People choose vegetarianism for many reasons, including health, and religious beliefs, among others. While past research often focused on potential nutritional gaps, today, vegetarian and vegan diets are recognised for their health benefits. According to a research in the Harvard Health Report, well-planned vegetarian diets are both healthy and nutritionally adequate and can help prevent certain diseases. These benefits were highlighted during World Vegetarian Day yesterday which was attended by the Laytshog Lopen of the Central Monastic Body.
According to the World Health Organization, vegetarian and vegan diets are widely associated with a lower risk of premature death.
The World Health Organisation recommends plant-based diets low in salt, saturated fats, and added sugars to support a healthy lifestyle and protect against non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
According to a nutritionist at the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, while there are concerns about lower absorption of nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, and zinc from plant-based sources, a well-planned vegetarian or vegan diet with a variety of plant foods can still meet nutritional needs.
A dietician at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital also said various nuts, seeds, fermented products and vegetables can also be consumed as a substitute for meat.
“Seeds and nuts such as pumpkin seeds and seaweed will provide zinc just like meat. Similarly, fermented products such as tofu, kinema, and kidney beans provide protein. Green spinach, beetroot, supplements and dried dates contain non-heme-iron,” said Kinzang Wangmo, a dietitian at JDWNRH.
50-year-old Dechen Wangmo from Trongsa has been a vegetarian for nearly 16 years, while 32-year-old Sonam Gadhen has followed a vegetarian lifestyle for 11 years.
Both shared that their health remained stable even after giving up meat.
“I used to consume meat before but after quitting, I eat varieties of vegetables and I feel healthier. Some people say that if we do not eat meat, we will not get enough nutrients. But for me, this has not been the case,” said Dechen Wangmo, a member of Duedroi Rangwang Zhidhey Tshogpa.
“If we do not consume meat, we can save animal lives and it can also reduce the risk of getting NCDs,” said Sonam Gadhen, also a member of Duedroi Rangwang Zhidhey Tshogpa.
World Vegetarian Day is a global event marked on the 1st of October annually to raise awareness about the positive impact of plant-based diets on health, the environment and animal welfare.
It was founded by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977 and endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978.
Pema Tshomo & Sangay Chozom
Edited by Sonam Pem
