Pre-historic eating patterns in Latin America and protective effects of plant-based diets on cardiovascular risk factors

Abstract

In this review, we present the contributions to nutrition science from Latin American native peoples and scientists, appreciated from a historic point of view since pre‐historic times to the modern age. Additionally, we present epidemiological and clinical studies on the area of plant‐based diets and their relation with the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases conducted in recent decades, and we discuss challenges and perspectives regarding aspects of nutrition in the region.

Healthier Body Composition in Vegetarian Men Compared to Omnivorous Men

“…Vegetarian diets, when properly planned, like all diets, should promote proper growth and development and can be adopted during all phases of life [1]. Many studies have demonstrated the association between meat consumption and hypertension, risk of heart disease, metabolic disorders, and mortality [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] and the protective effect of a vegetarian (VEG) diet, associated with a healthy lifestyle and the maintenance of adequate body weight, offering some protection against these chronic diseases [9][10][11].…”

If Vegans Said the Stuff Meat-Eaters Say: A Social Semiotic Perspective of Meat-Eaters and Vegetarians’ Identities Taken From a Peta Video Ad

“…I did that with the help of tools such as the Relationality Principles (BUCHOLTZ & HALL, 2004, 2005 Most people are not aware of the intricacies concerning the meat industry, but in fact vegans and vegetarians are usually the ones who know most of the published scientific evidence on which they base their explanations, such as: animal welfare, antibiotic resistance, climate change, rain forest deforestation, famine, water acidification, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and so on. Even though these facts are backed scientifically (CAMPBELL, 2016;WANG, 2015;MACKNIN, 2015;MEAT ATLAS, 2014;MISHRA, 2013;ZIMMER et al, 2012;NAVARRO, 2010;LI, 2008;BARNARD, 2006BARNARD, , 2005NICHOLSON, 1999;SABATÉ, 1999;TURNER-MCGRIEVY, 2007;DOS SANTOS SILVA, 2002), the discourses show a strong resistance by non-vegans/vegetarians to accept them, simply due to habits society and the agro-industry have inculcated in us.…”

“…Although vegans are known for being primarily concerned with animal protection, there might be added reasons for being vegan 4 . First of all, a more plantbased diet has been proven to maintain overall health (CAMPBELL, 2016;ZIMMER et al, 2012), decreasing the chances of heart attack (MACKNIN, 2015;MISHRA, 2013;NAVARRO, 2010;SABATÉ, 1999), cholesterol (WANG, 2015; MISHRA, 2013), obesity (BARNARD, 2005;TURNER-MCGRIEVY, 2007;NICHOLSON, 1999), diabetes (LI, 2008;BARNARD, 2005BARNARD, , 2006 and cancer (DOS SANTOS SILVA, 2002), just to name a few. Secondly, veganism reduces the impact on the environment if we consider the amount of water and land we need in order to produce meat for the population, among other reasons (DUARTE, 2008; MEAT ATLAS, 2014).…”

“…12 Well-planned vegan diet such as the plant-based diet, as explained in chapter 1. ZIMMER et al, 2012;NAVARRO, 2010;LI, 2008;BARNARD, 2006BARNARD, , 2005NICHOLSON, 1999;SABATÉ, 1999;TURNER-MCGRIEVY, 2007;DOS SANTOS SILVA, 2002). Together with the Animal Rights activism, this new community has challenged the reproduction of the powerful identity once in place.…”

“…20 Overall health (CAMPBELL, 2016;ZIMMER et al, 2012), decreasing the chances of heart attack (MACKNIN, 2015;MISHRA, 2013;NAVARRO, 2010;SABATÉ, 1999), cholesterol (WANG, 2015; MISHRA, 2013), obesity (BARNARD, 2005;TURNER-MCGRIEVY, 2007;NICHOLSON, 1999), diabetes (LI, 2008;BARNARD, 2005BARNARD, , 2006 and cancer (DOS SANTOS SILVA, 2002)…”