How can people keep saying vegetarianism is unhealthy when faced with this?

Question

http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/advocacy_933_ENU_HTML_(Draft).htm

The American Dietetic Association says that vegetarian (including vegan) diets are healthy for people of all ages. Why do some people keep arguing that vegetarianism is unhealthy [often without evidence] when faced with this?

slew is basically a poster case for my question...

Answer 1

It's because people refuse to educate themselves.

Answer 2

Most of us (vegetarians included) grew up learning that meat and animal products are absolutely necessary for good health, and that you can't get enough protein without them. The USDA food pyramid is very influenced by meat and dairy lobbying groups. It doesn't help that doctors get very little formal training in nutrition, so they're often not able to accurately respond to questions about vegetarianism. Sometimes people genuinely believe it's unhealthy, while others use this excuse to try to justify their choice to eat meat.

Edit: See this site about vegan kids: http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/realveganchildren

Answer 3

People are like sheep (I like real sheep, its just a symbol), they can't think for themselves, or be open minded. They see the general "common sense" and follow the opinion of this close minded society, with the belief that its always right. They see what they want to see, and pass off truth with their ego. People avoid innovation and prefer to repeat a "sure" path because they have no ambitions or desires to improve this society (including themselves), just to sustain these toxic nations. They are brainwashed by the corporations (and governments) that limit their freewill.

Every person that has actually tried to improve human kind has been brutally murdered (Jesus, Gandhi, JFK, Martin Luther King Junior, Abe Lincoln). So naturally greedy corporations are going to fight any innovation with propaganda glorifying there products (Food pyramid). And of course everyone is going to believe them. If people don't start to really try to improve this world, then we will have to suffer the consequence's. Mabey people will start noticing that they should have made some changes in there diet when they develop heart disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, impotents, and obesity. Although I will do everything in my power to help them, they need to start helping themselves, and more importantly help animals in the process.

Answer 4

Some people say that to make themselves feel better about eating meat. Some people just like to be combative. Some people are uneducated and really believe that it's unhealthy because that's what they were taught growing up. And some have probably known those ill-advised vegetarians who don't like vegetables and live off of junk food.

Answer 5

There is no real reason to contribute to the cruel and environmentally detrimental practices of mass animal production/ slaughtering at this point in human history.

If they didn't have myths to believe they would have nothing keeping them from the possibility of change. They don't want to change the way things are, so they hold on to the myths.
At least that is my take on it.

Besides, most people would refuse to look at the information in the first place so they can more easily maintain their views, stereotypes and chicken wings.
:)

Answer 6

I completely agree. I'm a vegan and have been all my life. There is nothing unhealthy about me or what I eat. Most people that argue are uneducated about vegetarianism. I can get protein and nutrients from other foods besides meat.

Answer 7

This is largely based on the misnomer that all vegetarians become thin and pale from a lack of protein. Truth be told, the body needs only a small amount of protein unless pregnant, growing, or weight training. All of this protein can be received from beans, nuts, etc.

Answer 8

The only problem I have with it (why I would not do it) is that even vitamin rich vegetables and grains still lack vital nutrients. My sister became anemic from being vegan. She had to get regular iron shots and supplements until her body could regulate itself again. Multi-vitamin are necessary and not good for your body either. With a multi-vitamin you end up getting more than your body needs and it is hard on your internal organs to process the extra toxins out of your body.

There are also great things about being vegan/vegetarian. Lower blood pressure and cholesterol to start with.

But to each his own right!?!?!?!?!

Answer 9

How can people keep saying it? Because they are not at all concerned with my health. It is a strictly judgmental way for some to feel a false sense of superiority. Period.

Answer 10

A vegetarian diet is not unhealthy, but you have to work harder at producing a balanced diet with the right mix of proteins and nutrients, that's all. It may not be suitable for all ages and under all medical conditions.

Answer 11

Those people are victims of advertising. Commericials shove meat and milk down our throats and these people believe that if it's on TV..it must be true.