People adhere to vegetarian diets for many reasons,
mostly related to religion and belief, health benefits, environmental issues,
and even aesthetic and economic reasons.
There are different types of vegetarian diets,
largely defined by the dietary restrictions that are imposed:
• Vegan (total vegetarian): No meat, poultry,
fish or any products from animals, including eggs, milk and dairy products and
gelatine.
In Asia, a typical vegan also avoids onion and
garlic.
• Lacto-ovo vegetarian: No meat, poultry and
fish, but eggs and dairy products are allowed.
• Lacto-vegetarian: No meat, poultry, fish or
eggs, but can consume dairy products.
• Ovo-vegetarian: No meat, poultry, fish or
dairy products, but can eat eggs.
• Partial vegetarian:
Pesco-vegetarians/Pescetarians avoid meat and poultry, but may eat fish, and
pollo-vegetarians avoid meat and fish, but may eat poultry.
Some vegetarians rely too heavily on processed
foods, which can be high in calories, sugar, fat and sodium.
Ironically, they may not eat enough fruits,
vegetables, whole grains and calcium-rich foods, thus missing out on the
nutrients they provide.
According to the American Dietetic Association,
“Appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan
diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits
in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.”
The key word here is “appropriately planned”. There
are vegetarian guidelines you can follow or you may consult a dietitian for a
properly-planned vegetarian diet to help ensure you or your family will not
miss out on important nutrients.
Vegetarians need to be mindful of some particular
nutrients:
Protein: This helps maintain healthy skin, bones, muscles
and organs.
Lacto-ovo diets, which include eggs and dairy
products, can easily meet the daily requirement for protein.
However, for a vegan, the source of protein has to
come from other plant sources, such as soy and soy products, legumes, lentils,
nuts, seeds and whole grains.
Iron: This is a crucial component of red blood cells.
Dried beans and peas, lentils, enriched cereals,
whole grain products, dark leafy green vegetables, and dried fruit are good
sources of iron.
Because iron isn’t as easily absorbed from plant
sources, the recommended intake of iron for vegetarians is almost double that
recommended for non-vegetarians.
To help your body absorb iron, eat foods rich in
vitamin C, such as strawberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, cabbage and broccoli,
at the same time you are eating iron-containing foods.
Zinc: This mineral is not as easily absorbed from plant
sources as it is from animal products.
Zinc is an essential component of many enzymes and
plays a role in cell division and the formation of proteins.
Cheese is a good option if you eat dairy products.
Plant sources of zinc include whole grains, soy
products, legumes, nuts and wheat germ.
Vitamin B12: This vitamin is necessary to produce red blood
cells and prevent anaemia.
It is found almost exclusively in animal products,
so it can be difficult to get enough this vitamin in a vegan diet.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may go undetected in people
who eat a vegan diet.
This is because the vegan diet is rich in a vitamin
called folate, which may mask deficiency in vitamin B12 until severe problems
occur.
For this reason, it’s important for vegans to
consider vitamin supplements, vitamin-enriched cereals and fortified soy
products.
Calcium and vitamin D: Calcium helps build and
maintain strong teeth and bones. Milk and dairy foods are highest in calcium.
However, dark green vegetables, like turnip,
collard greens, kale and broccoli, are good plant sources when eaten in
sufficient quantities.
Calcium-enriched and fortified products, including
juices, cereals, soy milk, soy yogurt and tofu, are other options.
Vitamin D also plays an important role in bone
health.
It is added to cow’s milk, some brands of soy and
rice milk, and some cereals and margarines.
Exposure to sunlight is also a means of acquiring
vitamin D. Exposing yourself to sunlight at least 30 minutes each day will help
you get sufficient vitamin D.
However, if you don’t eat enough fortified foods
and have limited sunlight exposure, you may need a vitamin D supplement (one
derived from plants).
Omega-3: These fatty acids are important for heart health.
Diets that do not include fish and eggs are
generally low in the active forms of omega fatty acids such as EPA and DHA.
The body can convert ALA in plant foods to EPA and
DHA. Canola oil, soy oil, walnuts, ground flaxseed and soybeans are good
sources of this essential fatty acid.
Vegans can also get DHA from algae/algae
supplements.
Myths and facts about
vegetarian diets
• A vegetarian diet is
good for weight loss
Even though a typical
vegetarian diet avoids animal meat and products, foods such as vegetarian
pizza, deep fried soy products and many artificial mock meats eaten by some
vegetarians might be high in fat, carbohydrates and calories.
Overweight or weight
problems isn’t about whether you are vegetarian or not, it’s more about the
total calories that you take and the energy output from your physical
activities.
Some beans and nuts are
higher in fats. Hence, a small handful of these are good sources of protein and
fats.
Always be mindful of
portion size and cooking methods. Do read food labels to understand how much
you have taken in terms of calories and nutrients based on a serving size.
• A vegetarian diet is
healthier compared to a non-vegetarian one
Vegetarians tend to
consume less saturated fat and cholesterol, but more dietary fibre, potassium,
magnesium and phytochemicals from plant sources that are good for heart
protection.
Some evidence shows
that vegetarians have a 19%-25% lower risk of cardiac related deaths compared
to non-vegetarians.
In addition, many
studies have shown that taking more fruits and vegetables helps in cancer
prevention and there is some evidence that shows that a vegetarian has lower
incidence of cancer compared to non-vegetarians.
However, there are some
studies that show that avoiding red meat, but including fish in the diet can
reduce the risk of certain cancers compared to a vegetarian diet (Oxford
Vegetarian Study).
Plant-based vegetarians
also reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by half (compared to
non-vegetarians with the same body mass index).
Celeste Lau Wai Hong is
a dietitian. This article is courtesy of Sunway Medical Centre.
Source : Starts2.com
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawyers
Once
the initial shock of a mesothelioma diagnosis has passed, patients and
loved ones are often left wondering how they can afford expensive
treatment and other financial hardships. Choosing the right mesothelioma
lawyer to represent you is an important first step in ensuring your
family’s financial future.
Statutes of limitations vary from state to state, and you may be running out of time to file a lawsuit for compensation. That’s why it’s important to learn about your legal options as soon as possible.
Not all lawyers are created equal. Mesothelioma lawsuits are complex and time sensitive. A lawyer with a history of successful asbestos litigation makes the process simple and hassle free, giving you more time to focus on what matters most: Your health and family.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will handle your case from start to finish and explain your options along the way. They are familiar with other avenues of compensation and will help you make the right decision.
Bankrupt asbestos companies have set aside billions to compensate people diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos trust fund claims are filed out of court and can get those injured by negligent companies the compensation they deserve — often quicker than a traditional lawsuit.
Military veterans exposed to asbestos during service can file a disability claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A qualified asbestos attorney can help veterans navigate the complicated VA claims process as well as legal routes.
Reasons for Hiring an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney
Better Resources
Asbestos
law is complex. Only specialized mesothelioma lawyers have the
resources and experience you need for such an important undertaking.
Because every claim is different, your lawyer will explain the types of
compensation available for your situation and evaluate how much money
you can receive.
Compassion and Understanding
An
asbestos lawyer will be compassionate during the hard time you and your
loved ones are going through. A representative from the attorney’s firm
will travel to you when gathering information for your case. The law
firm will work hard to make sure you don’t have to spend a day in court
unless it is absolutely necessary.
Knowledgeable
Mesothelioma
attorneys are familiar with the companies that used asbestos. They know
which job sites caused significant asbestos exposure and which products
contained high concentrations of the toxic mineral. Identifying when
and where you were exposed to asbestos is crucial to winning your claim.
Winning Track Record
Asbestos
industry defenders always put up a tough fight. You need a national law
firm with a proven track record of winning asbestos lawsuits or large
settlements. Qualified attorneys know the best jurisdictions for filing
claims, and they are also well versed in the asbestos trust fund claims
process.
What Expenses Can Be Covered by Legal Compensation?
A
trustworthy attorney will never guarantee an outcome, a settlement or a
successful jury verdict. However, finding a mesothelioma lawyer who can
offer a high probability of successwill make it easier to obtain
compensation.
In
addition to expensive treatments not covered by your health insurance,
other common expenses for mesothelioma patients include:
- Common expenses for mesothelioma patients
- Lost wages
- Caregiver costs
- Travel expenses for treatment
- Funeral expenses
- Therapy and grief support
- Other expenses not covered by insurance
It
is important to save all your medical and financial records so your
lawyer can have updated information about your expenses. In addition to
compensation to cover expenses, mesothelioma lawsuits may include
punitive damages to punish the defendant and award the plaintiff for
their pain and suffering.
Differences in Legal Options
Asbestos
exposure is often the result of someone else’s negligence, making
mesothelioma an almost entirely preventable cancer. Many companies knew
of the dangers of asbestos but failed to warn their employees. Lawsuits
hold these companies accountable while providing much-needed
compensation to those diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases.
A
qualified asbestos lawyer will help you decide if it’s better to file a
lawsuit or pursue another type of claim, as well as estimate the
potential value of your claim.
Depending
on your situation, it may even be possible for you to receive
compensation without stepping foot in court. Many people have
successfully done so through asbestos trust claims, VA disability claims
and out-of-court settlements.
Filing a Lawsuit in Court
There are two types of asbestos injury lawsuits: Personal injury claims and wrongful death suits.
Specific
rights in these lawsuits depend on the county and state where the case
is filed. A mesothelioma lawyer will help you determine which of these
lawsuits is best for you or your family.
Personal Injury Claim
An
individual diagnosed with mesothelioma can file a personal injury claim
against one or more companies that may be responsible for their
illness. Many cases are settled out of court.
Wrongful Death Suit
The
family of a person who died from the asbestos-related disease can file a
wrongful death lawsuit. There is a possibility they may need to appear
in court.
Filing a Trust Claim Outside of Court
More
than 60 trusts have been established on behalf of asbestos companies
that filed for bankruptcy reorganization to avoid future lawsuits. The
U.S. government requires these companies to fund these trusts with
enough money to pay out current and future claims.
It is estimated that asbestos trust funds contain more than $30 billion in total.
Filing for VA Benefits
Military
veterans can apply for VA benefits such as health care and monthly
disability compensation. The surviving spouses and children of veterans
who died of service-related disabilities can apply for a monthly
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefit.
According
to the 2016 Veterans Compensation Benefits Rate Tables, an unmarried
veteran without children can receive more than $2,900 per month, while a
married veteran with at least one child can receive nearly $3,200 per
month.
Lawsuit Settlements
You
may file a lawsuit and win compensation without having to go to court.
The vast majority of mesothelioma lawsuits never go to trial. Although a
jury verdict may result in a larger reward, mesothelioma settlements
are guaranteed compensation and a quicker resolution to a case.
Trials
can be lengthy and some plaintiffs might not receive compensation until
months after the verdict, depending on an appeal. An experienced lawyer
will explain the strengths of your case and help you decide whether to
settle or seek a verdict.
Can I Afford an Attorney?
In
asbestos lawsuits, attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This
means you pay nothing until you receive compensation and nothing at all
if your case is not successful.
Contingency
fees protect you because they usually are based on a percentage of any
compensation you receive. Be sure to discuss this percentage during your
first meeting with an attorney.
Mesothelioma Verdicts
Mesothelioma
lawsuits have helped hundreds of thousands of people seek compensation
from companies that negligently exposed them to asbestos. The ultimate
goal is to put money in the hands of someone who needs help reducing
financial hardships during an illness and providing a more stable future
for loved ones.
$250 million
A
retired U.S. Steel worker from Indiana won a 2003 mesothelioma trial
after alleging the company was responsible for exposing him to asbestos
insulation for decades. U.S. Steel was expected to appeal the $250
million verdict, but instead settled out of court for an undisclosed
amount.
$115 million
In
1998, a Texas jury awarded $115 million to 21 steelworkers who
developed asbestosis while working at an Alabama steel mill. Carborundum
Company, the manufacturer of an asbestos-containing grinding wheel used
at the mill, was ordered to pay $100 million in punitive damages.
$18.6 million
A
Dallas county jury awarded $18.6 million in 2014 to the family of a
tire builder who died of mesothelioma. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber
Co. employee was repeatedly exposed to asbestos over 30 years while
working with Goodyear tire machines at a plant in Tyler, Texas.
$1.74 million
In
2011, the Delaware Supreme Court awarded damages to the family of a
mother and son who died of pleural mesothelioma after exposures at a
family auto shop. Four surviving family members received $1.24 million
for pain and suffering and $500,000 in a wrongful death verdict.
Mesothelioma Legal Myths & Concerns
There
are many misconceptions about the mesothelioma legal process and why it
is important to hire a specialized lawyer. Don’t let these
misconceptions prevent you from seeking important legal help.
I Should Focus on My Health Now and Speak with a Lawyer Later
Although
investing your time and energy into treatment and feeling better is
important, mesothelioma lawsuits are time sensitive. Depending on your
location, state laws may prevent you from filing a claim one or two
years after learning about your diagnosis. In addition, the sooner you
seek legal help, the sooner you may be able to receive compensation to
cover medical expenses.
I Don’t Want to Choose the Wrong Lawyer
If
you’re concerned about the cost of legal counsel, you should know most
mesothelioma attorneys offer free consultations. It’s possible to
discuss your case with a qualified lawyer with no obligations, giving
you a chance to find someone you are comfortable with at no cost. If you
decide to file a lawsuit, you only need to pay your lawyer if you
receive an award from a settlement or trial verdict.
I Don’t Want to Sue the Government
Mesothelioma
lawsuits are filed against companies that produced and sold asbestos,
not the government. If you were exposed to asbestos during military
service, you may have the option to file a lawsuit against a company
that supplied asbestos-containing products to the armed forces. If you
don’t feel comfortable filing a lawsuit, you may be able to recover
funds by filing a VA claim.
Any Lawyer Can Help Me File a Claim
Because
mesothelioma lawsuits are complicated, you want to have an experienced
lawyer on your side. Attorneys who are well-versed in these types of
cases know the ins and outs of filing a claim. They offer you the best
chance of winning compensation to cover treatment and provide for your
family. Make sure your lawyer has a proven track record of success. This
includes winning verdicts in the courtroom, should your case go to
trial.
