Basic Nutrition

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A balanced vegetarian diet will contain all the necessary nutrients for optimum health (including ample protein and iron), and is accompanied by some distinct health benefits. Plant based diets contain no animal protein or cholesterol, and are typically lower in saturated fatty acids, while containing significantly more folate, fibre, antioxidants, phytochemicals and carotenoids than meat-based diets.

For a healthy, well balanced diet, a variety of different foods should be consumed regularly, though it is not necessary to fuss over the special combining of nutrients at each meal.

Non-Animal Sources of Nutrients
Omega 3 Fatty Acids	Linseeds (or flaxseeds), soybean oil, rapeseed oil, tofu, walnuts
Vitamin A	Green leafy vegetables, yellow/orange vegetables or fruits
Vitamin B2 (riboflavn)	Fortified breakfast cereals, fortified soya drinks, almonds
Vitamin B12	Fortified soy milks, marmite, vegemite
Vitamin D	Exposure to sunlight, fortified breakfast cereals, vegetable margarines
Calcium	Fortified soya drinks, sesame seeds, white/brown bread, fortified fruit juice, dried figs, broccoli, green leafy vegetables (except spinach), molasses, beans and pulses, tofu, soya mince
Zinc	Tofu, legumes (e.g. baked beans, chick peas, lentils), peas, nuts and seeds (e.g. cashew nuts, sunflower seeds), wholegrain cereals and wholemeal bread
Iron	Fortified breakfast cereals, wholemeal bread, dried fruit (e.g. apricots, prunes, raisins), green leafy vegetables, beans and pulses, molasses, nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds), tofu
Selenium	Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, molasses, wholemeal bread
Iodine	Iodised salt, seaweed
Protein	Soy products, meat substitutes, legumes, lentils, nuts, seeds and whole grains

Protein

On average, a typical meat-centric Western diet contains considerably higher protein intakes than recommended (this can lead to some adverse health effects). Plant based diets on average contain significantly less protein than meat-based diets, but do contain adequate amounts to meet recommendations and sustain optimum health. In order to obtain the full range of amino acids, it is recommended that protein from different sources be consumed (for example, rice and lentils, or beans on toast). Protein from different sources should be consumed throughout the course of the same day, but it is not necessary to combine them at the same meal.

Iron

Many people have been led to believe that sufficient iron can only be obtained from meat. This is not true. As the table above indicates, there are many non-animal sources of iron consumed by vegetarians. Consequently, those who follow a plant based diet typically have iron levels that are similar if not higher than those who eat meat. This can be attributed to the fact that the absorption of non-heam iron (that found in plant sources) is enhanced by the presence of vitamin C, which is generally present in higher levels in a vegetarian diet. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike face a similar risk of anaemia.

Vitamin B₁₂

Vitamin B₁₂ is an important nutrient which assists with the proper formation of cells and the function of the nervous system. It is particularly important for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers to ensure their B₁₂ intake is sufficient. The vitamin is created by bacteria and is found in high doses on the surface of decomposing substances such as meat and other animal products. It is also known to be consumed in higher doses by communities with lower sanitation and hygiene standards than would be found in a typical Western society. Although only a tiny amount (just 2μg daily) of B₁₂ is required, our hygiene-conscious Western society has made it difficult for those consuming a purely plant based diet to naturally attain adequate amounts of this important nutrient without fortified foods or supplements. Some soy milks and some mock meats (e.g. some veggie sausages) have vitamin B₁₂ added — check the label to be sure. To ensure an adequate supply of vitamin B₁₂, simply have three serves of vitamin B₁₂– fortified foods per day, or take a daily vitamin supplement containing at least 10 micrograms of vitamin B₁₂ (many multivitamin tablets contain this amount.)

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

It is essential to consume regular doses of Omega 3 in order to retain optimum brain function, making Omega 3 an important nutrient in a healthy diet. While Omega 3 from oily fish can be accompanied by contaminants including mercury (not to mention the devastating impacts of commercial fishing on the environment), there are sufficient plant-based sources of this important nutrient as well. Reliable plant-based sources of Omega 3 include linseeds (or flax seeds), soybean oil, rapeseed oil, and walnuts. Having a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds (also know as linseed) or 1-2 teaspoons of the oil per day will ensure a good supply of omega 3 fatty acids. As the oil loses its value when heated, add it to a cold drink or use in a salad dressing. Alternatively, flaxseed oil capsules are available.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and optimum bone health. It is naturally produced in the body, provided that there is regular exposure to sunlight by bare skin. If your exposure to sunlight is less than a few hours a week, taking a supplement such as a daily multivitamin containing vitamin D is recommended.

Calcium

As the table above illustrates, calcium is found in a wide variety of non-animal foods (despite what the dairy industry would like us to believe!). In fact—it is well documented that high intakes of protein (commonly found in a meat and dairy-laden diets) can significantly reduce calcium retention. In the case of dairy milk, the value of the calcium it contains is compromised by the accompanied high doses of animal protein, resulting in less-than-favourable calcium retention. This is further illustrated by the fact that countries with the highest dairy intakes are also the countries with the highest incidence of osteoporosis. And similarly, those countries (such as Japan) who consume the least dairy, have the lowest incidence of osteoporosis. A plant based diet containing sufficient calcium-rich foods (and sufficient vitamin D) will ensure optimum bone health.

Iodine

Iodine is an important trace element that is necessary for normal physical and mental growth and development. Too little or too much iodine can cause health problems. Vegetarian sources of iodine include seaweed and iodised salt, and small amounts of these should be consumed for good health. Alternatively, a daily multivitamin tablet containing iodine can be take to help ensure an adequate intake.

A well balanced vegetarian diet containing a variety of foods including fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains and legumes will ensure optimum health, and even help reduce the risk of some of the major health threats facing Australians today. Naturally, diet is not the only factor in leading a healthy lifestyle. Smoking and the consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and limited exercise are also major factors in health and well-being. However, on average, those who follow vegetarian diets are known to have a greater life-expectancy.

As is the case with any diet, differing life stages (such as pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence) require differing nutritional requirements, and should be carefully considered.