Comments on: Is it true that society finally accepts that a vegetarian diet is better than a meaty diet? http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html Vegetarian Resource with Free Vegetarian Recipes Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:15:33 +0000 hourly 1 By: Whoosher http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html/comment-page-1#comment-5301 Whoosher Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:41:51 +0000 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html#comment-5301 A representative of one of these companies was interviewed on the Chris Evans show on Radio 2 this evening, talking about the very same thing. I have to say she did fudge the question a bit when Chris asked her how the company would prove that a claimant had or had not eaten meat. It basically came down to the fact that you answer the question "Are you a vegetarian?" on the application form and they take your word for it because they can't prove it one way or the other. It's great news though that our healthy lifestyles are recognised as being of such benefit! A representative of one of these companies was interviewed on the Chris Evans show on Radio 2 this evening, talking about the very same thing.

I have to say she did fudge the question a bit when Chris asked her how the company would prove that a claimant had or had not eaten meat. It basically came down to the fact that you answer the question "Are you a vegetarian?" on the application form and they take your word for it because they can’t prove it one way or the other.

It’s great news though that our healthy lifestyles are recognised as being of such benefit!

]]> By: Mrs. Maintenance http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html/comment-page-1#comment-5302 Mrs. Maintenance Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:41:51 +0000 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html#comment-5302 That's freaking awesome. I'm wanting to cut out more of the red meat from my diet and become more of a semi-vegetarian (and still consume dairy and eggs etc). I'm against factory farming in general and the beef and pork industries are the worst. I do however love meat and going semi-veg seems like it would be a good compromise. That’s freaking awesome. I’m wanting to cut out more of the red meat from my diet and become more of a semi-vegetarian (and still consume dairy and eggs etc). I’m against factory farming in general and the beef and pork industries are the worst. I do however love meat and going semi-veg seems like it would be a good compromise.

]]> By: wmf936 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html/comment-page-1#comment-5303 wmf936 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:41:51 +0000 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html#comment-5303 Yes. Yes.

]]> By: bpsgirl123 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html/comment-page-1#comment-5304 bpsgirl123 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:41:51 +0000 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html#comment-5304 It's a known fact that people who eat more fruits and vegetables seem to have a higher degree of health than those who choose otherwise, but I think it all has to do with the choice of foods you make. But like everything, certain types of meat, in moderation, have also proven to be good for people. It's the heavy meat eaters that are the one's who vegetarians may pay for, not the one's who limit red meat and allow fish and chicken into their diets. But again, the fruits and veggies do contain antioxidants and nutrients that seem to ward off cancer. But then look at my neighbors. They lived off of a diet that was suppossed to prevent cancer, only eating organic foods and veggies they grew in their yard, with careful research of everything they both were suppossed to eat. You guessed it, both of them ended up with Cancer. He died several years ago, she is considered a survivor! That wasn't suppossed to happen! It’s a known fact that people who eat more fruits and vegetables seem to have a higher degree of health than those who choose otherwise, but I think it all has to do with the choice of foods you make. But like everything, certain types of meat, in moderation, have also proven to be good for people. It’s the heavy meat eaters that are the one’s who vegetarians may pay for, not the one’s who limit red meat and allow fish and chicken into their diets. But again, the fruits and veggies do contain antioxidants and nutrients that seem to ward off cancer. But then look at my neighbors. They lived off of a diet that was suppossed to prevent cancer, only eating organic foods and veggies they grew in their yard, with careful research of everything they both were suppossed to eat. You guessed it, both of them ended up with Cancer. He died several years ago, she is considered a survivor! That wasn’t suppossed to happen!

]]> By: Vegetarian 4 life! http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html/comment-page-1#comment-5305 Vegetarian 4 life! Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:41:51 +0000 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html#comment-5305 I think so I was reading about it the other day if I only remembered the website...sorry :( I think so I was reading about it the other day if I only remembered the website…sorry :(

]]> By: TR http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html/comment-page-1#comment-5306 TR Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:41:51 +0000 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html#comment-5306 Addressing your original question, no, it's not true. Society in general doesn't think vegetarianism is necessarily better. Does that fact surprise you? The details of your question indicate that life insurance companies are proclaiming that vegetarians have a lower risk of certain diseases. That's true--then again, they have a higher risk of certain other maladies. Moreover, splitting people up into two groups--vegetarians and omnivores--is one of those oversimplifications that researchers ought to resist. There are literally hundreds of different diets out there; Atkins, Zone, South Beach, Blood-type, Vegetarian, Ovo-lactic, Vegan, Kosher, Halal. When I look at what passes for research into dietary benefits, I find little that's reliable. Dieticians, in my lifetime, have promoted (always supported by 'science') high-protein, high-carb, low-fat, high-fiber, high liquid, right-fat, right-carb, etc. etc. etc. I've been advised to eat lots of breads and pastas--and then not. It was wise to substitute margarine for butter--oops, mistake! I think the most reasonable attitude is the one that says we don't really know much about diet; that people who make decisions for their own diet need to be respected (within reason); that moderation and variety seems to be the only guideline that science has really proven. It's entirely possible that the portion of the population that consumes meat (six ounces of high-quality cuts per day) is the healthiest of all, and is subsidizing everyone else's health insurance--until the medical research can cut it that finely, I wouldn't jump to any haughty conclusions. We're on more solid ground if we try to get everyone to quit smoking, if health is our issue. Addressing your original question, no, it’s not true. Society in general doesn’t think vegetarianism is necessarily better. Does that fact surprise you?

The details of your question indicate that life insurance companies are proclaiming that vegetarians have a lower risk of certain diseases. That’s true–then again, they have a higher risk of certain other maladies.

Moreover, splitting people up into two groups–vegetarians and omnivores–is one of those oversimplifications that researchers ought to resist. There are literally hundreds of different diets out there; Atkins, Zone, South Beach, Blood-type, Vegetarian, Ovo-lactic, Vegan, Kosher, Halal.

When I look at what passes for research into dietary benefits, I find little that’s reliable. Dieticians, in my lifetime, have promoted (always supported by ‘science’) high-protein, high-carb, low-fat, high-fiber, high liquid, right-fat, right-carb, etc. etc. etc. I’ve been advised to eat lots of breads and pastas–and then not. It was wise to substitute margarine for butter–oops, mistake!

I think the most reasonable attitude is the one that says we don’t really know much about diet; that people who make decisions for their own diet need to be respected (within reason); that moderation and variety seems to be the only guideline that science has really proven.

It’s entirely possible that the portion of the population that consumes meat (six ounces of high-quality cuts per day) is the healthiest of all, and is subsidizing everyone else’s health insurance–until the medical research can cut it that finely, I wouldn’t jump to any haughty conclusions. We’re on more solid ground if we try to get everyone to quit smoking, if health is our issue.

]]> By: LSUballs http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html/comment-page-1#comment-5307 LSUballs Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:41:51 +0000 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html#comment-5307 I think that society accepted eating vegetables a long long time ago. When I was a kid, my parents pounded in my brain the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. I probably consume as many vegetables in a days time as you do. I also eat meat of all kinds, so unlike you I do not have to search vigorously for food items that contain protein and amino acids. I do not have to take supplements of any kind. I was a college athlete and I remain in excellent physical condition. The fact of the matter is, we are going to die. If cutting out meat will make me live until I am 92 years old as opposed to 91 years old, I am not interested. Both of my grandfathers live to be 90+ years old on a diet that would make you shudder in revulsion. Sorry, I am not buying what you are selling. I think that society accepted eating vegetables a long long time ago. When I was a kid, my parents pounded in my brain the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. I probably consume as many vegetables in a days time as you do. I also eat meat of all kinds, so unlike you I do not have to search vigorously for food items that contain protein and amino acids. I do not have to take supplements of any kind. I was a college athlete and I remain in excellent physical condition. The fact of the matter is, we are going to die. If cutting out meat will make me live until I am 92 years old as opposed to 91 years old, I am not interested. Both of my grandfathers live to be 90+ years old on a diet that would make you shudder in revulsion. Sorry, I am not buying what you are selling.

]]> By: tangerine http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html/comment-page-1#comment-5308 tangerine Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:41:51 +0000 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html#comment-5308 Wow! I didn't know this! I think it makes perfect sense, because people are now more aware of the health risks a high-fat, high-cholesterol, meat-based diet can pose. That's one reason why it's now more common to find vegetarian meat substitutes and soy milk on the grocery store shelves. And it's about time, too!:) Wow! I didn’t know this! I think it makes perfect sense, because people are now more aware of the health risks a high-fat, high-cholesterol, meat-based diet can pose. That’s one reason why it’s now more common to find vegetarian meat substitutes and soy milk on the grocery store shelves. And it’s about time, too!:)

]]> By: sympols_knut http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html/comment-page-1#comment-5309 sympols_knut Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:41:51 +0000 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html#comment-5309 I am not sure where the insurance companies are getting their information, but I believe that they may need to expand upon the policy that they seem to have adopted. The thing is that some vegetarian diets ARE heathier, but not because they are vegetarian diets. What makes them heathier is the amounts of lean protein that SOME vegetarians are consuming, usually in the the form of soy or whey protein. On the other end of this issue, there are also many non vegetarians (myself included), that eat diets that are just as, if not more heathy than the beforementioned vegetarian diets. Eating lean proteins, such as chicken breast, white fish, shell fish such as mussels, and lean cuts of properly prepared beef provide heathy and lean protein that your body needs. I am only mentioning the protein content of both of these diet options under the assumption that both also include proper amounts of fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy and grains. Also "diet" is not referring to what some people do to lose weight, but rather to what people choose to eat. My focus on the protein content of these diet options comes down to this; You can have a vegetarian who thinks that they are eating heathy by focusing on just fruits and vegetables, with occasional grains and maybe some soy products. The trouble is that if they are not replacing the meat that they are not eating, with protein from soy and whey products, their body will not be getting proper nutrition and will cause them to become less heathy over time and eventually lead to a comprimised immune system. On the other hand, a meat eater can do exactly the same thing to themselves by not eating the proper amounts of fruits an vegetables by focusing on just meats and starches. On the whole, it is all about balance, whether you eat meat or not. The fact still remains that we, as human animals, are omnivores. Our bodies need Proteins, vegetables, fruits, dairy, grains and starches in order for us to have proper nutrition. Back to my point about the insurance thing. I agree with them that the should give people who eat a HEALTHY vegetarian diet a break on their insurance. However, I do not think a blanket policy for all vegetarians is a good idea. Not all vegetarians eat the proper amounts of proteins, dairy and starches that they should. I believe a policy of checking what people eat on a regular basis, regardless of whether or not they eat meat, and having it evaluated by a clinical nutitionist as part of the application process for insurance would better way to evaluate the "heath" of each individual. Using generalizations of ANY group of people for purposes of lumping them into ANY category is bordering on discrimination, and these insurance companies in question my have legal problems in the future if they are not careful. Think about it. Saying ALL vegetarians are healty, is like saying ALL white people are rich. I am white, but I am NOT rich. I'm also a meat eater, but I AM healthy. ...and that is my humble opinion. I am not sure where the insurance companies are getting their information, but I believe that they may need to expand upon the policy that they seem to have adopted. The thing is that some vegetarian diets ARE heathier, but not because they are vegetarian diets. What makes them heathier is the amounts of lean protein that SOME vegetarians are consuming, usually in the the form of soy or whey protein. On the other end of this issue, there are also many non vegetarians (myself included), that eat diets that are just as, if not more heathy than the beforementioned vegetarian diets. Eating lean proteins, such as chicken breast, white fish, shell fish such as mussels, and lean cuts of properly prepared beef provide heathy and lean protein that your body needs.

I am only mentioning the protein content of both of these diet options under the assumption that both also include proper amounts of fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy and grains.

Also "diet" is not referring to what some people do to lose weight, but rather to what people choose to eat.

My focus on the protein content of these diet options comes down to this; You can have a vegetarian who thinks that they are eating heathy by focusing on just fruits and vegetables, with occasional grains and maybe some soy products. The trouble is that if they are not replacing the meat that they are not eating, with protein from soy and whey products, their body will not be getting proper nutrition and will cause them to become less heathy over time and eventually lead to a comprimised immune system. On the other hand, a meat eater can do exactly the same thing to themselves by not eating the proper amounts of fruits an vegetables by focusing on just meats and starches.

On the whole, it is all about balance, whether you eat meat or not. The fact still remains that we, as human animals, are omnivores. Our bodies need Proteins, vegetables, fruits, dairy, grains and starches in order for us to have proper nutrition.

Back to my point about the insurance thing. I agree with them that the should give people who eat a HEALTHY vegetarian diet a break on their insurance. However, I do not think a blanket policy for all vegetarians is a good idea. Not all vegetarians eat the proper amounts of proteins, dairy and starches that they should. I believe a policy of checking what people eat on a regular basis, regardless of whether or not they eat meat, and having it evaluated by a clinical nutitionist as part of the application process for insurance would better way to evaluate the "heath" of each individual. Using generalizations of ANY group of people for purposes of lumping them into ANY category is bordering on discrimination, and these insurance companies in question my have legal problems in the future if they are not careful.

Think about it. Saying ALL vegetarians are healty, is like saying ALL white people are rich.

I am white, but I am NOT rich. I’m also a meat eater, but I AM healthy.

…and that is my humble opinion.

]]> By: Scocasso ! http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html/comment-page-1#comment-5310 Scocasso ! Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:41:51 +0000 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html#comment-5310 Yes. And money talks. I'm underweight compared to most N. Americans who are usually overweight. So, my life insurance company seeing that I was low in weight compared to everyone else wanted to test me. They did. Hm, found nothing wrong. Ran more tests. Hm, I'm totally healthy -- interesting... I passed their tests. I didn't tell them about my diet, just told them that I'm highly athletic. It's also the reason there are so many organic farms popping up all over the place -- money talks... it's cheaper to produce yet they can sell it for more to idiots that think that better quality should mean high price. Yes. And money talks.
I’m underweight compared to most N. Americans who are usually overweight. So, my life insurance company seeing that I was low in weight compared to everyone else wanted to test me. They did. Hm, found nothing wrong. Ran more tests. Hm, I’m totally healthy — interesting… I passed their tests. I didn’t tell them about my diet, just told them that I’m highly athletic.

It’s also the reason there are so many organic farms popping up all over the place — money talks… it’s cheaper to produce yet they can sell it for more to idiots that think that better quality should mean high price.

]]> By: metro900 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html/comment-page-1#comment-5311 metro900 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:41:51 +0000 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html#comment-5311 Not all blood types are able to be vegetarians. If you are type 0 you probablly would not be able to do it because you need meat. I think the balance is needed. Yes, veggies and fruits are healthy, but some meat is needed also Not all blood types are able to be vegetarians. If you are type 0 you probablly would not be able to do it because you need meat. I think the balance is needed. Yes, veggies and fruits are healthy, but some meat is needed also

]]> By: andrea http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html/comment-page-1#comment-5312 andrea Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:41:51 +0000 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html#comment-5312 yep, i tried to convince people but they wouldnt listen yep, i tried to convince people but they wouldnt listen

]]> By: Spirit Princess http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html/comment-page-1#comment-5313 Spirit Princess Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:41:51 +0000 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html#comment-5313 Not in my society. McDonald's on every other corner and 2 slaughterhouses near my city. :*-( Not in my society. McDonald’s on every other corner and 2 slaughterhouses near my city. :*-(

]]> By: Sara M http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html/comment-page-1#comment-5314 Sara M Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:41:51 +0000 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html#comment-5314 I have to correct Metro900 who wrote: "Not all blood types are able to be vegetarians. If you are type 0 you probablly would not be able to do it because you need meat. I think the balance is needed. Yes, veggies and fruits are healthy, but some meat is needed also." That's just not true. There is nothing that precludes individuals with Type O blood from being vegetarian and healthy. By the way, I'm type O+ and a regular blood donor, and a perfectly healthy vegetarian. I have to correct Metro900 who wrote:
"Not all blood types are able to be vegetarians. If you are type 0 you probablly would not be able to do it because you need meat. I think the balance is needed. Yes, veggies and fruits are healthy, but some meat is needed also."

That’s just not true. There is nothing that precludes individuals with Type O blood from being vegetarian and healthy.

By the way, I’m type O+ and a regular blood donor, and a perfectly healthy vegetarian.

]]> By: rottincherrie http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html/comment-page-1#comment-5315 rottincherrie Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:41:51 +0000 http://www.becomingvegetarian.net/is-it-true-that-society-finally-accepts-that-a-vegetarian-diet-is-better-than-a-meaty-diet.html#comment-5315 Cool, dude! Didn't realize that people were so aware, everyone thinks I'm so skinny because I don't eat meat. Cool, dude! Didn’t realize that people were so aware, everyone thinks I’m so skinny because I don’t eat meat.

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