to go vegan would show compassion for these animals. 
One argument shows that eating meat is the circle of life and that humans were made to eat animals. For 2.3 million years we have been eating meat and it is just a part of life. There is no proven fact that vegans have reduced the slaughter of animals in the United Staes. It has also been said that vegan diets do not help the animals, animals die regardless of whether we eat them, and every other animal eats animal meat. It has not been considered unethical to eat meat and you do not need to be a vegan to love and respect animals. 
Last but not least people turn to a vegan diet because they think it helps the environment. Vegans believe that livestock farming is harmful to our environment. They make a good point by saying that the amount of resources used to raise livestock animals are inefficiently used, and those resources could be used to feed humans instead. There is also a massive amount of polluted runoff caused by animals and factory farms. They also think that vegan diets reduce the emission of green house gases. A study by the University of Chicago found that the U.S meat eaters generate 1.5 tons more carbon dioxide per person than vegans. 18% of greenhouse gas emissions are a result of the livestock industry. Vegans argue that using fertilizers and pesticides to raise livestock are harmful to the environment, but growing plants, crops, fruits, and vegetables uses the same amount of fossil fuels and  fertilizers. Vegans also think that the only way to raise livestock is by the modern factory farming, but before this technique there was no harmful environmental effects. There is nothing environmentally wrong with farming the traditional way, therefore the argument should be against factory farming. Vegans also do not account for the fact that animals die as a result of vegan diets as well. To create soy products, people have to clear animal land for their factories. Everything that we eat now is made from the result of animals and fossil fuels regardless of whether your diet is vegan or not.  This link by the vegansociety includes the reasons why people turn to a vegan diet for environmental reasons. 
To sum it all up there are advantages and disadvantages to both vegan and meat eating diets. Either diet is not helpful for the environment, so that factor is not a legitimate reason to turn to a vegan diet. Some people think that vegan diets are healthy, but they are only healthy if they are done the right way. If you don’t cover all of the nutrient RDI’s then you could become deficient in almost every nutrient. Being vegan could be very dangerous for your health if you only eat fruits and vegetables. Omitting foods such as meat, dairy, eggs, and any animal product can be detrimental because they need to be replaced by other alternatives. If they are not replaced the effects could be life threatening. Some people also become vegan because it is compassionate for animals, and this is true for the most part. Animals can still be harmed as a result of a vegan diet, but the amount is much less. There are many advantages to being a vegan, and I agree that the advantages out weigh the disadvantages. Vegan diets are only helpful and effective if they are done the right way. I will still eat meat but that doesn’t mean that a vegan diet doesn’t work for some people. Everyone just needs to find the diet that works for them whether its paleo, vegan, vegetarian, meat eating, or pescatarian. No diet is wrong or unhealthy if it is gone about the right way. 
 

Watch these insightful videos on the vegan vs. meat diet debate 








Sources 
http://www.medicinenet.com/vegetarian_and_vegan_diet/article.htm
http://www.aarp.org/food/diet-nutrition/info-02-2011/9-pros-and-cons-to-going-vegan.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/482780-disadvantages-of-being-vegan/
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/149636.php
http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/vegan.htm
http://www.vegansociety.com/become-a-vegan/why.aspx
http://authoritynutrition.com/top-5-reasons-why-vegan-diets-are-a-terrible-idea/