Although it may seem like a fashionable topic, a recent ‘foodie’ trend or a way of life typical of the 21st century, the truth is that The history of vegetarianism dates back to various cultures and times throughout the world starting in ancient India, in 4000-3000 BC. c.
Perhaps that is why controversies surrounding this type of diet have occurred over time, with detractors and defenders of this diet which is, above all, according to its followers, a way of life in which one chooses not to eat meat or fish. Restrictions that increase in the case of vegans, which is the strictest form of vegetarianism, since it also avoids consumption or use of any product that comes from animals, including dairy, eggs, honey, leather goods, wool and silk.
Coinciding with the celebration these days of World Vegetarian Week, experts remember that whenever you opt for this lifestyle, you must Do it consciously and with appropriate advice.
In this sense, Mónica Herrera, vice president of the Official College of Dietitians and Nutritionists of Aragon, states that “if a vegetarian diet is chosen, which includes part of animal foods, such as eggs, dairy products or products derived from dairy products, We can live perfectly, but as long as we do it well. It is necessary to compensate for the foods that are not ingested with supplements that cover our needs. And, above all, you have to know what diet is appropriate for each person, taking into account whether you are a man or a woman, the type of work you do and your daily activity.”
For this graduate in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, and a graduate in Food Science and Technology, it is key that food intake is correct. “We cannot eat all the proteins at a specific time of the day and not eat anything the rest of the day. We must balance the diet and distribute the nutrients correctly,” he clarifies.
Regarding the profile of people who can opt for these diets, experts assure that it is a personal question, that everyone is free to choose it, although there is a group, children, who should eat everything. “It is essential that children eat all types of foods to know if they have intolerances or allergies. If you restrict foods, it may happen that, as adults, if they stop, they will have serious problems. For them, the Mediterranean diet is advisable,” clarifies Mónica Herrera.
Vegan, the most restrictive option
In the case of the vegan diet, experts confirm that it is much more restrictive and has more deficiencies because “our body is made to eat animal foods and supplementation is needed to cover and obtain the proteins that are not taken,” clarifies Herrero.
In any case, in one case or another it is very important to take into account all the aspects implicit in them. This is how María Luisa Bernal, a dietitian-nutritionist with more than 25 years of experience, remembers it, who indicates that “You have to pay close attention to the fine print. and complement these diets with vitamin supplements, such as B12 so that they are as complete as possible.”
This specialist in slimming diets flees from “existing radicalism in the vegan world” and warns that “it is necessary to follow the advice of nutrition specialists because there are times when, although it may seem like it is not possible, a vegetarian person comes to our office to lose weight. And that happens because they eat pasta, legumes or potatoes , which implies a lot of carbohydrates, since it is very difficult for them to be satisfied with vegetables,” he points out.
In addition, these diets can be counterproductive in people with certain diseases, such as diabetes, since the consumption of vegetables and fruits considerably influences sugar levels.
A question of an ethical nature
Aside from health or nutritional issues, there are many people who opt for this way of life due to ethical issues. This is what happens in the case of the young man from Zaragoza, Alejandro Cuartero, who has been a dairy-egg vegetarian for 6 years, when he turned fifteen and radically changed his perception of the animal world.
“I started to see them as just another living being that we live with, without differentiating between species. For me, a dog is the same as a chicken. I would never eat a dog, so why a chicken? So why people understood me, I started saying that I didn’t eat corpses,” he clarifies.
“For me, a dog is the same as a chicken. I would never eat a dog, so why a chicken?”
Today he assures that his experience is positive, “like that of any other person who defends an ethical or moral position and not just a diet. I’m not a vegetarian because I don’t like meat, in fact, I love it. I am a vegetarian because, today, I am aware of what the food industry brings and the abuse to which animals are exposed,” he says while emphasizing that “thanks to the different plant-based products that I find on the market I am offered the same possibilities as a person who does not follow this lifestyle. “I can eat everything, imitating flavors, textures and enjoying it without contributing to animal exploitation.”