Are you a vegetarian, or are you hesitant to take the plunge? This week, two studies from the French National Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) examine the benefits of a vegetarian diet.
Benefits, especially in the long term
Good news if you have banned animal flesh from your diet. According to ANSES, vegetarians have a significantly reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as ischemic heart disease and certain ovulatory disorders. The study also reports a decrease in several ophthalmological and gastrointestinal diseases compared to people who eat meat.
Reservations not to be overlooked
Despite an overall positive conclusion, the study nevertheless highlights certain points of vigilance. People following a vegetarian diet have a higher risk of osteoarticular problems, including bone fractures. An increased risk of hypospadias, a congenital malformation affecting the development of the urethra in boys, has also been observed. As with any diet that excludes a certain type of product, it is important to remain vigilant in maintaining a balanced diet and adapting certain nutritional intakes to avoid deficiencies. This is particularly the case for iron, zinc, iodine, certain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA), as well as vitamins B12 and D, which vegetarians are often deficient in.
The agency also emphasizes the importance of reducing the exposure of vegetables and legumes to persistent substances in the environment, particularly metals and pollutants. The issue does not only concern vegetarians, but all diets. However, it remains a matter of public health. on a European scale. On this point in particular, prevention is better than cure: the organization recommends acting primarily on the formulation of products rather than relying solely on the informed choices of consumers.
Adapting your diet: the basics
These warnings obviously do not mean that a steak-based diet will keep you healthier than a meat-free diet. Whether for ethical, environmental, or health reasons, there is no shortage of arguments in favor of vegetarianism. Faced with To address these challenges, ANSES plans to develop dietary guidelines specifically for meat-free diets, which will enable the French concerned to cover their nutritional needs while respecting their food choices.
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