'Vegetarian food beneficial but balanced diet is key to health'

NEW DELHI: Even as the Union health minister J P Nadda made a pitch for vegetarian food by counting on its health benefits, doctors say a well-balanced diet, rich in all nutrients, is the key to healthy living.

While most doctors agree vegetables, fruits and cereals are beneficial for health, some also argue that complete absence of non-vegetarian items, mainly fish and egg, may deprive vegetarians of certain essential diet components such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12, that are not adequately available in vegetarian foods. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 are essential to strengthen muscles and brain nerves.

Several studies in India and abroad comparing vegetarians with non-vegetarians have found incidence of heart diseases, cancers and obesity are lower in those following a vegetarian diet.

According to Dr S C Manchanda, head of preventive cardiology, Ganga Ram hospital, the rate of heart diseases and cancer is around 20% less among those eating a completely vegetarian diet than those eating meat. "Vegetables and fruits contain fibre which lowers cholesterol and helps in weight management. This in turn is good for the heart," says Dr Manchanda.

However, there is also a contrarian view existing among the medical fraternity itself. Though there is no denial of the benefits of a vegetarian diet, there are serious concerns about the "distorted vegetarianism" dominating the Indian palate.

Dr Anoop Misra, chairman of Fortis CDOC hospital for diabetes and allied specialties, points vegetarian diets are often high in carbohydrates, trans fat and are low in proteins, omega -3 fatty acids and vitamin B12. "Around 90% of Indians have vitamin B12 deficiency and traditionally weaker muscles," he adds.

While red meat and processed meat are considered particularly harmful for health, most doctors still advise measured portions of fish, egg and even chicken as part of a balanced diet.

"Diet prescriptions like drugs or medicines can never be generalized. Anything in excess can be harmful for the body - be it meat or oil or carbohydrate. The diet of an individual also depends on his body mass index, his blood and family history," says Dr Misra.