Guest guest Posted July 28, 2003 Report Share Posted July 28, 2003 Vegan Society PRESS RELEASE Worried about osteoporosis? - To protect our health we need the vitamins and minerals found in plant foods. The Vegan Society today called for bodies responsible for combating the near-epidemic of osteoporosis in the western world to focus on plant foods rich in potassium and vitamin K, which reduce calcium losses without any detrimental effects on health, rather than on dairy products which increase calcium losses and contribute unhealthy saturated fat to the food supply at the same time as providing calcium. It's not just vegans who are sceptical of the health claims made for dairy products. The Sunday Times Magazine (21/07/02) noted widespread bias in research into the health benefits and hazards of dairy products, pointing out that all the beneficial components of milk are found in fruits and vegetables, plus the added benefit of protecting against other diseases, and advising readers, " Next time you hear a dietary expert saying milk and dairy are essential parts of a well-balanced diet be advised you are in the presence of a nincompoop " . There are two fundamental errors in public policy with regard to promoting healthy bones: the undue pre-eminence accorded to calcium and the erroneous view that calcium is synonymous with dairy products. Dairy products are not the best source of calcium as they cause calcium losses at the same time as increasing calcium intake. Bone health is influenced positively by many nutrients, including potassium, vitamin K, calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium, and negatively by sodium and excessive protein. Walter Willett of Harvard Medical School (nether a vegetarian nor a vegan) notes that " there are more reasons not to drink milk in large amounts than there are to drink it " , pointing to the weakness of evidence for a protective effect of adult dairy consumption on bone health and the strength of evidence for adverse effects of dairy products on heart disease and prostate cancer. For anyone wanting more calcium than provided by their usual diet, Willett suggests that " calcium supplements are the best way to do this " as they meet the need without adding unhealthy extra fat and calories. [Ref: " Eat, Drink and Be Healthy " , The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating. 2001 Walter C Willett, MD] In the UK, the National Osteoporosis Society, whose donors include Dairy Crest, Express Dairies PLC, Unigate Dairies Ltd, Muller Dairy UK Ltd and The Nestle Charitable Trust (NOS Accounts 2000/2001), agree. Their publication " Diet & Bone Health " (page 32) confirms that " vegans can maintain a very healthy calcium intake from tofu, green leafy vegetables, nuts and dried fruit, which all contain high calcium levels. The lack of animal protein in your diet may also make more calcium available for your bones... " A vegan diet including plenty of fruit and vegetables provides abundant bone-protecting potassium and vitamin K along with good amounts of calcium, particularly if green leafy vegetables or calcium-set tofu are used regularly. It also provides abundant folate, carotenoids and other protective antioxidants which may reduce risk of heart disease and cancers. Levels of saturated fat are healthfully low and there is no cholesterol whatever. The advantages of the green stuff over the white stuff are scientifically beyond dispute. Contact: Stephen Walsh PhD tel. 07967 361510 email Office: Tel 01424 448828 Fax 01424 717064 Out of hours : 07944068432 Editors notes: The Vegan Society (Reg. Charity No. 279228) was established in November 1944 to promote a healthy diet, whilst at the same time avoiding animal exploitation and the wasteful use of the world's resources. World Vegan Day is celebrated on 1st November - National Vegan Week (U.K.) is 27 October - 3 November 2002 see www.worldveganday.org . This year's theme targets caterers to encourage them to provide more food that everyone can enjoy. The Vegan Society publishes The Vegan Shopper - a guide to animal free shopping, the vegan passport and a travel guide. For more information about The Vegan Society see www.vegansociety.com or telephone local rate number 0845 45 88244 -- This userpage was printed from Vegan Society http://www.vegansociety.com The URL for this userpage is: http://www.vegansociety.com/mod.php?mod=userpage & page_id=27 ~Janice~ Be your own cheerleader! Encourage yourself every step of the way! " Do not blame others for making you mad. Anger is a choice. Choose wisely " If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian. ~Paul McCartney ~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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