Introduction
People choose to become vegetarians
for a number of reasons – ranging
from family and peer pressure, to concerns about animal welfare, the
environment and recent food safety scares – but a growing number
are making the switch because of the health benefits of giving up meat
and animal products.
I am not a vegetarian myself
but have long supported and encouraged patients of mine who have decided
to give vegetarianism a try. Unfortunately
vegetarianism remains surrounded by all sorts of myths and prejudices – many
of them founded historically by a sceptical medical profession. Attitudes
are changing rapidly as more and more evidence emerges showing the health
benefits of giving up meat and animal products but, like all healthy
diets, getting the most out of becoming a vegetarian requires a bit of
research and planning, and there is no better place to turn to for advice
than the Vegetarian Society.
Dr Mark Porter MB BS DA DCH
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