Peter Clarys, Peter Deriemaeker, Marcel Hebbelinck, David Bosmans and Bjorn Bertier
This study was designed to assess the physical fitness and health status in 36 life‐long vegetarians. Besides a general questionnaire a dietary diary was completed and several…
Abstract
This study was designed to assess the physical fitness and health status in 36 life‐long vegetarians. Besides a general questionnaire a dietary diary was completed and several blood parameters were determined. Physical fitness profile was estimated by testing handgrip strength, leg explosive strength, dynamic abdominal muscle endurance and cardiorespiratory endurance capacity. Body mass and length were measured for the determination of the BMI. The general questionnaire revealed that most of the subjects had healthy lifestyles. Nutritional intakes were not optimal with excess of some nutrients, but equally with some intakes not reaching the recommended daily allowances. Blood profile was normal for all evaluated parameters. Physical performance capacity was rather weak for strength‐oriented tasks while a normal cardiorespiratory endurance capacity was measured. Our results indicate that a vegetarian diet is not automatically a healthy diet. Proper food choices need to be made to assure the completeness and to avoid excesses or deficiencies in the diet.
Dirk Aerenhouts, Marcel Hebbelinck, Stephanie De Vriese and Peter Clarys
The purpose of this paper is to describe health‐related factors and behaviors associated with soy consumption and to present a better identification of a soy consumer's profile at…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe health‐related factors and behaviors associated with soy consumption and to present a better identification of a soy consumer's profile at meso‐level.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 104 women and 49 men, 22‐77 years old and employed at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, participated in the study. A physical activity questionnaire and a food frequency questionnaire were administered. Body height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, body fat percentage (2‐pole BIA), blood glucose and total blood cholesterol were measured in a fasting state.
Findings
Compared with the general population, the sample showed healthier eating habits (breakfast frequency, fruit and vegetable consumption) and lower prevalence of smoking. Women regularly consuming soy had lower waist circumference, body fat percentage and total cholesterol levels than infrequent soy consumers. Men consuming soy foods regularly participated significantly more in high‐intensity physical activities and consumed less meat, poultry and fish.
Research limitations/implications
Owing to recruitment in a university setting, a healthy volunteer effect and socio‐economic bias may exist. Therefore, generalization of the results is not possible and interpretation of the results must be performed with the utmost caution.
Practical implications
It can be concluded that, especially in men, soy consumption fits in a healthy lifestyle.
Originality/value
Regular soy‐consuming women differed from infrequent soy‐consuming women on anthropometrics and cholesterol, while regular consuming men differed behaviorally from infrequent soy‐consuming men. Overall, regular soy consumers were generally more health‐conscious and had better health outcomes.