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Health Tips for Vegetarians
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Dietitian, Ingrid KAN, provides health tips for
Vegetarians:
Nutrients |
Health Tips |
Dietary Tips |
Proteins |
Proteins, constituted by different kinds of amino
acid, are the basic building blocks of our cells and
muscles. There are 20 kinds of amino acid we must
obtain from food. However, fruit and vegetables do not
contain all essential amino acids. Inadequate intake
of essential amino acids may reduce immunity and cause
malnutrition if severe.
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Replace meat with soya bean and its products, pulses,
dairy products, eggs and nuts in order to get all the
essential amino acids.
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Iron |
Iron is a core component of red blood cells. Low iron
level will lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
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Iron from plant sources is quite difficult for our
body to absorb. Foods containing iron include egg
yolk, dried bean (e.g. soya bean and red bean), nuts
(e.g. almond and walnut), dark leafy green vegetables
(e.g. spinach, broccoli, Chinese kale, Chinese
flowering cabbage and Chinese cabbage). Vitamin C can
promote the absorption of iron from plant sources.
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Calcium |
Calcium is an essential element for the growth of
bones and teeth, blood clotting, heart function and
muscle contraction.
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Vegetarians should consume adequate milk and dairy
products. Strict vegetarians are recommended to
consume calcium fortified soya milk, nuts and dark
leafy green vegetables. As Vitamin D promotes the
absorption of calcium, adequate exposure to sunlight
can help vitamin D production.
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Vitamin B12 |
Vitamin B12 is a crucial component in the production
of DNA and red blood cells and in the development of
the nervous system. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to
anaemia, slow growth and deficiency in nerve growth.
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A lacto-ovo-vegetarian can obtain vitamin B12 from
eggs and dairy products. As vitamin B12 is found
mostly in foods of animal origin. Strict vegetarians
should consume algae or seaweed. Supplements may also
be needed.
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Omega 3 Fatty Acids |
Omega 3 fatty acids help to reduce blood triglyceride
level and prevent the blocking of blood vessels. While
omega 3 fatty acids are present in various plant-based
and animal foods, deep-sea fishes contain the richest
source of omega 3 fatty acids.
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Vegetarians are recommended to consume nuts such as
walnut, almond and Brazil nut. Flaxseed is
particularly rich in vitamin B12.
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Extract from CookSmart, Issue 8 |
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