A Couple of Basic Questions

[Guest guest]

I have recently read The China Study and it certainly presents good scientific

evidence for

veganism from a health point of view. However, I have a couple of basic

questions. I tried

contacting the author but I guess he is busy. Please note - I realize that there

are also ethical considerations to veganism, but would like to concentrate on

the scientific/

health related ones for the purposes of this post.

 

First, some people say that humans evolved as meat eaters and so it is not

natural to exclude

meat from the diet. Is this true?

 

Second, haven't there been some cultures that thrived on diets heavy in meat -

for instance,

Eskimos living on whale meat. Also, aren't there cultures in Asia that eat a lot

of yogurt and

are famous for their longevity? (Of course, I am talking here about

unadulterated meat and

dairy products). Wouldn't these examples, if true, contradict the idea that

meat/dairy is

inherently unhealthy?

 

Thanks.

[Guest guest]

I believe the Eskimos do have their diet-related health problems -

for instance, abnormal clotting times.

 

I think that people who in Asia who consume yogurt etc. do not have a

lot of it, in comparison to what people in the west eat.

 

Jo

 

, " pixel_a_ted " <pixel_a_ted

wrote:

>

> I have recently read The China Study and it certainly presents good

scientific evidence for

> veganism from a health point of view. However, I have a couple of

basic questions. I tried

> contacting the author but I guess he is busy. Please note - I

realize that there

> are also ethical considerations to veganism, but would like to

concentrate on the scientific/

> health related ones for the purposes of this post.

>

> First, some people say that humans evolved as meat eaters and so it

is not natural to exclude

> meat from the diet. Is this true?

>

> Second, haven't there been some cultures that thrived on diets

heavy in meat - for instance,

> Eskimos living on whale meat. Also, aren't there cultures in Asia

that eat a lot of yogurt and

> are famous for their longevity? (Of course, I am talking here about

unadulterated meat and

> dairy products). Wouldn't these examples, if true, contradict the

idea that meat/dairy is

> inherently unhealthy?

>

> Thanks.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jo

 

I seem to recall reading that the average healthy Inuit has a considerably shorter life expectancy than the average Western European (by as much as 20 to 30 years I believe). Anyone have any exact figures?

 

BB

Peter

On 25/09/06, heartwerk <jo.heartwork wrote:

I believe the Eskimos do have their diet-related health problems -for instance, abnormal clotting times.

I think that people who in Asia who consume yogurt etc. do not have alot of it, in comparison to what people in the west eat.Jo

, " pixel_a_ted " <pixel_a_tedwrote:>> I have recently read The China Study and it certainly presents goodscientific evidence for> veganism from a health point of view. However, I have a couple of

basic questions. I tried> contacting the author but I guess he is busy. Please note - Irealize that there> are also ethical considerations to veganism, but would like toconcentrate on the scientific/

> health related ones for the purposes of this post.>> First, some people say that humans evolved as meat eaters and so itis not natural to exclude> meat from the diet. Is this true?>

> Second, haven't there been some cultures that thrived on dietsheavy in meat - for instance,> Eskimos living on whale meat. Also, aren't there cultures in Asiathat eat a lot of yogurt and> are famous for their longevity? (Of course, I am talking here about

unadulterated meat and> dairy products). Wouldn't these examples, if true, contradict theidea that meat/dairy is> inherently unhealthy?>> Thanks.>To send an email to -

[Guest guest]

hi ted,

 

well recently there was a conference in New Zealand in which 300

scientists attended. In this conference they revealed a report that

humans are more genetically suited towards vegetarianism, due to the

fact that we share the same kidney enzyme as hervibores such as

horses and rabbits.

here is the report if you are interested.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3781716a7144,00.html

 

My personally opinion is that humans have not evolve to eat meat.

there are lots of reasons that make it unnatural in a human body.

some that I can think of;

 

our intestines for one, and the fact that colon cancer appears to be

related to the slow digestion of meat making it a toxic environment

for it in our colons.

 

another reason is,

why is heart disease the # 1 killer? Animal fats, clog our arteries,

fruits and vegetables just do not do that.

 

another thing that I am thinking of, is

what essential vitamins does meat have that we simply could not

live without?

 

for instance, no one has ever died, due to lack of protein.

while the vitamins in fruits and vegetables

are essential.

for example, vitamin C, phytonutrients and antioxidants.

 

as for the yogurt part, I am not familiar.

but I do know that the Okinawans of Japan

are one of the longest lived people in the world

and they eat mostly roots, vegetables, legumes and

very little fish. but no dairy.

 

-anouk

 

 

 

 

 

, " pixel_a_ted " <pixel_a_ted wrote:

>

> I have recently read The China Study and it certainly presents good

scientific evidence for

> veganism from a health point of view. However, I have a couple of

basic questions. I tried

> contacting the author but I guess he is busy. Please note - I

realize that there

> are also ethical considerations to veganism, but would like to

concentrate on the scientific/

> health related ones for the purposes of this post.

>

> First, some people say that humans evolved as meat eaters and so it

is not natural to exclude

> meat from the diet. Is this true?

>

> Second, haven't there been some cultures that thrived on diets heavy

in meat - for instance,

> Eskimos living on whale meat. Also, aren't there cultures in Asia

that eat a lot of yogurt and

> are famous for their longevity? (Of course, I am talking here about

unadulterated meat and

> dairy products). Wouldn't these examples, if true, contradict the

idea that meat/dairy is

> inherently unhealthy?

>

> Thanks.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Peter,

 

I do not know the lifespan of the Eskimos,

 

however I DO know that they consume a lot of fish,

These fish have Omega 3 oils in them.

Omega 3's are anti-cancer, so there are less incidences

of breast cancers and other diseases among them.

 

Does this mean that eating meat is healthier?

 

No, because Fish DO NOT have omega 3's in them.

 

They get omega 3's(DHA) in their body by eating seaweed and

cold-water microalgae.

 

If you put a salmon in clean clear water with no algae, he/she will

not have an omega

3's in his/her body. So fish farmers add it to the fish meal.

 

I cut out the middelman (the fish) and get my DHA derived directly

from algae plants.

 

A rich sources of vegan DHA i buy from www.veganessentials.com,

which is called Omega 3 Zen.

 

The US government is constantly advising The american people to eat

more fish, however this is irresponsible because they do not

warn people enough of the dangers of Mercury, that go along with

eating fish.

 

 

Chicken also don't have Omega 3's in them. Their diet is altered and

fed a special diet of 20% flaxseeds! So again, I skip the eggs,

because the fat content and cholesterol level remain the same, and

drink flaxseed tea. (or hemp products)

 

Scientists contemplate that there was once a time when humans had

plenty of Omega 3's in our system, more so than any other oil.

 

It was when we humans were fish. Therefore eating algae, and

plankton (plants rich in omega 3)

made us smart enough to make that leap into land, and we've been

missing it ever since.

 

-anouk

 

 

 

 

, " Peter Kebbell " <metalscarab

wrote:

>

> Hi Jo

>

> I seem to recall reading that the average healthy Inuit has a

considerably

> shorter life expectancy than the average Western European (by as

much as 20

> to 30 years I believe). Anyone have any exact figures?

>

> BB

> Peter

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your posts on this Anouk - you have given some interesting

information.

 

Jo

 

-

" Anouk Sickler " <zurumato

 

Monday, September 25, 2006 5:51 PM

Re: A Couple of Basic Questions

 

 

> Hi Peter,

>

> I do not know the lifespan of the Eskimos,

>

> however I DO know that they consume a lot of fish,

> These fish have Omega 3 oils in them.

> Omega 3's are anti-cancer, so there are less incidences

> of breast cancers and other diseases among them.

>

> Does this mean that eating meat is healthier?

>

> No, because Fish DO NOT have omega 3's in them.

>

> They get omega 3's(DHA) in their body by eating seaweed and

> cold-water microalgae.

>

> If you put a salmon in clean clear water with no algae, he/she will

> not have an omega

> 3's in his/her body. So fish farmers add it to the fish meal.

>

> I cut out the middelman (the fish) and get my DHA derived directly

> from algae plants.

>

> A rich sources of vegan DHA i buy from www.veganessentials.com,

> which is called Omega 3 Zen.

>

> The US government is constantly advising The american people to eat

> more fish, however this is irresponsible because they do not

> warn people enough of the dangers of Mercury, that go along with

> eating fish.

>

>

> Chicken also don't have Omega 3's in them. Their diet is altered and

> fed a special diet of 20% flaxseeds! So again, I skip the eggs,

> because the fat content and cholesterol level remain the same, and

> drink flaxseed tea. (or hemp products)

>

> Scientists contemplate that there was once a time when humans had

> plenty of Omega 3's in our system, more so than any other oil.

>

> It was when we humans were fish. Therefore eating algae, and

> plankton (plants rich in omega 3)

> made us smart enough to make that leap into land, and we've been

> missing it ever since.

>

> -anouk

>

>

>

>

> , " Peter Kebbell " <metalscarab

> wrote:

> >

> > Hi Jo

> >

> > I seem to recall reading that the average healthy Inuit has a

> considerably

> > shorter life expectancy than the average Western European (by as

> much as 20

> > to 30 years I believe). Anyone have any exact figures?

> >

> > BB

> > Peter

To send an email to -

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Peter

 

I did a search on the internet for 'life expectency of Innuit' and came across this:

The life expectancy of Aboriginal men is roughly 7 years shorter than that of the average non--Aboriginal Canadian male. The life expectancy of Aboriginal women is approximately 6.5 years lower than that of the average non-Aboriginal Canadian female. Inuit have the lowest life expectancy of all Aboriginal peoples, followed by those living on-reserve

 

I don't know what part of this is due to diet as mention is made of a high suicide rate (although that could be diet-related in itself).

 

BBJo

 

-

Peter Kebbell

Monday, September 25, 2006 9:28 AM

Re: Re: A Couple of Basic Questions

 

Hi Jo

 

I seem to recall reading that the average healthy Inuit has a considerably shorter life expectancy than the average Western European (by as much as 20 to 30 years I believe). Anyone have any exact figures?

 

BB

Peter

On 25/09/06, heartwerk <jo.heartwork wrote: I believe the Eskimos do have their diet-related health problems -for instance, abnormal clotting times. I think that people who in Asia who consume yogurt etc. do not have alot of it, in comparison to what people in the west eat.Jo , "pixel_a_ted" <pixel_a_tedwrote:>> I have recently read The China Study and it certainly presents goodscientific evidence for> veganism from a health point of view. However, I have a couple of basic questions. I tried> contacting the author but I guess he is busy. Please note - Irealize that there> are also ethical considerations to veganism, but would like toconcentrate on the scientific/ > health related ones for the purposes of this post.>> First, some people say that humans evolved as meat eaters and so itis not natural to exclude> meat from the diet. Is this true?> > Second, haven't there been some cultures that thrived on dietsheavy in meat - for instance,> Eskimos living on whale meat. Also, aren't there cultures in Asiathat eat a lot of yogurt and> are famous for their longevity? (Of course, I am talking here about unadulterated meat and> dairy products). Wouldn't these examples, if true, contradict theidea that meat/dairy is> inherently unhealthy?>> Thanks.>To send an email to -

[Guest guest]

Plus, it has to be said its a harsher enviroment and so I would expect the lifespan to be shorter. Any truth in that old tale that when their wives/mothers were too old or had no teeth to chew that they were considered useless, and in some extreme cases sent out on their own? The Valley Vegan.............Anouk Sickler <zurumato wrote: Hi Peter,I do not know the lifespan of the Eskimos, however I DO know that they consume a lot of fish, These fish have Omega 3 oils in them.Omega 3's are anti-cancer, so there are less incidences of breast cancers and other diseases among them. Does this mean that eating meat is healthier?No, because Fish DO NOT have omega 3's in them. They get omega 3's(DHA) in their body by eating seaweed

andcold-water microalgae. If you put a salmon in clean clear water with no algae, he/she willnot have an omega 3's in his/her body. So fish farmers add it to the fish meal.I cut out the middelman (the fish) and get my DHA derived directlyfrom algae plants. A rich sources of vegan DHA i buy from www.veganessentials.com, which is called Omega 3 Zen. The US government is constantly advising The american people to eatmore fish, however this is irresponsible because they do not warn people enough of the dangers of Mercury, that go along witheating fish. Chicken also don't have Omega 3's in them. Their diet is altered andfed a special diet of 20% flaxseeds! So again, I skip the eggs,because the fat content and cholesterol level remain the same, anddrink flaxseed tea. (or hemp products)Scientists contemplate that there was once a time when humans had plenty of Omega 3's in our

system, more so than any other oil. It was when we humans were fish. Therefore eating algae, andplankton (plants rich in omega 3)made us smart enough to make that leap into land, and we've beenmissing it ever since. -anouk , "Peter Kebbell" wrote:>> Hi Jo> > I seem to recall reading that the average healthy Inuit has aconsiderably> shorter life expectancy than the average Western European (by asmuch as 20> to 30 years I believe). Anyone have any exact figures?> > BB> PeterTo send an email to -

[Guest guest]

Hi

 

I'm a newbie and I have a couple of questions - DH doesn't think that

a vegan diet is good enough and is trying to discourage me. Right now,

I'm lacto-ovo, but very light on the eggs and cheese since I have a

family history of high cholesterol.

 

Also, he DOES NOT want our 9yo with autism to be vegetarian; he believes

what his mother says, that " children need meat and dairy to be healthy " .

 

Any advice? I already don't particularly care to prepare and cook

meat, and it's only been 10 days!

 

Maggie

San Ramon

[Guest guest]

Hi Maggie

 

Welcome to Vegan Chat :-)

 

The statistics show that vegans live about 5 years longer than meat-

eaters. This proves that a vegan diet is perfectly adequate and more

healthy than eating meat.

 

I don't know much about raising vegan children, but I would imagine

that if you make sure they have a well-rounded diet that provides

plenty of calories, protein and minerals, they would be very healthy

children.

 

Jo

 

, " maggiemacg " <maggiemacg

wrote:

>

> Hi

>

> I'm a newbie and I have a couple of questions - DH doesn't think

that

> a vegan diet is good enough and is trying to discourage me. Right

now,

> I'm lacto-ovo, but very light on the eggs and cheese since I have a

> family history of high cholesterol.

>

> Also, he DOES NOT want our 9yo with autism to be vegetarian; he

believes

> what his mother says, that " children need meat and dairy to be

healthy " .

>

> Any advice? I already don't particularly care to prepare and cook

> meat, and it's only been 10 days!

>

> Maggie

> San Ramon

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Maggie

 

You could simply pointout that a vegan diet was good enough for Carl Lewis and Martina Navratilova. And then there was Donald Watson (founder of the Vegan Society) who was still actively taking part in mountain climbing in his mid 90s.

 

 

BB

Peter

On 25/09/06, maggiemacg <maggiemacg wrote:

 

HiI'm a newbie and I have a couple of questions - DH doesn't think thata vegan diet is good enough and is trying to discourage me. Right now,

I'm lacto-ovo, but very light on the eggs and cheese since I have afamily history of high cholesterol.Also, he DOES NOT want our 9yo with autism to be vegetarian; he believeswhat his mother says, that " children need meat and dairy to be healthy " .

Any advice? I already don't particularly care to prepare and cookmeat, and it's only been 10 days!MaggieSan RamonTo send an email to

-

[Guest guest]

Hi Maggie, My kids are 10 and 12, and have bot been vegetarian since birth, and are not overweight, the eldest being one of the tallest ( including the boys ) in her class at school. The reason they are vegetarian and not vegan is that it was a compromise with my flesh eating wife...............my point being, my kids have hardly been ill since birth, and seem to shrug off colds etc quicker than a lot of their peers. The Valley Vegan................"maggiemacg" <maggiemacg wrote: HiI'm a newbie and I have a couple of questions - DH doesn't think thata vegan diet is good enough and is trying to discourage me. Right now,I'm lacto-ovo, but very light on the eggs and cheese since I have afamily history of high cholesterol.Also, he

DOES NOT want our 9yo with autism to be vegetarian; he believeswhat his mother says, that "children need meat and dairy to be healthy".Any advice? I already don't particularly care to prepare and cookmeat, and it's only been 10 days!MaggieSan RamonTo send an email to -

[Guest guest]

> I did a search on the internet for 'life expectency of Innuit' and

came across this:

> The life expectancy of Aboriginal men is roughly 7 years shorter

than that of the average non--Aboriginal Canadian male. The life

expectancy of Aboriginal women is approximately 6.5 years lower than

that of the average non-Aboriginal Canadian female. Inuit have the

lowest life expectancy of all Aboriginal peoples, followed by those

living on-reserve

>

> I don't know what part of this is due to diet as mention is made of

a high suicide rate (although that could be diet-related in itself).

>

If you're talking about their life expectancy today, we may have to

take into account the changes that have taken place due to these

people having adopted the eating habits of the western world plus

other factors (poverty, etc.) that would lead to unhealthy lifestyles.

My original post was more about traditional societies that depended

solely? on fish.

[Guest guest]

Hi

 

I will repeat that statistics show that vegans live longer than meat and

fish eaters - can't really say anymore. Do you have an angle here?

 

Jo

 

-

" pixel_a_ted " <pixel_a_ted

 

Thursday, September 28, 2006 12:56 AM

Re: A Couple of Basic Questions

 

 

> > I did a search on the internet for 'life expectency of Innuit' and

> came across this:

> > The life expectancy of Aboriginal men is roughly 7 years shorter

> than that of the average non--Aboriginal Canadian male. The life

> expectancy of Aboriginal women is approximately 6.5 years lower than

> that of the average non-Aboriginal Canadian female. Inuit have the

> lowest life expectancy of all Aboriginal peoples, followed by those

> living on-reserve

> >

> > I don't know what part of this is due to diet as mention is made of

> a high suicide rate (although that could be diet-related in itself).

> >

> If you're talking about their life expectancy today, we may have to

> take into account the changes that have taken place due to these

> people having adopted the eating habits of the western world plus

> other factors (poverty, etc.) that would lead to unhealthy lifestyles.

> My original post was more about traditional societies that depended

> solely? on fish.

>

To send an email to -

>

[Guest guest]

> I will repeat that statistics show that vegans live longer than meat

> and fish eaters - can't really say anymore. Do you have an angle

> here?

>

> Jo

 

No angle other than just trying to understand the facts/science behind

the vegan diet (which, by the way, I support).

[Guest guest]

I thought Anouk had already answered this? The Valley Vegan............pixel_a_ted <pixel_a_ted wrote: > I did a search on the internet for 'life expectency of Innuit' andcame across this: > The life expectancy of Aboriginal men is roughly 7 years shorterthan that of the average non--Aboriginal Canadian male. The lifeexpectancy of Aboriginal women is approximately 6.5 years lower thanthat of the average non-Aboriginal Canadian female. Inuit have thelowest life expectancy of all Aboriginal peoples, followed by thoseliving on-reserve> > I don't know what part of this is due to diet as mention is made ofa high suicide rate (although that could be diet-related in itself).> If you're talking about their life expectancy today, we may have

totake into account the changes that have taken place due to thesepeople having adopted the eating habits of the western world plusother factors (poverty, etc.) that would lead to unhealthy lifestyles.My original post was more about traditional societies that dependedsolely? on fish.To send an email to -

[Guest guest]

yes, there also are Mcdonald's in alaska,

 

so that has to be taken into account,

 

I am not an expert, nor have I ever met an alaskan eskimo,

however, I suspect that they don't have a whole lot

of access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

Fish eating we assume is cultural, just like people from Maine,

usually eat lobsters.

 

I believe that fish cannot be healthy since

the negative outweight the positive in terms of healh.

 

There is so much mercury pollution and other chemicals in our

oceans, that I wouldn't trust them as a food source.

 

Even the EPA is now warning people not to eat fish,

and they have put out a list of the few fish that they think

are ok to eat.

Nutrition magazines that I come upon, however,

continue to irresponsibly tell people that eating more fish

is beneficial. Just like they continue to print that drinking

milk is a good source of calcium.

 

Since the Eskimos are getting Omega 3's in their diet from fish,

this would play a part in their health.

But fish are not intrinsically healthy since they get

omega 3's from plant sources, microalgae, plankton. That is the

only reason that they carry these beneficial oils.

 

This information can be found in the book " Becoming Vegan "

Studies have shown that the omega 3's found in fish oil is

chemically identical to the ones found in the very same plant

source that they feed on.

 

From this we can conclude that it is not the fish that is a health

food, but the plants that they consume.

 

-anouk

 

 

 

 

 

 

, " pixel_a_ted " <pixel_a_ted wrote:

>

> > I will repeat that statistics show that vegans live longer than meat

> > and fish eaters - can't really say anymore. Do you have an angle

> > here?

> >

> > Jo

>

> No angle other than just trying to understand the facts/science behind

> the vegan diet (which, by the way, I support).

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Ted,

 

there is a new book out, just published this month which

you might be interested in reading,

 

it is called Healthy at 100, by John Robbins,(former heir to the

Basking Robbins Ice Cream Corporation)

 

entailing the benefits

of the vegan diet, and elaborating on the dietary habits

of the longest lived peoples of this planet.

 

 

I have just bought it, and can't wait to read it.

 

-anouk

 

 

, " jo " <jo.heartwork wrote:

>

> Hi

>

> I will repeat that statistics show that vegans live longer than meat and

> fish eaters - can't really say anymore. Do you have an angle here?

>

> Jo

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Maggie,

 

if you are trying to make a transition, or at least have educated

information for your husband, my advice is to read books

and to belong to groups like this one and others.

 

I myself, have learned a lot just by reading people's email,

people who have been vegan for a long time, and to just keep

informed of the latest animal/vegan news.

 

I think that you need the support of other vegan/vegetarian people

even if it is online. Is there a Vegetarian Meetup.com,in your town?

 

that is a good way to meet others for support.

 

I have two little vegan boys, and they almost never get sick and

are upper percentile in all charts.

I have picture of them in my flog.

http://www.fotolog.com/zurumato

 

let me know if you have questions on raising vegetarian/vegan children

also there is a book out (available at wholefoods)

called Raising Vegetarian Children.

 

As far as your husbands, opinion goes..

 

all I have to say is, you can be the walking, talking, prove

of the healthfulness of your diet.

no need to say a lot of words to him.

 

-anouk

 

 

, peter VV <swpgh01 wrote:

>

> Hi Maggie,

> My kids are 10 and 12, and have bot been vegetarian since birth,

and are not overweight, the eldest being one of the tallest (

including the boys ) in her class at school.

> The reason they are vegetarian and not vegan is that it was a

compromise with my flesh eating wife...............my point being, my

kids have hardly been ill since birth, and seem to shrug off colds etc

quicker than a lot of their peers.

>

> The Valley Vegan................

>

> " maggiemacg " <maggiemacg wrote:

> Hi

>

> I'm a newbie and I have a couple of questions - DH doesn't think that

> a vegan diet is good enough and is trying to discourage me. Right now,

> I'm lacto-ovo, but very light on the eggs and cheese since I have a

> family history of high cholesterol.

>

> Also, he DOES NOT want our 9yo with autism to be vegetarian; he believes

> what his mother says, that " children need meat and dairy to be healthy " .

>

> Any advice? I already don't particularly care to prepare and cook

> meat, and it's only been 10 days!

>

> Maggie

> San Ramon

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Anouk - a very helpful answer.

 

Jo

 

-

" Anouk Sickler " <zurumato

 

Friday, September 29, 2006 4:21 AM

Re: A Couple of Basic Questions

 

 

> yes, there also are Mcdonald's in alaska,

>

> so that has to be taken into account,

>

> I am not an expert, nor have I ever met an alaskan eskimo,

> however, I suspect that they don't have a whole lot

> of access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

>

> Fish eating we assume is cultural, just like people from Maine,

> usually eat lobsters.

>

> I believe that fish cannot be healthy since

> the negative outweight the positive in terms of healh.

>

> There is so much mercury pollution and other chemicals in our

> oceans, that I wouldn't trust them as a food source.

>

> Even the EPA is now warning people not to eat fish,

> and they have put out a list of the few fish that they think

> are ok to eat.

> Nutrition magazines that I come upon, however,

> continue to irresponsibly tell people that eating more fish

> is beneficial. Just like they continue to print that drinking

> milk is a good source of calcium.

>

> Since the Eskimos are getting Omega 3's in their diet from fish,

> this would play a part in their health.

> But fish are not intrinsically healthy since they get

> omega 3's from plant sources, microalgae, plankton. That is the

> only reason that they carry these beneficial oils.

>

> This information can be found in the book " Becoming Vegan "

> Studies have shown that the omega 3's found in fish oil is

> chemically identical to the ones found in the very same plant

> source that they feed on.

>

> From this we can conclude that it is not the fish that is a health

> food, but the plants that they consume.

>

> -anouk

, " pixel_a_ted " <pixel_a_ted wrote:

> >

> > > I will repeat that statistics show that vegans live longer than meat

> > > and fish eaters - can't really say anymore. Do you have an angle

> > > here?

> > >

> > > Jo

> >

> > No angle other than just trying to understand the facts/science behind

> > the vegan diet (which, by the way, I support).

> >

To send an email to -

>

[Guest guest]

I have heard that chemicals tend to accumulate in the fatty deposits in oily fish. The Valley Vegan................jo <jo.heartwork wrote: Thanks Anouk - a very helpful answer.Jo- "Anouk Sickler" Friday, September 29, 2006 4:21 AM Re: A Couple of Basic Questions> yes, there also are Mcdonald's in alaska, > > so that has to be taken into account, > > I am not an expert, nor have I ever met an alaskan eskimo,> however, I suspect that they don't have a whole lot > of access to fresh fruits and vegetables.> > Fish eating we assume is cultural, just like people from Maine, >

usually eat lobsters. > > I believe that fish cannot be healthy since> the negative outweight the positive in terms of healh.> > There is so much mercury pollution and other chemicals in our > oceans, that I wouldn't trust them as a food source. > > Even the EPA is now warning people not to eat fish,> and they have put out a list of the few fish that they think > are ok to eat. > Nutrition magazines that I come upon, however,> continue to irresponsibly tell people that eating more fish > is beneficial. Just like they continue to print that drinking > milk is a good source of calcium. > > Since the Eskimos are getting Omega 3's in their diet from fish,> this would play a part in their health. > But fish are not intrinsically healthy since they get > omega 3's from plant sources, microalgae, plankton. That is the > only reason that they

carry these beneficial oils. > > This information can be found in the book "Becoming Vegan"> Studies have shown that the omega 3's found in fish oil is > chemically identical to the ones found in the very same plant> source that they feed on. > > From this we can conclude that it is not the fish that is a health> food, but the plants that they consume.> > -anouk> > > > > > > , "pixel_a_ted" wrote:> >> > > I will repeat that statistics show that vegans live longer than meat> > > and fish eaters - can't really say anymore. Do you have an angle > > > here?> > > > > > Jo> > > > No angle other than just trying to understand the facts/science behind> > the vegan diet (which, by the way, I support).>

>> > > > > > > To send an email to - >

[Guest guest]

Hi Maggie and WELCOME!

 

Rather than re-state what everyone else has said because I am so far

behind on posts, I will wait to see what advice you have gotten. But I

did want to say hi.

 

My DH and son (8) are both " carnivores " . I am the only Vegan in the

house. It is VERY difficult at times and was especially in the beginning.

 

But I do not push them on their choices and they do not push me. We

have agreed that everyone should have a right to decide what they want

to do and how they want to live their lives. I can say it was not

always easy and still isn't at times. I sit at a dinner table where

meat products are served frequently and it turns my stomach and at

times brings me near tears. But, they were supportive of my change, I

am supportive of them. Like any choice in a family, that is how it

should be.

 

Give it some time. This is a HUGE life change for the better that you

have made and your hubby probably just does not understand why. Try to

be supportive to him in this time to get him to be supportive of you.

Don't forget that this is a big change for him as well.

 

Now after 5 years, my family eats alot of my food too. After exposure

and taste testing they like my substitutes. My son who will never try

anything new loves my soy ribs! DH loves the spicy soy chicken.

 

So it will take time and it won't be easy, I won't lie to you. But

every little step helps.

 

Talk to your hubby and let him know that you will be fine. That is

probably his biggest worry right now. That and the fact that you may

try to " convert " him. LOL

 

Let him know that you accept his life decisions and you ask that he

accepts yours.

 

I swore to DH when I first started that if I got sick or could not

properly get the right nutrients I would go back to animal products. 5

years later I am happier and healthier than I have ever been. It

wasn't easy in the beginning, but now it is alot easier to have the

seperate meals.

 

If ever I can help or you need someone to lean on, please just give me

a yell!

 

((hugz)) and Welcome!

 

Nikki

 

, " maggiemacg " <maggiemacg

wrote:

>

> Hi

>

> I'm a newbie and I have a couple of questions - DH doesn't think that

> a vegan diet is good enough and is trying to discourage me. Right now,

> I'm lacto-ovo, but very light on the eggs and cheese since I have a

> family history of high cholesterol.

>

> Also, he DOES NOT want our 9yo with autism to be vegetarian; he believes

> what his mother says, that " children need meat and dairy to be healthy " .

>

> Any advice? I already don't particularly care to prepare and cook

> meat, and it's only been 10 days!

>

> Maggie

> San Ramon

>