Are vegetarian diets healthier than diets containing beef?
While some scientific research does show that vegetarianism is associated with good health, the research does not show that the health benefits result from the diet. More likely, the benefits come from lifestyle factors other than diet, such as regular physical activity, maintenance of a desirable body weight, not smoking, and not abusing drugs or alcohol. Eliminating red meat from the diet can compromise the intake of essential nutrients such as iron and zinc. Studies have linked deficiencies in these two nutrients to a meatless diet. Iron and zinc deficiencies can delay cognitive and physical development, as well as decrease immunity. The iron found in plant foods is not as abundant nor absorbable by our bodies. Beef contains heme iron, a form of iron more absorbable by our bodies than nonheme iron which is found in plant foods. Phytic acid, found in plant-based foods such as whole grain cereals, legumes and soy products, inhibits zinc absorption. Vegetarians who consume a phytate-ri
