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Originally Posted by bonzaiaphrodite  Nobody is the picture of health, and everybody will need to supplement something. It's virtually impossible to intake all of the vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients that we need in a day from food alone - the caloric load that accompanies those nutrient quantities would simply be too inflated. What are the implications of that for the 'ideal'/'evolutionarily intended' diet? |
ITA. And that is why I'm an OMNI—so that I can eat a wide range of available foods, because they aren't as nutrient-rich as they were in the past. I wouldn't limit my diet to just fruits and veggies, because I feel like I'd have to take a lot of supplements that are mostly available in animal products (like iron, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin A, long-chain omega 3 fatty acids, etc. etc.).
However, some of the vegans I know are hard-core, and cling to the belief that a whole-foods diet is all they need. Admirable, noble belief, but probably self-defeating.
"Health" advocates like John Robbins ought to be more honest about the limitations of the veg diet. I heard an interview with him, and on the one hand he'd say not eating meat is best, but on the other hand, say be sure to keep your homocysteine levels low. Well, the best way to keep it low is to consume enough vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid—the ones that are most abundant in meat and organs! You can supplement with Bs, but why not get the majority from food? It would cut down on the stash you have to get at the health food store. And once again, I have to wonder what is the option for poor vegans? Is this a diet for rich people?
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I wish the *other side* (omni's) would admit THAT, quietly take their multivitamin tablets, and be done with it.  |
Most reasonable people do take supplements! Thank goodness.