Scientists meet on vegetarianism

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Scientists meet on vegetarianism
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 03/05/2008 10:41:29 PM PST


LOMA LINDA - More than 600 health professionals from across the globe this week are visiting the city to discuss issues related to vegetarianism.
The International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition, which occurs about once every five years, features more than 40 guest speakers presenting original data and research findings at the Loma Linda University Drayson Center.

"This is the leading scientific international conference on a topic that is vital to human health," said Joan Sabate, chairmanof the congress and the Loma Linda University School of Public Health Department of Nutrition.

The three-day event, which wraps up today, probes the "positive and negative health effects of vegetarian diets and plant-based diets," Sabate said.

In the scientific community, it is established that vegetarian diets help in the prevention of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, Sabate said.

Vegetarian diets also lower the risk of diabetes and obesity. But there is no consensus among health experts about whether vegetarian diets aid in the prevention of cancer, he said.

There is some evidence to show that fruits, vegetables, grains, fiber and high-protein vegetarian foods can prevent childhood obesity, said P.K. Newby, an assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at Boston University.

Besides the effects of a meatless diet on human health, the conference is exploring the impacts of vegetarian diets and the reduction of meat intake on the health of the planet.
This afternoon, panelists will examine the relationship between personal food choices and global warming.

"There is now data showing that meat production is one of the main determinants of climate change," Sabate said.

Antonio Castelo, a family doctor from Portugal, gave the conference high marks.

"I think it's amazing," he said. "You're always learning new things. It's a good experience to exchange ideas and opinions about this subject."

Castelo said the research presented at the conference will help him provide a more scientific basis for the public lectures he gives in Portugal.

The proceedings of the congress will be published in a special supplement to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a leading nutrition publication.

http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_8470107

voir aussi: http://www.pe.com/localnews/lomalinda/stories/PE_News_Local_D_veggie02.4261e47.html