With
the increasing
number of food and health programmes on TV
these days many of us are questioning where
our food comes from and exactly how it gets
on our plate. |
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Apparently figures for vegetarianism are on the
increase, especially amongst school-age children
and teenagers, possibly a result of the recent coverage
of ‘inhumane’ living conditions of the animals we
eat. For some people the thought of eating animals
at all is abhorrent but others would simply like
to know that livestock has been reared in humane
conditions before slaughter. Of course this is purely
a personal choice and there are valid arguments
for both sides. But is is a fact that deciding not
to eat meat can have adverse effects on our health
if not approached correctly. Essential nutrients
can be lost when embarking on a vegetarian diet
and the balance must be re-dressed. It is always
a good idea to chat to your GP if you do choose
a vegetarian lifestyle and even more important if
you intend to be a vegan. It may be possible for
you to speak to the practice nutritionist to discuss
a balanced diet and the possible need for supplements.
Your local health food shop may be able to help
but remember they are a retail outlet like any other
therefore not always impartial. In either case the
most important thing in anyone’s dietary requirement
is the quality of the food we eat. In general it
is agreed that fresh food – fruit, vegetables, lean
meat, fresh fish etc., is far more beneficial to
one’s health than processed foods.
Most processed foods have been treated in some way
either with preservatives, colourings and additives
or by the addition of recognized ‘unhealthy’ fats,
and most doctors will agree that these chemical
additions are potentially hazardous to health, especially
for young children. It may be worth a trip to the
local library to read up on nutrition or you could
browse the many government approved websites on
food and health to help you follow a healthier diet.
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