Chapter 2, Problem 1ACTQ

Summary Introduction

To explain: The strengths and weaknesses of vegetarian diets.

Concept introduction:  The general terms that refer to the eating habit or pattern of an individual who does not consume meat food like poultry, fish, and other animal derived food as part of his or her staple diet are termed as vegetarian. This diet is known as vegetarian diet.

Explanation of Solution

Some of the strengths of vegetarian diets are given below:

• Vegetarian diets help to prevent and treat several diseases that include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, kidney diseases, dementia, and hypertension.
• Greenhouse gas emissions are twice as low in vegetarian diets when compared to meat diets.
• Vegetarian diets helps in weight loss.
• Vegetarian diets helps to maintain ideal body weight.
• Vegetarian diets are cost effective.
• Switching to vegetarian diet helps to reduce the demand for meat.
• Vegetarian diets are high in fibers, antioxidants and carbohydrates.
• Vegetarian diets helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
• Vegetarians helps to avoid the preservatives and additives found in meat.

Some of the weaknesses of vegetarian diets are given below:

• Amino acids are more in meat based food than plant based food.
• Levels of vitamin B12 are more in meat based food.
• Accumulation of phytic acid is found in plants.
• Accumulation of carbohydrates.
• Might cause fatigue.
• Low energy levels.
• Due to lack of certain vitamins or protein that is obtained from meat, it will lead to inability of the individual to put on muscle.