Where+do+you+get+your+protein+from?

Tom Olsen
N8884005 Michelle Cornford



The artifact presented is a cartoon that was discovered through a brie f google image search for the terms ‘vegetarianism and health’. This cartoon humorously depicts an overweight and unhealthy family, that obviously adopts an omnivorous diet (depicted by the foods held by the child). The family interrogates an apparently healthy vegetarian family over how they could possibly be eating sufficient quantities of protein. This cartoon is one of many similar online cartoons or ‘memes’ and conveys a theme that is found abundantly in online material or in popular media.




 * Central Public Health Issue **

This cultural artifact represents a significant public health issue. It relates broadly to the health implications of vegetarian and vegan diets versus the publics’ perception of the health effects re lated to meat eating. There is an apparent miss-match here. Vegetarian and Vegan diets, ** //when well managed// **, have the potential to significantly reduce risks of various illnesses and an increased rate of Vegetarianism or Veganism within a population could significantly improve public health outcomes. This artifact challenges public perceptions that say meat-free diets are unhealthy or insufficient, as the opposite may in fact be true.


 * Literature Review **

Extensive research has been conducted in this area over the past decade. There has been a significant evolution in the understanding of the topic and some studies have presented evidence that is contradictory to the findings of other research. Although the understanding of health implications associated with vegetarian and vegan diets are still developing, it is clear that meat eating does have significant implications for health.

Plant food based diets generally contain higher amounts of fiber, magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, folic acid and iron (Craig, 2009). They also contain less calories, saturated fats, cholesterol, omega-3, vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B-12 and zinc (Craig, 2009). Although not fully investigated, these dietary differences have been found to have significant health impacts, as risk factors for both acute and chronic diseases. Some diseases that have been found to be strongly influenced by diet types include cardiovascular disease, cancers and bone disease (Key, Appleby, & Magdalena, 2006).

Vegetarian and Vegan diets are also associated with a significant reduction in mortality rates from ischemic heart disease (Key, Appleby, & Magdalena, 2006). Ischemic heart disease refers to a cardiovascular disease, which affects the cardiac muscle via occlusion of the blood vessels, which supply it (leading to tissue hypoxia or ischemia) (Gregory, Ward & Sanders, 2011). Therefore, some diseases that are of significantly lower incidence in non-vegetarian populations include myocardial infarction and angina pectorals (Craft, Gordon and Tiziani, 2010). This lower incidence is associated with lower blood pressure and serum cholesterol (with a more optimum lipid profile and a better ratio of ‘good’ to ‘bad’ cholesterol) in vegetarians and vegans (Craig, 2009). Reduction in ischemic heart disease is the most significant positive health effect of vegetarian and vegan diets (Key, Appleby, & Magdalena, 2006). The fact that these diseases are such a huge public health burden, in many Western societies, makes this a significant finding. There is, however, little difference in mortality rates in other causes of death (Key, Appleby, & Magdalena, 2006). However, mortality rates and the absence of illness are poor indicators of health, as health should be a measure of optimal mental and physical functioning (Dywer, 1988). Although the methodologies and surveys used for determining the health impacts of vegetarian diets are sound, the subjective nature of health is significantly challenging in the discussion of plant based diets versus omnivorous diets.

One slightly less prominent health benefit of vegetarian and vegan diets is decreased incidence of cancer, which is thought to be primarily associated with lower rates of obesity and cancer-protective dietary factors such as fibers, vitamin C and total fruit and vegetables (Craig, 2009). Also, there is some evidence to suggest that diets high in red and processed meats are associated with an increased risk of colo-rectal cancer (Key, Appleby, & Magdalena, 2006). This area, however, requires ongoing research, as the relationship between cancers and diet is thought to be complex and is relatively un-investigated at this point in time (Craig, 2009). The other area of health that is positively influenced by a meat-free diet is skeletal health (Craig 2009). Recent studies have shown that long-term vegetarians have significantly lower rates of bone-marrow disease (Craig 2009). Vegans, however, may have some difficulty in sustaining appropriate calcium levels (Key, Appleby, & Magdalena, 2006).

On the other end of the spectrum, we are presented with scientific findings that begin to support the argument that vegetarian and vegan diets are nutritionally insufficient. It is apparent that this view is held by many omnivores and it may be preventing these individuals from considering undertaking a vegetarian or vegan diet. Under closer investigation, however, vegetarian and vegan nutritional insufficiencies may not seem so significant. Some nutritional products that may be difficult to obtain for vegetarians and vegans include n-3 polyunsaturated fat, Vitamin D, iron, Vitamin B-12 and Zinc (Craig, 2009). All of these products, however, can be obtained artificially, through supplementation, or naturally, through the consumption specific vegetarian and vegan foods. For example, n-3 polyunsaturated fats are generally not contained in diets that exclude fish, eggs and sea vegetables, but can be supplemented with DHA fortified foods and supplements, although this may increase risk of plasma lipid concentration issues (Craig, 2009). Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin B-12 and Zinc, as dietary factors, may also be supplemented and found in some fortified foods. However, there remains an undeniably higher prevalence of dietary deficiencies in vegetarian individuals (Craig, 2009). Hence, a vegetarian diet can be potentially sufficient, where well managed, however it is often not managed properly.

One additional downfall of the plant-based diet is that some individuals undertake such diets purely for calorie reduction purposes. It has been suggested that this is why vegetarianism and veganism is casually associated with a range of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, particularly in young women (Klopp, Heiss & Smith, 2003). In 2012, a study was published by the Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics which found that women who had eating disorders where four times more likely to report themselves as vegetarian than women who did not present with eating disorders (Bardone-Cone et. al., 2012). It was also found that 68 percent of reported vegetarians who had eating disorders believed that their vegetarianism was closely related with their eating disorder (Bardone-Cone et. al., 2012). It is important to consider, however, that these issues are not directly associated with plant-based diets but rather the motives behind them.

Subjectively, one could ‘weigh up’ the health impacts of plant based and omnivorous diets (from this literature) and surmount an argument for either diet. This would obviously, however, depend upon the emphasis that the individual placed upon the various different health outcomes. In general, however, scientific evidence states that plant based diets may be sufficient or even beneficial, were managed effectively.


 * Cultural and Social Analysis **

The cultural and social aspects of this topic are incredibly intricate and complex. This is primarily due to the fact that an individual may have an array of different motivations for undertaking a certain type of diet.

Recently, a 2013 study discovered that motives behind vegetarian diets varied significantly with geographical location of residence (Ruby, Heine, Kamble, Cheng & Waddar, 2013). Western vegetarians were found to be more likely to be concerned with the environmental consequences of their diet, however, individuals in Western cultures were also likely to be concerned about the individual health consequences (Ruby, Heine, Kamble, Cheng & Waddar, 2013). As part of this 2013 study, conducted by Ruby, Heine, Kamble, Cheng & Waddar, it was found that in Western society, omnivores associate meat with luxury, social status and health. Western vegetarians, however, associate meat with poor health, cruelty and killing. These differences in views differentiate vegetarians from omnivores. However, the perceptions of health and diet, from both perspectives, can be debated to some extent. This is evident from the information presented, in the above literature review.

Discussion around meat eating is significant, to all cultural and social groups. Clearly, however, cultural and sociological influences have the power to dictate or influence the diets of individuals. This is particularly evident in the study, mentioned above, where Indian attitudes towards vegetarianisms were measured against the perceptions of Westerners (Ruby, Heine, Kamble, Cheng & Waddar, 2013). The differenced in attitudes towards and rates of meat eating are firmly aligned with the Durkheim idea that society strongly influences the individual and that this relates to health outcomes (Jones, 1986).

Considering that society’s general perceptions of meat eating are powerfully influential, it becomes important to consider these perceptions, from a public health perspective. It is apparent that some Western attitudes towards meat eating (like those mentioned in the 2013 study discussed above) may not be founded upon reliable or profound evidence. For example, the perception that vegetarian and vegan diets are ‘healthy’ diets is not always correct. On the other end of the spectrum, however, omnivorous diets are also not necessarily unhealthy. Therefore, it would be wise to base public health interventions around the distribution of correct information (e.g. advertisements, campaigns etc.). This could better inform the attitudes of many people towards meat eating from not only a public health perspective but also from an ethical and environmental standing. Below is an example of an selectively informative television advertisement for the ‘Meat Free Mondays’ campaign. Generally, however, public health interventions should be focused on the proper management of diet, regardless of whether said diet is plant based or omnivorous (as suggested by research presented in the literature review above).

[|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXbJ1err5zw#t=101]


 * Analysis of the Artifact and Personal Learning Reflection **

The originally presented cartoon artifact was representative of some of the falsely grounded beliefs and attitudes that are sometimes assigned to various types of diets. This particular cartoon humorously comments on the common general association between vegetarian diets and deficiencies (in this case, protein). More broadly, however, the cartoon depicts a poor understanding of the management of diets (of any form) in relation to health outcomes.

From a personal perspective, I have found that researching for this wiki page has significantly shifted my views on dietary choices. In particular, I was astounded by the significant health benefits that have been linked to **well-managed** vegetarian and vegan diets. I too had previously adopted the common Western perception of meat diets as being necessary for development and health to some degree (Ruby, Heine, Kamble, Cheng & Waddar, 2013). Research obtained, in order to construct the literature review, provoked a deeper questioning about societal attitudes and their effect on individual thinking. I gained an in-site into my personal vulnerability to these societal attitudes. This has encouraged me to make more evidence-based decisions, in regards to formulating my own views on significant social issues. I will strive to do this into the future. I also feel that individuals have the right to be informed and exposed to relevant facts, especially with regard to health issues. This has made me realize the significance of education, as a tool, in public health interventions.

Bardone-Cone, A. M., Fitzsimmons-Craft, E. E., Harney, M. B., Maldonado,, C. R., Lawson, M. A., Smith, R., et al.(2012). The Inter-Relationships between Vegetarianism and Eating Disorders among Females. //Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics//, //112//(8), 1247-1252. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from http://www.andjrnl.org/article/S2212-2672(12)00627-2/abstract
 * Reference **

Craft, J., Gordon, C., & Tiziani, A. (2010). Alterations to Body Maintenance. //Understanding pathophysiology// (pp. 607-692). Chatswood, N.S.W.: Elsevier Australia.

Craig, W. J. (2009). Health Effects Of Vegan Diets. //American Journal of Clinical Nutrition//, //89//(5), 1627S-1633S. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from http://dx.doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2009.26736N

Dwyer, J. (1988). Health aspects of vegetarian diets. //American Journal of Clinical Nutrition//, //48//. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3046302

Gregory, P., Ward, A., & Sanders, M. J. (2010). Cardiology. //Sanders' paramedic textbook// (p. 383). Edinburgh: Mosby.

Jones, R. A. (1986). What is social fact?. //Emile Durkheim: an introduction to four major works// (pp. 60-81). Beverly Hills: Sage Publications.

Key, T. J., Appleby, P. N., & Rosell, M. S. (2006). Health Effects Of Vegetarian And Vegan Diets. //Proceedings of the Nutrition Society//, //65//(01), 35-41. Retrieved October 2, 2013, from http://dx.doi.org/10.1079/PNS2005481

Klopp, S. A., Heiss, C. J., & Smith, H. S. (2003). Self-reported Vegetarianism May Be A Marker For College Women At Risk For Disordered Eating. //Journal of the American Dietetic Association//, //103//(6), 745-747. Retrieved October 2, 2013, from http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/jada.2003.50139

Ruby, M. B., Heine, S. J., Kamble, S., & Cheng, T. K. (2013). Compassion and contamination. Cultural differences in vegetarianism. //Appetite//, //71//, 340-348.

**Learning Engagement and Reflection** []

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