Vegetarian Diet Flaws
Lee Swanson Research Update
Dear Friends and Valued Customers:
Many people choose to follow vegetarian or vegan diets—for health and/or ethical reasons—and there can be many health advantages in doing so. Vegetarian diets tend to be low in saturated fats and rich in natural antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which can have a wide range of benefits throughout the body. However, along with the benefits of consuming a vegetarian diet, there are some nutritional pitfalls to watch out for.
One area where vegans and vegetarians may want to take special care is bone nutrition. While vegetarian diets are typically pretty good sources of bone-health nutrients like magnesium, potassium and vitamin K, they can often be lacking in calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients that play an important role in maintaining bone health. My first report this week takes a look at some of the nutrients vegetarians may be missing and should perhaps be supplementing to maintain adequate bone density and reduce their risk of fractures.
Some good news for vegetarians comes from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which recently published a study indicating that regular consumption of nuts and legumes may reduce the risk of heart disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and trial reports involving more than half a million subjects found that regular legume consumption significantly reduced the risk of heart attacks, while regular consumption of nuts was associated with decreased risk of heart disease and diabetes. Read my second report to find out more.
Finishing off this week we have a reminder that no two people are the same, and that includes their nutritional requirements. In this case, new research indicates that the human body's ability to absorb and use dietary lutein is largely determined by genetic factors. In a study involving 39 healthy men, researchers found a wide variation in the ability to absorb lutein, which they were able to attribute to DNA variations in 15 specific genes. My final report has the details.
As always, I wish you the very best of health.
Lee Swanson
Vegetarians May Need to Supplement Bone Health Nutrients
Vegetarians and vegans may want to supplement with bone-health nutrients to reduce fracture risk, according to nutritional scientists.
Eating Nuts and Legumes May Reduce Heart Disease Risk
People who regularly consume nuts and legumes may reduce their risk of heart disease, according to recent research.
Lutein Bioavailability Influenced by Genetics
New research suggests that the body's ability to use lutein is largely determined by genetics.
SwansonHealth Products@e.swansono-Vitamines.com