Vegetarian Practices Research Articles

Guidelines for complementary feeding in healthy infants

A proper nutrition during the first two years of life is critical to reach the full potential of every human being; now, this period is recognized as a critical window for promoting optimal growth, development, and good health. Therefore, adequate feeding at this stage of life has an impact on health, nutritional status, growth and development of children; not only in the short term, but in the medium and long term. This paper provides recommendations on complementary feeding (CF) presented as questions or statements that are important for those who take care for children during this stage of life. For example: When to start complementary feedings: 4 or 6 months of age?; Exposure to potentially allergenic foods; Introduction of sweetened beverages; Use of artificial sweeteners and light products; Food introduction sequence; Food consistency changes according to neurological maturation; Number of days to test acceptance and tolerance to new foods; Amounts for each meal; Inadequate complementary feeding practices; Myths and realities of complementary feeding; Developmental milestones; Practice of Baby Led Weaning and practice of vegetarianism.

Consenso para las prácticas de alimentación complementaria en lactantes sanos

A proper nutrition during the first two years of life is critical to reach the full potential of every human being; now, this period is recognized as a critical window for promoting optimal growth, development, and good health. Therefore, adequate feeding at this stage of life has an impact on health, nutritional status, growth and development of children; not only in the short term, but in the medium and long term. This paper provides recommendations on complementary feeding (CF) presented as questions or statements that are important for those who take care for children during this stage of life. For example: When to start complementary feedings: 4 or 6 months of age?; Exposure to potentially allergenic foods; Introduction of sweetened beverages; Use of artificial sweeteners and light products; Food introduction sequence; Food consistency changes according to neurological maturation; Number of days to test acceptance and tolerance to new foods; Amounts for each meal; Inadequate complementary feeding practices; Myths and realities of complementary feeding; Developmental milestones; Practice of “Baby Led Weaning” and practice of vegetarianism.

Masculinity and Meat Consumption: An Analysis Through the Theoretical Lens of Hegemonic Masculinity and Alternative Masculinity Theories

AbstractResearch has found that men are more likely to choose to eat meat, particularly red meat, when compared to fruits and vegetables. This study examines the theory of hegemonic masculinity and discusses how the consumption of meat assists in the production of a masculine identity. Specifically, eating meat allows one to be seen as masculine, and the avoidance of meat permits one to be viewed as feminine. This narrow depiction of gender pushes alternative masculinities and unique eating habits to the sideline, ignoring the agency individuals possess when deciding the fate of their perceived gender. This paper seeks to discover if men, who participate in alternative eating practices, have the ability to define a new variation of masculinity. Four alternative theories will challenge hegemonic masculinity: multiple masculinities, natural masculinity, protest masculinity, and hybrid masculinities. Three examples will display the way marginalized men consume meat: historical upper‐class male fasting, meat consumption within men's ministries, and the vegetarian practices among men. Overall, this paper analyzes the basic concepts of hegemonic masculinity, the gendered consumption of meat, and questions if marginalized men are redefining the way others perceive their masculinity or if they are, in fact, striving to become exemplars of hegemonic masculinity.

Anticipating a Maximally Inclusive Eschaton: Jürgen Moltmann’s Potential Contribution to Animal Theology

Abstract The scope of Jürgen Moltmann’s theological explorations is vast. Greater still is the quantity of secondary literature written about his theology. Yet there is an absence of literature regarding his theology of animals. In this article, I examine Moltmann’s theological framework in order to establish his potential contribution to animal theology. I further critically delineate and constructively develop the ethics Moltmann derives from his theological explorations. Ultimately, I suggest that Moltmann’s contribution to animal theology is highly impactful, providing a solid theological ground for the superiority of the practice of vegetarianism and laws against unnecessary hunting.

Tasting the Ethical: Vegetarianism as Modern Re-Enchantment

There is, as Andrew Rowan dubs it, a "constant paradox" in the way we treat, relate to, and consume animals in our everyday lives (Arluke and Sanders 4). This paper examines this paradox in relation to the rise of vegetarianism as a new taste and consumer culture in the West. The first part of the paper, drawing upon Bourdieu, argues that vegetarian "taste" is fundamentally a social practice linked to class and gender. It then offers a preliminary theoretical sketch of the sociological drivers and consequences of vegetarianism in latemodernity, drawing on social theory. Having established the theoretical framework, the second part of the paper turns to an empirical analysis of the moral motivations and experiences of a selection of Australian bloggers. The key argument is that the bloggers narrate vegetarianism as a taste practice that entangles self-care with a larger assemblage of non-human responsibility that works to re-enchant a demoralised consumer modernity.

Nutrient Intake Pattern of Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3 Abstract: Vegetarians adhering to a well-planned diet are assumed to meet nutrient requirements. This study was designed to evaluate the nutrient intake of adult vegetarians and non-vegetarians in Kual a Lumpur. A cross-section al comparison between three types of diet practices was carried out in Kual a Lumpur, with 35 respondents in each group (non-vegetarian, ovolacto-vegetarian and strict-vegetarian). Anthropometric indices such as weight and body fat composition were measured using TANITA electronic balance scale, while three-day dietary recalls was assessed using a computer dietary analysis software programme, Nutritionist-pro. Statistical analysis had shown non significant difference in the three diet practices with respect to anthropometri c indices. The benefits of vegetarian practices were obviously presented in the dietary intake of nutrients. Both ovolacto-vegetarians and strict-vegetarians had significantly higher mean dietary intake of fiber, folate, magnesium, vitamin A and vitamin C than non-vegetarians (p<0.01). Surprisingly, some of the potential nutrient deficiencies among strict-vegetarians such as calcium, iron and zinc achieved the Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI) for Malaysia. However, the dietary habits of vegetarians were very heterogeneous and some of them did not comply with the requirements for calcium, iron zinc and vitamin B12. Malaysian vegetarians in this study generally have a better nutrient intake than non- vegetarians. Education on proper meal planning should be implemented among vegetarians to preven t potential nutritional deficiencies.

Buddhist Dharma Day

One of the important things that young children have to learn is that we all need to respect our environment and the living creatures within it. Many religions have teachings that talk about stewardship of the world and Asian religions (Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism) believe that all creation is involved in a cycle of birth and rebirth, so that when people die they may be born either as an animal or even a god. For some, though not for all, this belief may lead to the practice of vegetarianism.

Eating for Unity: Vegetarianism in the Early Unity School of Christianity

This essay examines the role of vegetarianism during the formative period of the Unity School of Christianity (1895-1938). Unity, based in the Kansas City area, taught that vegetarianism was an integral component of regenerating the body. Scholars studying the New Thought movement have only recently begun to recognize the body's role in salvation in these religious movements. By examining the interaction between the practice of vegetarianism and Unity's belief that the body must be regenerated, I show both how vegetarianism was integral to defining and putting into practice Unity's religious beliefs and how it helped to develop religious identity by marking the behavioral boundaries of a Unity member.

Subaltern Vegetarianism: Witchcraft, Embodiment and Sociality in Central India

Academic writing on the practice of vegetarianism in India has proceeded on the assumption that those on the lower rungs of society—low castes—give up eating meat out of a desire to change their so...

The Care of the Self and Environmental Politics:Towards a Foucaultian Account of Dietary Practice

This essay appropriates the understanding of ethics developed by Michel Foucault in his courses at the College de France from 1980 until his death in 1984, with the aim of formulating a progressive environmental politics. As such, it attempts to navigate some of the long-standing divides between the movement for animal rights and environmental ethics proper, finding in the practice of vegetarianism a form of self-relation that is conducive to critical forms of speech and politics. The final phase of Foucault's work is replete with insights into how the care of the self can serve as a resistance to forms of power and political stasis. This paper presents these unpublished materials, allowing for a glimpse of the unknown Foucault, and reinterprets vegetarianism as a form of self-practice that is linked with truth and critical speech.

A rhetorical approach to discussions about health and vegetarianism.

Typically, research on vegetarianism has sought to identify the psychological characteristics that distinguish vegetarians from meat-eaters. Health concerns have been identified as a motivation for meat abstention. In this article, rhetorical analysis of Internet discussions about health and vegetarianism highlights the argumentative orientation of explanations for meat consumption, with the various constructions of health serving a rhetorical function. We show the dilemmatic nature of arguments about the relationship between food and health: food can promote health and cause ill-health, and suggest that meat-eating as a dominant practice is supported by the rhetorical use of notions of 'balance', implying moderation, inclusion and rationality. This rhetorical approach represents a radical critique of past work that assumes opinions given in response to questions about vegetarian practices represent 'causes' of dietary practice.

Herbal Supplementation: Attitudes and Knowledge Base of Three Dietetic Practice Groups

LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify the differences in knowledge and attitude of herbal therapy among three diverse American Dietetic Association Practice Groups.A stratified random sampling of 647 Registered Dietitians was obtained via the 1998 American Dietetic Association mailing lists. Three practice groups (General Clinical, Vegetarian, and Dietetic Educators of Practitioners) were surveyed to assess their level of knowledge and attitudes toward herbal supplementation. A three part questionnaire (attitude, knowledge and demographics), was mailed with 314 surveys returned. Frequency distribution, correlation and analysis of variance revealed that all three groups had an overall favorable attitude toward herbal therapy. The Vegetarian practice group (n= 128) was significantly more positive in attitude (p< 0.0001) and scored highest in knowledge (p<.02). Conversely, Dietetic Educators of Practitioners (n=64)reflected the least positive attitude and lowest knowledge scores. This is a concern given the core-competency for entry level dietitians. General Clinical (n= 115) fell between the prior groups on both aspects. The data concluded that Registered Dietitians feel the practice of herbal supplementation will continue to increase in popularity. While all three practice groups scored poorly in knowledge, attitude scores demonstrated an interest in learning more (although there was disagreement as to who should be the primary educators). In conclusion, Registered Dietitians would benefit from increased access to valid information (through ADA approved courses or continuing education credits) to become a more valued and marketable resource within today's diverse healthcare options.

Teenage Vegetarianism: Prevalence, Social and Cognitive Contexts

The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of teenage vegetarianism and associated food habits and beliefs. Two thousand senior secondary school students (mean age 16 years), from 52 schools in South Australia, participated in a two part survey. The findings show that teenage vegetarianism is primarily a female phenomenon, ranging in prevalence, according to definition, from 8 to 37% of women and 1 to 12% of men. Support for vegetarian practices was high especially from mothers (63%) and classmates (46%). Generally, “teenage vegetarians” consumed fewer red meats than non-vegetarians but ate more chicken. They cited health, animal welfare and environmental reasons in support of their habits. The importance of operational definitions of vegetarianism is emphasized and the findings are discussed in relation to likely motivational influences.

Long-term vegetarian diet and bone mineral density in postmenopausal Taiwanese women.

This study examined bone density among postmenopausal Buddhist nuns and female religious followers of Buddhism in southern Taiwan and related the measurements to subjects characteristics including age, body mass, physical activity, nutrient intake, and vegetarian practice. A total of 258 postmenopausal Taiwanese vegetarian women participated in the study. Lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) were measured using dual-photon absorptimetry. BMD measurements were analyzed first as quantitative outcomes in multiple regression analyses and next as indicators of osteopenia status in logistic regression analyses. Among the independent variables examined, age inversely and body mass index positively correlated with both the spine and femoral neck BMD measurements. They were also significant predictors of the osteopenia status. Energy intake from protein was a significant correlate of lumbar spine BMD only. Other nutrients, including calcium and energy intake from nonprotein sources, did not correlate significantly with the two bone density parameters. Long-term practitioners of vegan vegetarian were found to be at a higher risk of exceeding lumbar spine fracture threshold (adjusted odds ratio = 2.48, 95% confidence interval = 1.03-5.96) and of being classified as having osteopenia of the femoral neck (3.94, 1.21-12.82). Identification of effective nutrition supplements may be necessary to improve BMD levels and to reduce the risk of osteoporosis among long-term female vegetarians.

Clinical and Histological Spectrum of Osteomalacia Among Asians in South London

In a prospective study of 175 adult Asian patients attending a medical out-patient clinic we found a spectrum of metabolic bone disease. Twenty-four patients (13.5 per cent) had definite osteomalacia, of whom 11 (6 per cent) had severe clinical osteomalacia on the basis of associated symptoms and radiological signs. Fifteen (8.5 per cent) had borderline osteomalacia, while the remaining 136 (78 per cent) had normal bone biopsy, or were presumed to be normal. This histological spectrum was paralleled by the increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (thigh pain, change in gait and difficulty rising from seated position) attributable to osteomalacia. Multivariate analysis showed that the major determinant of osteomalacia in Asians in South London was vegetarian diet. Increasing severity of bone disease was associated with increasingly strict vegetarian practice, which accounted for the excess risk of females, Hindus, and Asians originating from East Africa. Covering skin when outdoors also contributed to the female excess risk, and suggested a role for reduced solar exposure. Clinically significant osteomalacia is underdiagnosed in the Asian population, but evidence of dietary adaptation suggests this problem may diminish with time.

VEGETARIAN DIETS — AN ASSESSMENT

The proceedings of the first international congress on vegetarian nutrition, held in 1987, have been published recently. The summary of the congress explains that vegetarianism is a practice as ancient as mankind but that it has not always been viewed as acceptable for optimum nutrition. The congress included papers on the effect of vegetarian dietary practices on colon cancer, steroid and polypeptide hormones, hypertensive disorders, ischaemic heart disease and bone density.

Development of a quick reference guide to accommodate vegetarianism in diet therapy for multiple disease conditions

With more Americans adopting vegetarian lifestyles, health-care professionals will encounter more patients whose vegetarian dietary practices must be reconciled with the therapeutic diets required by a variety of disease conditions. The development of a quick reference guide was undertaken to address several areas of concern unique to vegetarian patients and provide an expandable clinical resource. For the disease conditions examined, nutrition care goals were found to be met without compromising vegetarian practices.