The Mainstreaming of Vegan Diets

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Glad to see some positive and, for the most part accurate, coverage of the vegan diet. However, several major pieces of information are left out of this article, such as differences in the bioavailability of calcium from various foods, that calcium obtained from whole food sources (leafy greens, nuts, etc...) is much more readily absorbed by your body, and that milk may actually rob calcium and other minerals from your bones by producing an acidic effect in your body (which much be balanced out by releasing basic minerals into the blood stream to maintain a very specific, slightly basic pH). In addition, I think it is an important point to emphasize that B12 is a nutrient that is naturally found not only in meat products-- it is produced by bacteria that is typically washed off of conventional produce, but animals do end up consuming it, as they don't wash their grass before chewing it. Natural sources of B12 include fermented foods, tempeh, miso, sea vegetables, and nutritional yeast (delicious on popcorn). Or just grow your own organic veggies, and don't be too strict about scouring them down before eating. A little dirt won't hurt! But still, vegans definitely should be taking a B12 supplement since we no longer typically eat like this.

Va of MA 3:46PM February 01, 2012

Be sure to get B12 supplements, essential to humans. Our bodies don't make it, and plants do not provide it.

Wayne Isaacks of TX 10:03AM January 09, 2012

To make sure you are getting what you need in your vegan food - Check this easy amazing nutrition analysis site. You can check most foods and combinations, even daily totals for protein ( full amino acid analysis), carbs, fats with analysis, essential fats & cholesterol , vitamins, plus inflammation http://nutritiondata.self.com/

Wayne Isaacks of TX 9:51AM January 09, 2012

I've been vegan for 11 years now, vegetarian for 6 years prior (after meeting my husband who had been vegetarian for years). I've done a lot of research and my family eat a well balanced diet including lots of chickpeas, lentils, tempeh, tofu, and wide variety of grains, veg & fruit. My two vegan pregnancies were problem-free with no deficiencies and our babies were born on their due dates at very healthy weights and with absolutely beautiful clear skin. Our boys are now 10 and 8 and have always been in fantastic health, highly energetic and smart. One or two mild brief colds a year is all they get. We're all in excellent health. Going vegan was the best decision - for our health, the animals, the environment, for life!

Sharon 9:03PM January 06, 2012

I've been vegan for 11 years now, vegetarian for 6 years prior (after meeting my husband who had been vegetarian for years). I've done a lot of research and my family eat a well balanced diet including lots of chickpeas, lentils, tempeh, tofu, and wide variety of grains, veg & fruit. My two vegan pregnancies were problem-free with no deficiencies and our babies were born on their due dates at very healthy weights and with absolutely beautiful clear skin. Our boys are now 10 and 8 and have always been in fantastic health, highly energetic and smart. One or two mild brief colds a year is all they get. We're all in excellent health. Going vegan was the best decision - for our health, the animals, the environment, for life!

Sharon 9:02PM January 06, 2012

I agree with veganforlife, we shouldn't be looking at a vegan diet asking "what is this missing?" we should be looking at animal product consumption and notice how it's been killing everyone for years with heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity.
We shouldn't isolate the "good" protein in meat/dairy from the rest of the nutrient package. Are they healthy? Most of their calories come from cholesterol laden, saturated fat. Even lean meats clog arteries. Whereas plant protein comes packed with phytonutrients, fiber, water and vitamins.
Animal foods, high on the food chain, also contain high concentrations of herbicides, pesticides, drugs and hormones from industrial agriculture.
It seems the truth is being denied. The benefits of vegan diets have been proven by numerous studies, yet no one seems to know or believe. I think it's dairy and meat industry heavily subsidized and in bed with our government.

CarnivoresStopFightingIt of CA 4:06AM January 06, 2012

My husband and I took the step from nearly vegan to vegan about six weeks ago, after reading The China Study and Eaarth. Within four days, I began to breath better than I had in years. At about the same time, I took a friend to a doctor to discuss knee-replacement surgery. When I asked how I could avoid this expensive and painful procedure, he said, "Stay slender and your knees will work as long as you need them."
My book, Wildly Affordable Organic, has many vegan recipes and an index to help you find them. All the newer recipes on my site are vegan: http://www.cookforgood.com

Linda Watson of NC 10:36AM January 05, 2012

Instead of the My Plate guide, there's also a more easy to follow food guide for vegans in the new book Vegan for Life, as well as general tips to transition to and stay healthy on a vegan diet.

Gina of WI 10:44PM January 03, 2012

Thanks for calling attention to this--vegan is the way to go, and once someone sets his or her mind to it, it's easy, too. My blood tests show that all my levels are great without much attention. my doc thinks i'm a boring patient! i never get sick, either. my husband said the other day, "ever since i went vegan, i haven't been sick once."
we're vegan for ethical reasons, but there's no question that the health benefits are just striking.

Gretchen Primack of NY 12:11PM January 03, 2012