Christian Vegetarian Association Blog - Monday, March 19, 2007


	CVA BLOG

CVA Blog

Monday, March 19, 2007

Health Benefits of a Plant-based Diet

Welcome to the weekly CVA blog! In it you will find famous quotes, news and commentaries.

1. Survey indicates American prefer healthful foods to medicines

2. Famous quote – Steve Bjerklie, Executive Director, Meat Processing magazine

3. New study on bone health and different diets

4. Bible verse – 1 Peter 3:15

5. Ethical food might help UK farmers

6. Vegetarian LSU running back Keiland Williams

1. Survey indicates American prefer healthful foods to medicines: A recent survey, commissioned by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), indicates that 69% of Americans would rather treat diabetes with dietary changes (including a plant-based diet) than taking medications. The survey was conducted January 12 through 15, and included 515 women and 507 men, 18 years and older, living in the continental United States. Dr. Neal Barnard said “The idea that Americans would rather take pills than make diet changes is a myth."

To read the full article please visit http://www.pcrm.org/news/release070201.html

2. “Nearly every food consumers buy in supermarkets and order in restaurants can be eaten with certainty for its safety – except for meat and poultry products.”
~ Steve Bjerklie, Executive Director, Meat Processing magazine

3. New study on bone health and different diets: The results of a new study emphasize heavily on the need to meet the U.S. recommended intakes for calcium, especially if you are vegan (strict vegetarian).

The EPIC-Oxford study recruited 57,000 participants, including over 1,000 vegans and almost 10,000 lacto-ovo vegetarians (LOV), from 1993 to 2000. Researchers concluded that vegans had a 30% higher fracture rate than meat-eaters (after adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass, physical activity, marital status, and births and hormone replacement therapy for women); however, when calcium intake was adjusted for, the vegans no longer had a higher rate of fractures. In fact, among the subjects who got 525 mg of calcium a day (only 55% of the vegans compared to about 95% of the other diet groups), vegans had the same fracture rates as the other diet groups.

To read the full article please visit http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/bones

4. 1 Peter 3:15 : "In your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

As Christian vegetarians we share the belief that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Teacher, and that our choice of diet is deeply rooted in our Faith. Let's share with others with "gentleness and respect" how a plant-based diet shows obedience to God and love for all Creation.

5. Ethical food might help UK farmers: Supermarkets are looking into carrying more “ethical food” given their customer’s demand for food products that are local, organic and seasonal, as well as with high animal welfare, and environmental standards. This incentive is likely to help national farmers since already The Fairtrade Foundation provides a consumer label to guarantee disadvantaged farmers in the developing world get a better deal.

To read the full article please visit http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/
newsid/40566/story.htm
6. Vegetarian LSU running back Keiland Williams: This is another great example of an athlete who’s thriving on a vegetarian diet. Vegetarian football players are a rarity, but Keiland Williams, a Louisiana State University football player, proves that a plant-based diet can not only be healthy but also optimal for an athlete.
To read the full article please visit http://www.lsubeat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070307/SPORTS0202/703070305

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