Nutrition

Can Vegans Get Enough Sustenance?

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Like clock work, almost every Friday at the firm where I pick my girlfriend up from, there is always pizza, sandwiches and sodas for the engineers and even their loved ones.

And just like the same clock-work, I always have to politely decline the offers to join in considering my rather strict (albeit basic and simple) dietetic choices because I only eat raw or properly cooked fruits and vegetables.

Now the common questions I hear when I mention this to anyone (which I’ve decided to stop doing by the way…) are “can vegans get enough sustenance?”. Besides that main one, the other ones are “What do you eat for protein?”, “It doesn’t sound very healthy to me, don’t you miss meat?”

Well, suffice it to say that even though these people may mean well with their intentions, the concerns may not be necessary.

I’m not trying to use this medium to be a pro-vegan or anything to that effect, but it’s safe to assume that almost everyone by now is aware of the benefits of a vegetarian diet, so I’ll avoid preaching to the choir in that regard.

However, as far as meeting our nutrient needs on such a diet, let’s go over the following:

1. “Where do you get your protein?”

The need of protein for the human body is about a nickel’s weight worth, the excess is basically excreted in urine. Based on research, the need for amino acids is highly exaggerated as only 16% or our body is protein.

2. What about Calcium?

Although milk is a source of calcium, you certainly don’t need milk to get plenty of calcium. The milk of any animal is basically too rich humans. It is highly acidic and mucus forming.

Now, to answer the question-can vegans get enough sustenance for calcium needs? Here’s some calcium-rich foods to try: spinach, collard greens, kale, fortified orange juice, sesame seeds, broccoli, almonds and carrots.

3. What about Iron?

According to nutritionist, Albert Mosseri; sufficient proof that anemia is not caused by lack of iron in a vegetarian diet is that the disease actually regresses during fasting!

4. Okay, What about B12…answer that!

The truth is if you used to eat meat, you may already have enough B12 stored in your body to be recycled and re-used for up to twenty or thirty years.

Moreover, those who insist that you may at risk of a vitamin b12 deficiency as a vegetarian are as likely to be deficient as you are. That’s because B12 deficiency tends to be caused more often by poor absorption than by inadequate intake.

I admit, though some non-vegetarians show bodily vigor, they usually do not possess the vegetarian’s endurance and strength. Take a look at Bill Pearl, five-time winner of the Mr. Universe pageant.

So, if you are still curious to know if a vegetarian can get enough nutrients, well no worries, they can.

To Health,

Aje

by Foras Aje
About the Author: Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. Stop by His Fasting for Weight Loss Blog today for more information on this Article addressing: “can vegetarians get enough nutrition?”

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