Cooking with Herb, the vegetarian dragon : a cook book for kids.

En el bosque de Nogard, el dragón Meathooh y sus compinches piensan que nada es mejor que el sabor crujiente de caballeros con armadura hasta que un dragón vegetariano los tienta con otras recetas alternativas. Este no es un libro de recetas que puede ser utilizado por los niños sin la ayuda de adultos. Prácticamente la totalidad de las recetas requieren cortar con un cuchillo afilado y el uso del horno.

How does the health and well-being of young Australian vegetarian and semi-vegetarian women compare with non-vegetarians?

Objective: To compare the sociodemographic characteristics, health status and health service use of vegetarians, semi-vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Design: In cross-sectional data analyses of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health in 2000, 9113 women (aged 22-27 years) were defined as non-vegetarians if they reported including red meat in their diet., as semi-vegetarians if they excluded red meat and as vegetarians if they excluded meat, poultry and fish from their diet. Results: The estimated prevalence was 3% and 10% for vegetarian and semi-vegetarian young women. Compared with non-vegetarians, vegetarians and semi-vegetarians were more likely to live in urban areas and to not be married. Vegetarians and semi-vegetarians had lower body mass index (mean (95% confidence interval): 22.2 (21.7-22.7) and 23.0 (22.7-23.3) kg m(-2)) than non-vegetarians (23.7 (23.6-23.8) kg m(-2)) and tended to exercise more. Semi-vegetarians and vegetarians had poorer mental health, with 21-22% reporting depression compared with 15% of non-vegetarians (P < 0.001). Low iron levels and menstrual symptoms were also more common in both vegetarian groups. Vegetarian and semi-vegetarian women were more likely to consult alternative health practitioners and semi-vegetarians reported taking more prescription and non-prescription medications. Compared with non-vegetarians, semi-vegetarians were less likely and vegetarians much less likely to be taking the oral contraceptive pill. Conclusion: The levels of physical activity and body mass indices of the vegetarian and semi-vegetarian women suggest they are healthier than non-vegetarians. However, the greater reports of menstrual problems and the poorer mental health of these young women may be of clinical significance.

Zinc and Selenium Nutritional Status in Vegetarians

A vegetarian diet may have beneficial effects on human health, however when it is not well-balanced may be deficient in some nutrients, as minerals for example. The aim of the present study was to assess the nutritional status of zinc and selenium in vegetarians in the city of SA o pound Paulo. A cross-sectional study was performed, and the inclusion criteria were age a parts per thousand yen 18 years, both gender, no use of food or pharmaceutical supplements. Thirty vegetarian, of both genders, mean age of 27 years and 4,5 years of vegetarianism had performed the study, and their mean BMI was 21,5. Zinc plasma concentration was 71 and 62,5 mu g/dL for men and women and erythrocyte concentration was 37 mu g/gHb for both genders. Selenium concentration was 73,5 and 77,3 mu g/L in plasma and 51,4 and 66,9 mu g/L in erythrocytes for men and women, respectively. These biochemical values show that, according to the references, selenium blood levels are adequate and zinc concentration in erythrocytes is deficient in the studied population. For this reason, vegetarians should be constantly assessed and receive nutritional support to reduce the effects of inadequate zinc status.

Estado nutricional e estilo de vida em vegetarianos e onívoros, Grande Vitória-ES

Objetivo: Descrever e analisar o estado nutricional e aspectos do estilo de vida de vegetarianos e onívoros residentes na Grande Vitória/ES, na faixa etária de 35 a 64 anos de idade. Material E Métodos: Trata-se de estudo observacional híbrido de casos prevalentes com avaliação retrospectiva da exposição. Os grupos de expostos (134) e não expostos à dieta onívora típica ocidental (67) foram determinados no início da investigação. Foram coletados dados antropométricos, bioquímicos, de atividade física e alimentação através de questionário e 3 recordatórios de 24 horas e diagnosticados sobrepeso, Razão Cintura Quadril (RCQ) inadequada e hipercolesterolemia. Colesterol total e frações, triglicerídeos, ácido úrico, sódio e potássio urinários foram comparados entre os grupos, através do teste t de Student. Foi usado o teste qui-quadrado para comparar proporções, com =0,05. Resultados: Foram encontradas diferenças significativas em relação à ocupação. Duração da atividade física e tempo assistindo televisão e/ou utilizando computador foram maiores entre os onívoros. Os vegetarianos relataram práticas alimentares mais saudáveis e menor consumo de lipídios, proteínas e sódio. Os onívoros apresentaram maior risco de sobrepeso, RCQ inadequada e hipercolesterolemia (valores de P<0,0001). HDL-colesterol não foi diferente nos grupos. Conclusão: Os vegetarianos apresentaram perfil nutricional mais adequado e menor risco para os agravos crônicos estudados, apesar de pequena diferença no padrão de atividade física regular entre os grupos estudados.

Severe Megaloblastic Anaemia in an Infant

Vitamin B 12 or cobalamin deficiency, a rare clinical entity in pediatric age, is found most exclusively in breastfed infants, whose mothers are strictly vegetarian non-supplemented or with pernicious anaemia. In this article, the authors describe a 10-month-old infant admitted for vomiting, refusal to eat and prostration. The infant was exclusively breastfed and diffi culties in introduction of new foods were reported. Failure to thrive since 5 months of age was also noticed. Laboratory evaluation revealed severe normocytic normochromic anaemia and cobalamin defi cit. A diagnosis of α-thalassemia trait was also made. Maternal investigation showed autoimmune pernicious anaemia. This case shows the severity of vitamin B 12 deficiency and the importance of adopting adequate and precocious measures in order to prevent potentially irreversible neurologic damage.

Getting a good start: healthy eating from one to five

This booklet outlines advice on many key nutritional issues for children aged one to five. It includes information on how to provide a healthy, balanced diet for this age group, guidance on suitable snacks and drinks, feeding a vegetarian child, vitamin supplements and iron, making the most of mealtimes and how to deal with fussy eaters.

M(e)a(t)sculinity: Investigating Veg(etari)an Men's Understandings of Masculinity

Using focus group methods, this project examines six men’s experiences of becoming vegetarian and the unique interaction between two identities commonly assumed to be in conflict: vegetarianism and masculinity. Included in this report is an overview of the contemporary debates in gender theory, with specific attention paid to men and masculinity. Seen through the lens of poststructural gender theory and the notion of multiple masculinities, this report demonstrates how vegetarian men challenge, negotiate and assert themselves as men both within the dominant culture and within their own vegetarian communities. This project bridges two existing bodies of work - poststructural gender theory and critical animal studies - to bring a more nuanced and better-articulated critique of gender to existing studies of the relationship between meat and masculinity and to offer this examination of meat consumption and gender performance as an illustration of the valuable applications of poststructural gender theory within critical animal studies.

Thermal Processing of Smoked Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) in Flexible Pouches

This study is the first of its kind in India, where in smoked and thermal processed products have been developed using locally available wood as the source of wood smoke and flavoring and a shelf life of one year has been achieved. Retortable pouches of three layers, both imported and indigenous were found suitable to store thermal processed products. Heat penetration rate is quicker in retort pouches due to their thin profile in comparison to cans and hence the total process time is lesser. The nutritional and sensory attributes of the pouch products are better retained during processing. Hence these products are more acceptable than canned products. lndian vegetarian food products and fish curry products are available in the ready to eat form in the markets. Smoked and thermal processed products have not gained an entry to the market and hence this study will pave an opening for such products. Currently trade in tuna products from India is meager compared to the global trade. ln India proper utilization of tuna resources is yet to be achieved due to the lack of infrastructure for handling and knowledge of value addition. The raw material cost is also less due to the poor quality of the fish when landed. Hence, the availability of such products will help in the trade of tuna products, improving the quality of raw material landing and ultimately realizing a better value to the fishermen and processors.

Effect of dietary phytate and microbial phytase on mineral and trace element bioavailability- a literature review

Phytic acid (PA) is the main phosphorus storage compound in cereals, legumes and oil seeds. In human populations where phytate-rich cereals such as wheat, maize and rice are a staple food, phytate may lead to mineral and trace element deficiency. Zinc appears to be the trace element whose bioavailability is most influenced by PA. Furthermore, several studies in humans as well as in monogastric animals clearly indicate an inhibition of non-haem iron absorption at marginal iron supply due to phytic acid. In fact PA seems to be, at least partly, responsible for the low absorption efficiency and high incidence of iron deficiency anaemia evident in most developing countries, where largely vegetarian diets are consumed Microbial phytases have provided a realistic means of improving mineral availability from traditionally high-phytate diets. In fact it has been consistently shown that Aspergillus phytases significantly enhance the absorption of calcium, magnesium and zinc in pigs and rats. Furthermore there are a few studies in humans indicating an improvement of iron bioavailability due to microbial phytase.

Influence of habitual diet on antioxidant status: a study in a population of vegetarians and omnivores

Background: Antioxidant status can be used as a biomarker to assess chronic disease risk and diet can modulate antioxidant defence. Objective: To examine effects of vegetarian diet and variations in the habitual intakes of foods and nutrients on blood antioxidants. Subjects and Setting: Thirty-one vegetarians (including six vegans) and 58 omnivores, non-smokers, in Northern Ireland. Design: A diet history method was used to assess habitual diet. Antioxidant vitamins, carotenoids, uric acid, zinc-and ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were measured in fasting plasma and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase ( SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and level of reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured in erythrocytes. Results: Vegetarians had approximately 15% higher levels of plasma carotenoids compared with omnivores, including lutein (P <= 0.05), a-cryptoxanthin (P <= 0.05), lycopene (NS), alpha-carotene (NS) and beta-carotene (NS). The levels/activities of all other antioxidants measured were similar between vegetarians and omnivores. Total intake of fruits, vegetables and fruit juices was positively associated with plasma levels of several carotenoids and vitamin C. Intake of vegetables was positively associated with plasma lutein, alpha-cryptoxanthin, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, whereas intake of fruits was positively associated with plasma beta-cryptoxanthin. Intake of tea and wine was positively associated with FRAP value, whereas intake of herbal tea associated positively with plasma vitamin C. Intakes of meat and fish were positively associated with plasma uric acid and FRAP value. Conclusions: The overall antioxidant status was similar between vegetarians and omnivores. Good correlations were found between intakes of carotenoids and their respective status in blood.

Carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios of urine and faeces as novel nutritional biomarkers of meat and fish intake

Purpose Meat and fish consumption are associated with changes in the risk of chronic diseases. Intake is mainly assessed using self-reporting, as no true quantitative nutritional biomarker is available. The measurement of plasma fatty acids, often used as an alternative, is expensive and time-consuming. As meat and fish differ in their stable isotope ratios, δ13C and δ15N have been proposed as biomarkers. However, they have never been investigated in controlled human dietary intervention studies. Objective In a short-term feeding study, we investigated the suitability of δ13C and δ15N in blood, urine and faeces as biomarkers of meat and fish intake. Methods The dietary intervention study (n = 14) followed a randomised cross-over design with three eight-day dietary periods (meat, fish and half-meat–half-fish). In addition, 4 participants completed a vegetarian control period. At the end of each period, 24-h urine, fasting venous blood and faeces were collected and their δ13C and δ15N analysed. Results There was a significant difference between diets in isotope ratios in faeces and urine samples, but not in blood samples (Kruskal–Wallis test, p < 0.0001). In pairwise comparisons, δ13C and δ15N were significantly higher in urine and faecal samples following a fish diet when compared with all other diets, and significantly lower following a vegetarian diet. There was no significant difference in isotope ratio between meat and half-meat–half-fish diets for blood, urine or faecal samples. Conclusions The results of this study show that urinary and faecal δ13C and δ15N are suitable candidate biomarkers for short-term meat and fish intake.

Effect of processed and red meat on endogenous nitrosation and DNA damage

Haem in red meat (RM) stimulates the endogenous production of mutagenic nitroso compounds (NOC). Processed (nitrite-preserved red) meat additionally contains high concentrations of preformed NOC. In two studies, of a fresh RM versus a vegetarian (VEG) diet (six males and six females) and of a nitrite-preserved red meat (PM) versus a VEG diet (5 males and 11 females), we investigated whether processing of meat might increase colorectal cancer risk by stimulating nitrosation and DNA damage. Meat diets contained 420 g (males) or 366 g (females) meat/per day. Faecal homogenates from day 10 onwards were analysed for haem and NOC and asso- ciated supernatants for genotoxicity. Means are adjusted for differ- ences in male to female ratios between studies. Faecal NOC concentrations on VEG diets were low (2.6 and 3.5 mmol/g) but significantly higher on meat diets (PM 175 ± 19 nmol/g versus RM 185 ± 22 nmol/g; P 5 0.75). The RM diet resulted in a larger pro- portion of nitrosyl iron (RM 78% versus PM 54%; P < 0.0001) and less nitrosothiols (RM 12% versus PM 19%; P < 0.01) and other NOC (RM 10% versus PM 27%; P < 0.0001). There was no statis- tically significant difference in DNA breaks induced by faecal water (FW) following PM and RM diets (P 5 0.80). However, PM re- sulted in higher levels of oxidized pyrimidines (P < 0.05). Surpris- ingly, VEG diets resulted in significantly more FW-induced DNA strand breaks than the meat diets (P < 0.05), which needs to be clarified in further studies. Meats cured with nitrite have the same effect as fresh RM on endogenous nitrosation but show increased FW-induced oxidative DNA damage.

Efeitos da isoflavona sobre os sintomas climatéricos e o perfil lipídico na mulher em menopausa

OBJETIVO: avaliar os efeitos da isoflavona, do gérmen da soja, sobre os sintomas climatéricos e o perfil lipídico na mulher em menopausa. MÉTODOS: foi conduzido estudo prospectivo, com 50 mulheres em menopausa, divididas em: G1, usuárias de isoflavona (60 mg/dia) (n=25), e G2, placebo (n=25). Os critérios de inclusão foram FSH >40 mUI/mL e presença de fogachos. Foram excluídas as vegetarianas, fumantes, asiáticas, portadoras de doenças gastrointestinais e usuárias de terapia de reposição hormonal. No seguimento, de seis meses, foram obtidos o índice menopausal de Kupperman (IMK), o perfil hormonal e o lipídico. Na análise estatística, empregaram-se ANOVA, o teste t pareado e as provas não paramétricas de Wilcoxon e Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: os valores medianos do IMK, inicialmente iguais entre os grupos (IMK = 20), reduziram-se nas usuárias de isoflavona aos 2 e 4 meses (IMK = 14 e 9, respectivamente) e no grupo controle, apenas aos 2 meses (IMK = 15) (p<0,01). Ao final do estudo, a isoflavona foi superior ao placebo na redução dos fogachos (44% versus 12%, respectivamente). Aos seis meses, verificou-se que os valores médios de estradiol foram superiores no G1 quando comparados ao G2 (18,0 ± 6,7 versus 12,3 ± 3,8 ng/dL) (p<0,05), sem alterações no FSH e LH. Entre as usuárias de isoflavona, houve redução de 11,8% no LDL (de 151,5 ± 39,2 para 133,6 ± 26,4 mg/dL) e elevação de 27,3% no HDL (de 44,0 ± 11,3 para 56,0 ± 11,9 mg/dL) (p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: a isoflavona, do gérmen da soja, induziu efeitos favoráveis sobre os sintomas climatéricos e o perfil lipídico, revelando-se opção interessante como terapêutica alternativa para mulheres em menopausa.

Dietas vegetarianas e desempenho esportivo

As evidências atuais apontam benefícios da dieta vegetariana para a saúde humana. Contudo, a partir da adoção de práticas vegetarianas mais restritivas, confirmam-se os riscos à saúde. As dietas vegetarianas são caracterizadas pelo elevado consumo de carboidratos, fibras, magnésio, potássio, folato e antioxidantes, podendo apresentar deficiências em aminoácidos e ácidos graxos essenciais, cálcio, zinco, ferro e cobalamina. Pesquisas experimentais em humanos indicam que vegetarianos e não-vegetarianos apresentam capacidade aeróbica semelhante. em relação ao desempenho em atividades de força e potência muscular, as pesquisas são escassas, mas as existentes não apontam diferenças significativas. Situações de risco cardiovascular têm sido confirmadas, devido ao provável quadro de hiperhomocisteinemia, em decorrência da baixa ingestão de cobalamina. As dietas vegetarianas são isentas de creatina, o que resulta em estoques musculares mais baixos nessa população. Possivelmente ocorrem alterações hormonais e metabólicas em resposta às dietas vegetarianas, como baixos níveis de testosterona e androstenediona. A função imune parece não ser prejudicada. Dessa forma, a prática de dietas vegetarianas apresenta-se compatível com a prática esportiva cotidiana, desde que bem planejada para evitar deficiências nutricionais.

Benefits of soy germ isoflavones in postmenopausal women with contraindication for conventional hormone replacement therapy

Objective: To evaluate the effects of isoflavones on vasomotor symptoms and blood lipids in postmenopausal women with contraindication for conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Methods: This prospective, double-blind and placebo-controlled study included 50 postmenopausal women randomly divided into two groups: 25 women on soy germ isoflavones (60 mg per day, capsules) and 25 women on placebo. Inclusion criteria included: non-vegetarian, non-asian women whose last menstruation dated at least 12 months prior to the beginning of the study, With FSH > 40 mIU/ml, hot flushes and contraindication for HRT, not using tamoxifen or antibiotic and no disease of the gastrointestinal tract. For 6 months, the Kupperman menopausal index (KMI), the vaginal cytological maturation value (MV) and both hormonal and lipid profiles were assessed. The t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to compare the two groups. Results: In both groups, a decreased KI rate was observed. However, isoflavone was significantly superior to placebo in reducing hot flushes (44% versus 10%, respectively) (P < 0.05). After 6 months, the isoflavone group showed increased estradiol levels with unchanged FSH, LH, and vaginal cytology, and a reduction of 11.8% in LDL and an increase of 27.3% in HDL (P < 0.05). In the placebo group, just a reduction in MV was observed after 6 months (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Soy germ isoflavone exerted favorable effects on vasomotor symptoms and lipid profile, showing itself to be an interesting alternative therapy for the postmenopausal women with contraindication for conventional HRT. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V.. All rights reserved.