At the present stage, the positions of vegetarianism are still strong. It remains relevant from a moral and ethical point of view, and also finds a response among adherents of a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition. Of course, there are fewer supporters of ultraconservative vegetarianism (vegans), but their number is growing due to “soft” types of vegetarianism. Officially, vegetarianism refers to alternative concepts of nutrition, that is, it is not scientifically sound and physiologically adequate. It may pose a health hazard depending on the variety and features of the compensatory state of a particular organism.
Since alternative concepts of nutrition are not prohibited at the legislative level, are covered in the information environment, have many supporters and are actively popularized by them (most often for profit), people often fall under this influence. Many, not having enough knowledge, do not understand either the unreasonableness of the concept or its possible danger.
It is necessary to analyze each type of vegetarianism for the degree of danger and validity. Vegetarianism as such from the point of view of rational and sports nutrition, we analyze in detail in Fitness and Sports Nutrition courses, respectively.
Flexitarian (“flexible” vegetarians): a predominantly plant-based diet that allows the consumption of animal flesh (meat, fish, poultry, eggs), milk and dairy products. Flexitarians tend to consume meat as little as possible, but they do not completely exclude it from their diet. In other words, it is not vegetarianism in the classical sense.
The degree of harm to health is determined by the frequency of consumption of animal products. The validity of the concept is questionable, because from an ethical point of view it is meaningless – “flesh” is not excluded from the diet.
Pesco-vegetarian: animal flesh is excluded from the diet, but fish and seafood are allowed. Oddly enough, this is the most balanced type of vegetarianism: a firm and clear ethical position – we do not use warm-blooded (like ourselves), but the rest can. Refusal of meat products, of course, is not rational, but there is no danger to the health of a healthy adult, except for diseases of the blood system (anemia). There is no shortage of full-fledged proteins. Absolute contraindication: children, the elderly, pregnant, nursing, as well as people with chronic diseases.
Lacto-ovo-vegetarians Lacto-ovo-vegetarian: milk, dairy products and eggs are allowed to be consumed, except for plant foods. Meat, meat products and the flesh of any animals (chicken, fish and seafood) are excluded. In this type of moral and ethical binding, products are excluded for which an animal dies; leads to a sharply disharmonious diet, animal protein can be “collected” only with cheese and eggs, which leads to an excess of saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet. It carries a direct danger to the cardiovascular system, steadily leads to a sharp lack of phosphorus and hemoglobin in the body, which is unacceptable for people who train. This concept of nutrition does not apply to acceptable.
Lacto-vegetarians Lactovegetarian: it is allowed, in addition to plant foods, the use of milk and products from it. Rennet cheeses, gelatin and products containing some food additives of animal origin are excluded. Quite similar to the previous type. Due to stricter restrictions, there is a significant lack of animal proteins, it is also a dangerous and unacceptable option of vegetarianism.
Ovo-vegetarians Ovovegetarian: not only fish and meat products are completely excluded, but also milk, dairy and fermented milk products. Vegetable food, eggs and honey can be consumed in any quantity. This type is characterized by a contradictory ethical justification, because the “permitted” egg is potentially an embryo (during fertilization), and the milk prohibited here is only food for the calf. Adherents of this type have a significant increase in blood cholesterol levels, with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, the development of extensive strokes and heart attacks. An extremely dangerous type of vegetarianism for men and women over 45 years old.
Vegan Vegan: Any products of animal origin are excluded. Categorical ethical position. A significant lack of animal protein, vitamins and minerals. A dangerous, unacceptable variety for people of any age and gender.
In general, vegetarians can be healthy for the first 1-2 years of their “journey”, but this is just a time when there were still reserves of vitamins in the body (primarily B12), usually health complaints appear by the 3-4 year of vegetarianism.
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