vegetarian living
Low Cholesterol Levels
Although many believe lower cholesterol levels to be better, this actually proves to be false. Some studies have shown that individuals with lower levels of cholesterol actually tend to have an increased risk for non-coronary deaths. Women with cholesterol levels below 160 mg/dL showed more signs of depression and anxiety than those with normal or high levels. Men with cholesterol levels below 165 mg/dL showed high signs of depression and were also proven to be at a higher risk for premature death from unnatural causes, like suicides, drug overdoses, and accidents.
Being a Vegetarian has Risks
Colorectal Cancer
Although the risk of overall cancer is lower in vegetarians than meat-eaters, the risk of having colorectal cancer is higher in vegetarians than meat-eaters. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vegetarians showed a 39% higher risk of having colorectal cancer even though eating red meat actually leads to higher colorectal cancer rates. However, researchers say that this may be because the vegetarian participants may not have been eating enough fruits and vegetables.
Low Bone Mineral Density
Those who do not eat meat must consume an appropriate amount of protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin D to promote proper muscle and bone development. This may result in osteopenia or osteoporosis in later years which increases the risk of breaking a bone, especially in women.
Low Levels of Vitamin B12
Vegetarians tend to have lower levels of vitamin B12, which is the vitamin that helps with metabolism, converting food to energy, utilizing iron, creating healthy red blood cells, as well as many other things. Maintaining low levels of B12 can result in arteriosclerosis, or hardening and narrowing of the arteries. This reduces blood flow and can eventually cause heart attacks in individuals.
Insufficient Levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) are the most commonly low omega-3 fatty acids found in vegetarians. Sufficient levels of these fatty acids are good for the cardiovascular health. Lack of these fatty acids may also cause the brain to age quicker and lose some memory and thinking abilities.
Eating a vegetarian diet doesn’t necessarily mean that you will suffer from all of these complications, especially not if you eat a proper vegetarian diet full of vitamins and nutrients. For more on how to maintain a healthy veggie diet, check out the NUTRITION page!
References
Handler, J. (2012, May 2). Side Effects of Becoming Vegetarian. Retrieved April 27, 2014 from http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/side-effects-of-becoming-vegetarian
Heart Disease Health Center (n.d.). WebMD.com. Retrieved April 27, 2014 from http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/what-is-atherosclerosis
Low Levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Cause Memory Problems. (2012, February 27). ScienceDaily.com. Retrieved April 27, 2014 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120227162549.htm
Osteoporosis Health Center. (n.d.). WebMD.com. Retrieved April 27, 2014 from http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/tc/osteopenia-overview
Trimarchi, M. (n.d.). The Dangers of Low Cholesterol. Retrieved April 27, 2014 from http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/cardiovascular/cholesterol/dangers-of-low-cholesterol.htm