Thank you Jenn. I hope people can have the nature to inquire instead to attack.

The chief deficiency I see in the vegan & vegetarian movement is its polarization: Us VS Them — the sense that we have a monopoly on the truth; that those other people who believe otherwise are morons; that "if you're sensible, you'll listen to us and if not, the hell with you." This is nonconstructive. It does not get our message across. It condemns us to permanent minority status.

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Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate!

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I think a lot more animal lovers would be vegetarians, if they knew how much cruelty is involved in producing that steak, bacon, milk, egg. Lets hope that computers will help with communication and educate animal lovers to what is going on behind closed doors. Computers do the connecting to a lot of people so well!

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I have been called an asshole, told to stfu, called stupid..etc..I wouldnt say its an attitude thrown around by everyone, only a few, but its counterproductive. I like the "idea" of this group and what it stands for, but its always been that the few can ruin great things for the many.

I am a vegetarian, not barely a vegetarian as I have been told here. I actually have eaten a near veg diet ALL MY LIFE. In my early years and into my teens we had a diet that was mostly plant material, little or NO meat for weeks and months! Into my adult life its been the same. I would only call myself vegetarian when I decided to pull out all the stops and never eat it again!

I still cant understand why the poster decided to call me "barely vegetarian" I think its because other members of my family arent vegeterian, but you know I am sure thats not uncommon in families.

I consider myself to be tolerant but I am not going to be one of those here on Care2 that are tolerant to a fault.

"Live simply so that others may simply live"

-Lillian

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We can all get along and love one another. Its all about that in the end anyway. I didnt mention your name Daniel, we are stronger when we work together.

so...that said

We can all get along here and have a great time and learn from each other.

Hugs to everyone!

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"Stupid is as stupid does."

Just another mundane quotation since they seem to be the thing to do when you aren't interesting in anything except stirring the pot.

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"It seems more often than not, in each topic here, someone is always picking a fight over dietary lifestyles."

Well, that was in the initial post, yet this thread has become Vegetarian vs. Vegan again.  Exactly what Jenn was trying to admonish.  With barbs such as using "honey" then "molasses" then laughing and "hell bent for leather" when conversing with a vegan nothing is accomplished than perpetuating the animosity.  It is sad, but not exactly unexpected given the reputation.

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I've been a vegan all my life and ego-based negativity and personal attacks have never worked for me and I certainly do not feel the way some have said vegans feel here ...

I have brought many people over to the vegan lifstyle by being respectful... but I think it's more of a personality thing and less of a lifstyle thing

For me - I feel we only progress when we work together towards a common goal

But hey - there's always the flagging option

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Yes!

Another non-combative, non-namecalling vegan here

Thanks to all the Veggies and Vegans who can manage to 'work together'

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This is a good thread - I'm a vegan too . Speaking for the animals loud and strong and NO ONE here is speaking for me!

The only problems I've ever really had with people is the 'jests' at my expense made by meat eating people (which I don't find funny) and the embarrassment by the behavior of some of my fellow vegans and veggies who I feel set back our cause so much farther than the un-thinking meat-eaters (who generally understand after I respectfully speak my truth to them)

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I have always been quite confused about the question: do plants have feelings? 

I think Myke may be right when he says that physiology cannot explain consciuosness, and that plants   DO  have consciuosness, but when I studied Anthroposophy ( or Spiritual Science, as its founder Rudolf Steiner named it ), I learned that all things in the cosmos have consciousness, but each kingdom on earth has a DIFFERENT  kind of consciousness, according to the spiritual bodies each one of these kingdoms has.  The plant kingdom has both physical and etheric bodies, so their consciousness is not like that of animals or humans, because they have not astral body, which animals and humans do have.  I know it does not say anything to someone who hasn't studied this, and I am not at all qualified to teach anyone about these matters, but what I am trying to say, to summarize, is that only possession of an astral body enables a being to feel pain and suffering, and that's why plants cannot feel, because they have no astral body.

I hope it can help in this debate and does not sound like Chinese to you!

I f anyone is interested to know about Anthroposophy, or knows it already, I would love to give or share information about it. I think it is worthwhile!

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Rene, I have the same outlook as you, I dont like any ideaology shoved down my throat and I dont do that to anyone either, or rather I try hard not to. I just live and if someone is curious I fill them in on my way of living, other than that I keep it to myself.

I very much love being a vegetarian. I love my veggies but i so desperately want to try the fruitarian diet because it appeals to the sweet tooth I have. gotta look into that...

I loved the sound of your portabella dish the other night..yummy!

If you havent tried this please do so, get the biggest portabellas you can find, wipe them off with a paper towel, (no rinsing) then add some oil of your choice into an iron skillet, fry at medium heat for 5 minutes on both sides, I usually place another iron skillet on top of mine the weight helps it cook nice and even, take it out of the pan onto a plate and lightly salt both sides,  let this rest for five minutes, in the meantime prepare hamburger bun with your favorite toppings, place portabella in bun and eat as you would a bocca burger, I challenge anyone here that if they have EVER eaten anything that taste any better I want to know what and how to prepare it. My friends who adore fine cuts of steak say this may be even BETTER than what they are used to. I said, well of course it is silly!

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Daniel unfortunately its the same here right now, high prices and not much in the way of variety keeps me from diving headlong into an experimental phase with "fuitopia" lol,

I think theres a drink by the same name, or used to be one named Fruitopia.

Have you ever read Neil Pearts true story of his adventures cycling through Africa? Its very good. Rush is really something else, after all its amazing that those sounds come out of a three man band, sounds more like a seven or eight man band doesnt it?...

PEACE

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I agree.. I have been away for a while and after re entering Care 2 I see that again there are nasty posts in here. Its about education.  Not Accusation, after all we are part of the animal chain and we need to be kind to eachother.

I also hate to see some of the animal abuse stories and topics as well.  Its not the right group for that sort of thing.

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Hi, I just joined this group and read this post. I was a vegan for 22 years, I consider myself vegetarian now(24years on).....not really sure why though,as I don't have anything to do with animal products in any form that I am aware. I really felt I had to say hi to everyone.So, Hi all you fellow animal lovers....non-meat eaters.

 Got to admit that reading this thread has made me feel a little sick, and I went out on the "Rainbow Warrior" once in the heat of a protest over animal rights!! Can't we all just accept that we are all doing something toward animal rights? Its obvious we all have deep feelings for animals - as none of eat meat, but surely it should be kudos to every effort being made to change the plight of animals in this world. If we waste too much energy fighting each other - how will will find the strength to fight for those who are unable to fight for themselves?  

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Hello everybody,

I´m new in the group and I´m vegan for several years now. Anybody bothered me about it. As a matter of fact nor I´m telling it to anyone whithout reason. If people ask me about it, I explain them about my reasons why I´m vegan. I always received respect, understanding and also curiosity.

There´s such a big variety of food you can eat, so I don´t understand why people like to kill all this beautiful animals. And not only because they´ve hunger. You don´t need meat to still your hunger.

They eat also wild, more killing. If you like to eat meat, very well, but why has it to be a deer, et. etc. They call it gastronomy.

So I understand they eat not to live, but live for eating.

I really don´t now why they want to use their brains a little bit. It doesn´t hurt a little thinking.

You have to now that with all the food we need to feed the cows we can give a whole nation to eat. There´re so many people in this world who are suffering and go to bed without eating anything.

Think before you eat, be responsable and teach others to be wise also.

                      Warm greeting, Ingrid

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Ingrid Nice to see you here. I have been vegetarian for a long time now (first went vegetarian about 27 or so years ago) and have been vegan for quite a few years now too. I don't see why people need to kill animals to eat either - and I don't see why they need to get upset that we choose not to but people will be people and often worry about those of us who are different to them. This is a lovely group - I love it here and I'm sure you'll enjoy it too. Welcome.

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http://dingo.care2.com/pictures/c2c/galleries/cache/derivative/6/5/6569845.jpg Thank you lol I forgot your name the one before me Personnally I was vegetarian first time in 1977. I was sharing an apartment with a girl friend who was study in Nutrition,,, and I came back with meet...Now that I know all the stuff they feed them...Yurk!!! Do you really know what you are eating guys? You are poisoning yourself each time you eat meat. And we do not have to eat a lot. I have a sister who was more than 300 lbs 10 years ago, now she is 120 and 5' 10. and at her age she is very healthy. She only eats Organic, no more meat neither fish,,,you should know about it too...Our planet is very sick and it will be more sick each day... Thankx to let me share, Marie : )

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I agree!

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I see what you are saying about encouraging people to at least take small steps.  But I would never encourage anyone to give up red meat instead of pork or chicken.  A chickens life is no less precious then a cows.  I like to encourage people who need tiny steps by telling them to go from 3 meat meals a day to 2 meat meals and things like that. The solution isn't encouraging someone to eat a different meat.  They should be eating less meat. 

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Fred says: cut out red meat and eat only white meat. Why? Because studies have shown that white meat is "better" for you than red meat (and no meat is better than white or red meat, but you can work your way up to this later). This is the side you would take with someone that wanted to be vegetarian for their health.

Janet says: chickens are just as important as cows. Why? Because they are all living creatures and they all feel fear and pain. This is the side you would take with someone that wanted to be vegetarian for the sake of the animals.

Neither side of the debate is better than the other. Sometimes it's about how you approach someone and what you say that makes the difference in their attitude about what they eat.

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Nicole,

I would understand his side but "white" meat isn't better for the health of the consumer then "red" meat.  If that person is concerned with health, then red and white meat are both horrendous health choices.

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I'm not trying to ignite an argument.  I just don't want well-meaning veg*ans telling folks that white meat is a healthy alternative to red meat because it isn't. If the person is concerned with their health, suggest less meat. If someone says they're willing to cut our a certain meat, I would be 98% sure its one they don't like much anyway. 

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EATING FRUIT

We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and
just popping it into our mouths. It's not as easy as you think
It's important to know how and when to eat..

What is the correct way of eating fruits?

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS! - FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

If you eat fruit on an empty stomach, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a
great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.

IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD - Let's say you eat two slices of
bread and then a slice of fruit.. The slice of fruit is ready to go
straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented
from doing so..

In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid..
The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach
and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.=2 0

So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals!
You have heard people complaining - every time I eat water-melon I
burp, when I eat durian (fruit from Asia with a foul smell yet
delicious flavor) my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel
like running to the toilet etc.
- actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty
stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces
gas and hence you will bloat!
Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the
eyes - all these will not happen if you take fruits on an empty
stomach.

There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are
acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to
Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have
mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of
beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.

Fruit Juices

When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice,
NOT from the cans.. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up.
Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all.
You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins...
But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you
should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because
you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it.
You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat
fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be
surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium,
magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoid which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

ORANGE: Sweetest medicine, eating 2 to 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which=2 0helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer! Can you believe this??

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to
you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the
cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed.
It will slow down the digestion... Once this 'sludge' reacts with the
acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than
the solid food.

It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead
to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

http://www.kimknightcoaching.com/life-coach.php/5

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Fruits provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of our bodies.

For further information and health benefits of eating fruits, please feel free to check out the link below:

http://www.formulamedical.com/formula%20for%20life/Fruits/Fruits.htm

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To begin with, vegetables as a group are so low in calories that it is very difficult to gain weight even if you overeat them. (This statement wouldn't apply, of course, to batter-coated and fried vegetables, or to vegetables mixed into a thick cheese casserole.) On average, you are looking at 50 calories (or less) per cup from most of the World's Healthiest vegetables! That amount is astonishingly low, even when you compare it to other food groups within the World's Healthiest Foods. With the World's Healthiest nuts and seeds, for example, you're almost always looking at 750 calories or more per cup. That's 15 times higher than the World's Healthiest vegetables. With legumes, calories per cup fall into the 225-250 range. For fruits, the calories per cup can drop down fairly low for extremely watery fruits (like watermelon, which drops down to about 50 calories per cup), but it can also spike up to more than 400 calories per cup in the case of dried fruits like raisins. The uniquely low-calorie nature of vegetables as a group means that you can be generous with them in a Healthiest Way of Eating and not have to worry about the calories.

Optimal nourishment is another reason that vegetables are important on a daily basis. You need to eat vegetables everyday because you need a supply of vitamins everyday. Some vitamins can be stored for future use and others cannot. Some of the vitamins that can be stored in the body are called fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D and E. For the body to run its best we also need water-soluble vitamins. Found within this group are all of the "B-complex" vitamins, including vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, biotin, choline, folic acid, and vitamin C. We need these water-soluble vitamins every single day because they can't be stored in the body or can only be stored in small amounts. And since the body cannot make these vitamins (or any vitamins), we have to get them from the food we eat. When considered as a group, vegetables are unusually rich sources for a full mixture of water-soluble vitamins. That's why so many health care recommendations (including the U.S. Food Pyramid) encourage 3-5 servings of vegetables per day.

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When it comes to vegetables, there is also their abundance of phytonutrients to consider. In the science of food, no change has been bigger than the discovery of phytonutrients and their unique place in our health. Phytonutrients include all of the unique substances that give foods their brilliant colors, their delicious flavors, and their unique aromas. They are also the nutrients most closely linked to prevention of certain diseases. Carotenonids and flavonoids are the two of the largest groups of phytonutrients, and there is no food group that provides them in amounts as plentiful as vegetables. The phytonutrients in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, and in root vegetables like onions and garlic, are unique when it comes to decreased risk of certain cancers, and some of these phytonutrients simply cannot be found in other food groups.

Finally is the pleasure of chewing and amazing digestive benefits that come from the high-fiber content of vegetables. Dietary fiber is critical for our health, not only on a daily basis, but on a meal-by-meal and snack-by-snack basis as well. Food cannot move through our digestive tract in a healthy way unless it is fiber-rich. And, vegetables are some of the very richest sources of fiber that exist.

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Plant-based flavonoid may cut ovarian cancer risk
By Joene Hendry

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Women who eat greater amounts of plant-based foods and drinks with the naturally occurring flavonoid, apigenin, may have a decreased risk for ovarian cancer, study findings suggest.

Apigenin, found in celery, parsley, red wine, tomato sauce, and other plant-based foods may be "particularly beneficial," said Dr. Margaret A. Gates, of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, in Boston, Massachusetts.
Flavanoids are compounds with antioxidant properties that protect cells against damage by oxygen molecules. In a study that compared flavonoid intake among women with and without ovarian cancer, women reporting the highest apigenin intake had a "borderline significant decrease" in ovarian cancer risk over women reporting the lowest apigenin intake, Gates and her associates report in the International Journal of Cancer.
"These results are promising," Gates told Reuters Health, "but more research is needed to confirm this association."

The researchers assessed the foods commonly eaten over a one-week period by 1,141 women with ovarian cancer and 1,183 women without.

The women, 51 years old on average, had similar characteristics except those with ovarian cancer reported more known risk factors for the disease and had slightly greater body mass and daily calorie intake. By contrast, the disease-free "controls" had a slightly healthier overall diet.
From the food data, Gate's group calculated the women's intake of 5 common flavonoids -- myricetin, kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin -- frequently obtained by drinking tea or red wine, or eating apples, romaine or leaf lettuce, kale, blueberries, oranges, celery, or tomato sauce.

The investigators found no association between total flavonoid intake and ovarian cancer risk in analyses that allowed for factors potentially associated with ovarian cancer risk such as age, oral contraceptive use, childbirth, breastfeeding, history of tubal ligation, and physical activity.
Only apigenin intake, as noted, was associated with a suggestive decrease in ovarian cancer risk.

These findings, in concert with results of other studies suggesting an inverse association between intake of certain flavonoids and risk of ovarian cancer, highlight the need for further research, Gates and her colleagues suggest.
SOURCE: International Journal of Cancer, April 2009.
 
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE53L54820090422

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Baybutt believes vitamin A's protective effects may help explain why some smokers do not develop emphysema. "There are a lot of people who live to be 90 years old and are smokers," he said. "Why? Probably because of their diet…The implications are that those who start smoking at an early age are more likely to become vitamin A deficient and develop complications associated with cancer and emphysema. And if they have a poor diet, forget it." If you or someone you love smokes, or if your work necessitates exposure to second hand smoke, protect yourself by making sure at least one of the World's Healthiest Foods that are rich in vitamin A, such as sweet potatoes, is a daily part of your healthy way of eating.

So, the next time you have the urge for something sweet, how about a thick slice of sweet potato pie? It's one dessert guaranteed to satisfy your whole body, not just your sweet tooth.

Description

Depending upon the variety, of which there are about 400, the skin and flesh of the sweet potato may range from almost white through cream, yellow, orange, and pink to a very deep purple, although white and yellow-orange flesh are most common. Sometimes this root vegetable will be shaped like a potato, being short and blocky with rounded ends, while other times it will be longer with tapered ends.

The intensity of the sweet potato's yellow or orange flesh color is directly correlated to its beta-carotene content. The beta-carotene in orange-fleshed sweet potato, which our bodies can use to produce vitamin A and is therefore called "Provitamin A," has been reported to be more bioavailable than that from dark green leafy vegetables. Purple-fleshed sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are a good source of anthocyanins and have the highest antioxidant activity among sweet potato varieties. In one study, the antioxidant activity in purple sweet potato was 3.2 times higher than that of a blueberry variety! Interestingly, the antioxidant activity in sweet potato skin, regardless of its color, is almost three times higher than in the rest of the tissue.

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Sweet potatoes are grouped into two different categories depending upon the texture they have when cooked: some are firm, dry, and mealy, while others are soft and moist. In both types, the taste is starchy and sweet with different varieties having different unique tastes.

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A Few Quick Serving Ideas:

Purée cooked sweet potatoes with bananas, maple syrup and cinnamon. Top with chopped walnuts.

Steam cubed sweet potatoes, tofu, and broccoli. Mix in raisins and serve hot or cold with a curried vinaigrette dressing.

Desserts made with sweet potatoes are an autumn favorite but can be enjoyed year round. Try making sweet potato pie, bread, muffins or pudding.

Baked sweet potatoes are delicious even when served cold and therefore make a great food to pack in to-go lunches.

Safety

Sweet Potatoes and Oxalates

Sweet potatoes are among a small number of foods that contain measurable amounts of oxalates, naturally-occurring substances found in plants, animals, and human beings. When oxalates become too concentrated in body fluids, they can crystallize and cause health problems. For this reason, individuals with already existing and untreated kidney or gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating sweet potatoes. Laboratory studies have shown that oxalates may also interfere with absorption of calcium from the body. Yet, in every peer-reviewed research study we've seen, the ability of oxalates to lower calcium absorption is relatively small and definitely does not outweigh the ability of oxalate-containing foods to contribute calcium to the meal plan. If your digestive tract is healthy, and you do a good job of chewing and relaxing while you enjoy your meals, you will get significant benefits - including absorption of calcium - from calcium-rich foods plant foods that also contain oxalic acid.

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Ordinarily, a healthcare practitioner would not discourage a person focused on ensuring that they are meeting their calcium requirements from eating these nutrient-rich foods because of their oxalate content. For more on this subject, please see "Can you tell me what oxalates are and in which foods they can be found?"

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Health Benefits of sweet potatoes

How sweet it is for your health to eat sweet potatoes! Not only do they taste like dessert, here's the latest research on sweet potatoes surprising benefits.

Unique Proteins with Potent Antioxidant Effects

Sweet potato contain unique root storage proteins that have been observed to have significant antioxidant capacities. In one study, these proteins had about one-third the antioxidant activity of glutathione-one of the body's most impressive internally produced antioxidants. Although future studies are needed in this area, count on these root proteins to help explain sweet potatoes' healing properties.

A Sweet Source of Good Nutrition

Our food ranking system also showed sweet potato to be a strong performer in terms of traditional nutrients. This root vegetable qualified as an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), a very good source of vitamin C and manganese, and a good source of copper, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, potassium and iron. How do these sweet potato nutrients support our health?

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An Antioxidant-Rich, Anti-Inflammatory Food

As an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) and a very good source of vitamin C, sweet potatoes have healing properties as an antioxidant food. Both beta-carotene and vitamin C are very powerful antioxidants that work in the body to eliminate free radicals. Free radicals are chemicals that damage cells and cell membranes and are associated with the development of conditions like atherosclerosis, diabetic heart disease, and colon cancer. This may explain why beta-carotene and vitamin C have both been shown to be helpful for preventing these conditions.

Since these nutrients are also anti-inflammatory, they can be helpful in reducing the severity of conditions where inflammation plays a role, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition, sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin B6, which is needed to convert homocysteine, an interim product created during an important chemical process in cells called methylation, into other benign molecules. Since high homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, having a little extra vitamin B6 on hand is a good idea.

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A Look at Yam, Diosgenin, and Menopausal Symptoms

Many consumers have found products in the marketplace that promote wild yam or wild yam extracts as substances that can help provide a natural alternative to hormonal replacement in women who have reached the age of menopause. Many of these products are provided in the form of creams that can be topically applied. Even though the food itself is not usually promoted by natural products companies, these yam-containing products have sparked interest in the relationship between yam and menopause. Yams do contain some unique substances called steroidal saponins, and among these substances are chemicals called diosgenins. Because of similiarities between diosgenin and progesterone, questions were initially raised about the ability of our body to convert diosgenin into progesterone, but research has shown that the answer here is clearly no. Diosgenin does, however, have an impact on hormonal patterns in studies involving animals, and may be helpful in lowering risk of osteoporosis, although we don't as yet have any human studies in this area.

Wild yam also has some history of traditional use in herbal medicine, especially Chinese herbal medicine, as a botanical that can affect organ system function. While the focus here has been on kidney function, wild yam (or Chinese yam) has also been used to support the female endocrine system. For example, there has been traditional use of this root in conjunction with lactation. We've only seen one high-quality, peer-reviewed research study in which women were actually given wild yam (in the form of a topical cream) to determine the impact of this plant on menopausal symptoms. Although this research showed some very limited benefits from the wild yam cream-and no side effects-none of the symptom changes were statistically significant. In summary, we'd say that there's no research evidence to support the claim that yam has special benefits when it comes to menopause, but that more research is needed in this area because there is a clear connection between yam, diosgenin, and endocrine function that is not yet understood.

We'd also like to add some information about yam and vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 has been an especially popular supplement with respect to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women, especially in conjunction with the depression that can be triggered by PMS. Some companies have also advocated the use of this vitamin for menopausal symptoms. One cup of baked cubed yam contains 15.5% of the Daily Value for B6, and we rank yam as a "good" source of vitamin B6 for this reason. In research studies, however, the dose of vitamin B6 required for help with PMS depression is about 50-100 milligrams-many, many times the Daily Value level of 2.0 milligrams. So if you're a woman, even though yam might be a food well-worth including in your meal plan in conjunction with PMS, the amount of vitamin B6 that you'd be getting from this food would be insufficient (by itself) to reach the therapeutic level shown to be helpful in research studies.

Blood Sugar and Weight Control

Yams' complex carbohydrates and fiber deliver the goods gradually, slowing the rate at which their sugars are released and absorbed into the bloodstream. In addition, because they're rich in fiber, yams fill you up without filling out your hips and waistline. And one more benefit, yams are a good source of manganese, a trace mineral that helps with carbohydrate metabolism and is a cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses. You've just got to hand it to Mother Nature; when She brings forth a food, She makes sure it integrates everything needed to contribute to your health and vitality.

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Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Jackfruit 

Being rich in potassium, jackfruit has been found to be helpful in the lowering of blood pressure.

The extract of Jackfruit root is believed to help cure fever as well as diarrhea.

Jackfruit contains phytonutrients, with health benefits ranging from anti-cancer to antihypertensive.

The root of this fruit has been found to be beneficial for those suffering from asthma.

Jackfruit proves to be a very good source of vitamin C, which is known for its high antioxidant properties.

The fruit contains isoflavones, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, all of which are credited for their cancer-fighting properties.

Jackfruit is known to contain anti-ulcer properties and is also good for those suffering from indigestion.

Boasting of anti-ageing properties, the fruit can help slow down the degeneration of cells and make the skin look young and supple.

Jackfruit serves as a good supply of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins, for the human body.

It is believed that the fruit can help prevent and treat tension and nervousness.

Since it contains few calories and a very small amount of fat, jackfruit is good for those trying to lose weight.

If you are suffering from constipation, regular consumption of the fruit will surely prove beneficial.

The root of jackfruit is said to be good for the treatment of a number of skin problems.

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There are many reasons people are vegetarian: compassion for animals, protecting the environment, and personal health and well-being.

It's worthwhile checking out the Science news articles about 'fruit vegetables' on the link below.  http://esciencenews.com/dictionary/fruit.vegetables.

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Top 10 Healthy Ways to Cook Fruits & Vegetables from http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/?page_id=1538

How to Grill most any vegetable you can think of By Derrick Riches, About.com http://bbq.about.com/cs/vegetables/a/aa052497.htm

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/foods/he482-1.htm

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I do understand where you are coming from...
The majority (all) of my family say that they will never become vegetarians. If I can help change one small dietary choice for any of them, I feel pretty good.

I stayed with my my mom and stepdad for a month this Summer - helping with their yardsale...we ate plenty of awesome, creative salads - I still made ranch dressing with milk and mayo (for them) and we made stew and soups with meat - I and my son picked out the meat and gave it to the family dog.

My mom even made me veggie tacos! I think she decided that she liked me better than she did her ideas about food.

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Fred,
I cooked for my non vegan (now vegan) family too.  Then I discovered that I could make vegan versions of their favorites (like meatloaf, etc.) and they were happy to eat the vegan versions.  As long as it tastes good, right?

I know it's hard when your family doesn't really understand, so I'm grateful now that we're on the same page.  I'm glad your family's nice about it!

 [ send green star]

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Suzanna, may be it will be better if you started a new thread on these nutritional values of fruits and vegetables?

 [ send green star]