Some of the common myths about non-vegetarian diets
Food is an essential item for living beings that has a unique combination of want and need. It helps us nourish and relish at the same time. Once we have fulfilled our basic requirements of survival, we as humans look for tastes to please our taste palates. It is this search that led us to discover spices, explore cooking methods and find newer flavours. It even led to the segregation of food into vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. However, over time, efficacies of either have been questioned with several leading to unverified myths. Here’s a look at some of the common myths about non-vegetarian diets and how they stand before facts:
1.Non-veg food is high in toxins
It is often rumoured that non-vegetarian food is filled with toxins as it is higher up in the food pyramid. This, however, has little or no ground. As we opt for a cleaner and greener lifestyle, it is pretty obvious that toxin-free food is a prerequisite. Additionally, modern husbandry and rearing practices are strictly controlled by authorities. There are well-established guidelines for the sector which are adhered to by rearers. The upper and lower limits of nutrients and additives are also defined considering human health and safety. For this very reason, it is important to know where your meat is being sourced from. Buy meat Online from trusted sellers that provide quality meat that is ethically grown can help you win half the battle. This holds especially true for red meat. They make sure that the feed or fodder provided to the animals is of high quality thus eliminating chances of passing over toxins or contaminations.
2.Meat-eating leads to cancer
There have been so far no concrete findings linking meat consumption to increased risks. While some have indicated that having super-processed meat can have an effect, there still exists no direct threat to having quality meat. Non-vegetarians can just have fresh quality meat freely without having to worry about their health. However, it is important to always balance meals with meat and vegetables. As per research, studies indicated that one should have decided on the quantity of meat-based on age and body weight.
3.Vegetarian sources are enough for muscle building
Proteins are necessary building blocks when it comes to muscle building. Simply indulging in some strenuous exercise is not enough. You need to go the extra mile to let your body consume the extra protein in the form of a non-vegetarian diet. Vegetarian diets too can be high in protein. But the amount of food you will have to intake to match the protein intake from say meat or egg will have to be very high. Our bodies also require a mix of amino acids that cannot be found in one single source of protein. There are 10 essential amino acids which the body cannot make. They need to be taken through food. It is proven that meat and non-vegetarian food are rich sources of these essential amino acids especially sulphur amino acids.
4.Pregnant women should not have non-veg food
It has often been rumored that pregnant women should stay away from meat as it is not a good pregnancy food. However, doctors have strongly rubbished this claim. Infact, pregnancy demands high protein intake for abundant growth of the fetus. For those following a non-vegetarian diet, protein intake needs to be higher than usual during pregnancy to meet the requirements of all the amino acids. This means pregnant women favouring non-vegetarian food can opt to have meat, egg, chicken, etc to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. These are necessary pregnancy foods unless the mother is allergic or has different food preferences. This does not necessarily mean that vegetarians need to make a switch. So if you have been consuming meat, then continue to do so or even increase intake during pregnancy.
5.Non-vegetarian diets only have protein and no vitamin and mineral source
It is often wrongly assumed that non-vegetarian diets are rich only in protein and have no other added value. However, it has been measured that a 100-gram) serving of lamb liver provides an incredible 3,571% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin B12. Lamb liver is also very high in copper, selenium, and vitamins A and B2. The humble white egg can also be a source of trace elements like iron, selenium, iodine and chromium which are required for various body functions. They are co- factor in many metabolic processes. Meat diets similarly can be fine sources of minerals and vitamins. Fishes, in particular, are a great source of it. They contain the rare Omega3 which is not easily found in plant-based diets. Hence consuming the right balance of non-vegetarian items can help you get a nourishing meal.
Non-vegetarian diets can be wholesome and nutritious even when taken in small quantities. This is one of its largest differentiators with respect to the nutrient content of vegetarian diets. Even small supplies of chicken, meat, egg, fish and others on a regular basis can help maintain a balanced diet. It also keeps the body’s metabolism in check. So go dive into your favorite chicken dish unfettered.
