Do Vegetarians Eat Everything They Need?

Question

Excuse my ignorance... but do vegetarians still consume the neccasary vitamins, minerals, etc (such as protein) needed daily?
And do this naturally, without the aid of vitamin supplements?

Answer 1

Yes, vegetarians can get every single last nutrient they need, in perfectly adequate supply, from a balanced diet. Vegans often take B12 supplements because this bacteria-produced vitamin is in short supply in a diet with no meat (people used to get it from soil left on veggies, but these days the soil has been so ravaged from chemical fertilizers and pesticides that it can no longer sustain this healthy bacteria - it's in animal foods because the animals themselves are host to the bacteria.) All in all, vegetarians are far more likely to get the recommended intake of fresh fruits and veggies, so we get far more of those miraculous little phytochemicals that help prevent cancer and heart disease.

Answer 2

Vegetarians, true vegetarians get all of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and all other substances that the human body needs to prevent all diseases including aging. Whereas meat eaters only get some and end up with many diseases and die horrible deaths not counting old age. Plants contain everything and then some of what the human body needs to function at peak capacity 24/7. And if you checked out how most if not all vitamins and supplements that are sold on the market today, you would run to your nearest organic food store and buy everything you needed to stay healthy and never ever eat any of the other stuff or take anything that wasn't 100% natural ever again. In my opinion.

Answer 3

The same can be asked of any diet lifestyle. Most meat eaters I know don't get enough of lots of stuff because they tend to not eat whole grains and not enough veggies.

A person can get everything they need from a balanced vegetarian diet. Protein is not only in meat or animal products. Vitamins and minerals can be found in different plant sources.

Answer 4

Some do - and some don't. I'm a vegetarian - and I'm overweight. I get my protein through nuts, legumes and rice, tofu, veggie burgers, and dairy. I think I probably consume more than enough. I also take a vitamin - but that's because I'm 50 now and the doc said it was a good idea.

I eat fruits and vegetables and a balanced diet. However - I went to college with a vegetarian who ate nothing except grilled cheese sandwhiches - french fries - pancakes - etc. He was a vegetarian who didn't eat vegetables. I think his diet was horrid.

Answer 5

They sure can, if they eat right...

A vegetarian can get all needed vitamins, minearals, etc, protien fom a completely plant based diet, without the aid of supplements, dairy, eggs IF they know what they're doing and eat a good balance and variety of whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc...

Answer 6

Yup. There is all the vitamins and minerals in vegetables. We eat way too much protein. Most of it is flushed away. All vitamins are derived from vege's in the first place, so as long as they eat a wide variety of fruits and veges, they got everything they need. Protein can be got from nuts and legumes and fat can be got from avocados(I seem to recall)

Answer 7

a vegetarian or a meat eater may or may not eat a balanced diet. It's perfectly possible to get all your nutrients from veggies, beans, pulses, nuts, seeds, potatoes and rice if you're aware of what foods contain what proportions of nutrients and how much of those nutrients you require.

Answer 8

YES! The key word is "Balance". Protein foods, Carbohydrates. Fruits, nuts, grains.

Answer 9

If they have a well balanced diet there is no need for vitamin supplements.

Answer 10

Yes, a balanced veggie diet of vegetables, fruit, nuts, cereal and cariy gives you everything you need.

No need for supplements, never ill, always active...been veggie for 27 years.