by Pretorian » Thu 27 Aug 2009, 20:01:07
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('smallpoxgirl', '
')Like I said, the primary problem, IMHO, with vegetarianism nutritionally is that it's virtually impossible to avoid ending up with most of your calories coming from starch. I suppose, in theory you could exist off of mostly nuts, but then you would end up protein deficient. Typically protein in a vegetarian diet is derived from a mixture of grains and beans, i.e. starches.
Boletus edulis Loads of protein, no starch.

Speaking of starch. My grandma lived till 86 on a diet where probably 90% of her calories were coming from grains, potatoes, and milk. She was overweight probably half of her life and close to obese for about a third. She had high blood pressure and I assume sleep apnea. With all that she never saw a doctor in her life, never took a pill or even a multivitamin. She lived through three wars, two famines, forced labour camps, buried all her kids and close relatives, more personal stress and horror than you can imagine. Still had a sharp memory and was more sarcastic than i am at her 86.
Another grandma, same diet, same war/famine count but skinny and less personal drama , sought medical attention at 85yo, so I guess doctors did give her 7 more years to live (appendicitis).
Human are as well as other higher primates are omnivorous and can eat whatever pleases them. This Starch&milk dominated European diet for over 10000 years as well as meat&fish diet dominated in N.America since first squatters came there. Thats at least 600 generations worth. Surely if somebody had personal issues with one type of food or another it got sorted out millenia ago. Now I will not praise one food over another; its all good. As long as you dont get fat, eat everything you want. Or even if you do. You live once, no reason to be hungry and deprive yourself , you will die anyway.