Is it safe for children to be vegetarian?
Eating a purely vegetable/fruit diet that includes legumes, nuts and other protein sources does make it possible to provide children with a healthy diet that is purely vegetarian. Learning how to make complete protein meals is the secret to being able to be healthy by eating a vegan diet. Children raised on a non-meat diet were proven in studies to make healthier food choices when allowed to make the selections themselves. These food choices result in healthier lives.
Legumes such as peas, lentil and navy beans are combined with rice or another starchy vegetable to complete the full protein process. When meat, eggs and dairy products are eliminated as protein sources, other foods are used to replace that protein. A balanced vegan meal will include legumes, grains, vegetables and fruit along with nuts. Nuts are a great protein source and so is Tofu, a vegetable product made from the starch and whey in soy beans. Many soy products are available on the market that will help ensure that your child eats a diet appropriate for their age and size. Children’s health is much improved with a vegetarian diet.
There are several different degrees of vegetarianism, some just cut meat out of the diet and substitute with soy products, some eat eggs but no other animal protein, and some eat dairy and no other animal byproducts. The types of food that will need to be incorporated into the diet are determined according to how much animal produced protein you allow in the diet. These basic vegan diet rules apply to individuals of all ages, including children.
Meat also provides several mineral elements that are needed and essential fatty acids along with vitamin B23. Vegetarians learn the foods that contain sufficient quantities of these vitamins and elements to provide a balanced, healthy diet.
Vegetarian proponents believe that it is well worth the time and effort to plan out a balanced diet using foods made of plants. There are many studies that show that the saturated fats and cholesterol cause clogged arteries and add to conditions of heart disease. These drawbacks are plenty reason for some to avoid meat.
Pediatricians recommend that children who eat a purely vegetarian diet use multi-vitamin supplements to make sure that their bodies receive all the nutrients important in healthy development. The benefits outweigh the detriments with a vegetarian diet. The risk of cardiovascular diseases is lowered; diabetes is not as likely to develop with a vegetarian diet. Lowered immune systems from antibiotics present in meat; avoiding growth hormones that are given market beef are all sound reasons to avoid meat and meat byproducts.