Vegetarian diet may weaken bones

July 2, 8:34 AMLA Low Carb ExaminerPatricia Crawford

Since the Atkins group sold out and succumbed to political correctness, a new study, once again, vindicates their founder. Maybe they need to re-read the 1973 version of Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution and toss their new philosophy on the trash heap where it belongs. (From their own website, recommending what to eat on their program: "That means lean protein and vegetables, plus other good carbs - high-fiber fruits, nuts and whole grains." Huh?!)

Dr. Atkins was the man who, ahead of his time, advocated a high-fat, medium protein, and low-carb diet for health. After his death due to head trauma, the Atkins group kowtowed to pressure applied by the stupid and/or willfully ignorant to reduce the saturated fat in the diet, reduce the amount of red meat, and increase carbohydrate intake. Then, thanks to a poorly done study, the fatphobic released a rabid rallying cry of "We told you so!"

There are many problems associated with tampering with Dr. Atkins ideas, such as corporate bankruptcy (ahem...), but one that came to light recently is that vegetarians have bones that are up to 6% weaker than their meat-eating counterparts. Ovolactovegetarians, who eat eggs and dairy products,  fared the best, while vegans, who spurn any food animal in origin,  were at the worst end of the mineral bone-density scale.

The researchers said that whether or not lower bone density led to an increased fracture risk was yet to be answered, but "given the rising number of vegetarians, roughly five percent (of people) in western countries, and the widespread incidence of osteoporosis, the issue is worth resolving." 

Maybe 6% doesn't seem like much to men who don't have to contend with menopause-induced osteoporosis, but at my age, any percentage is troubling. If eating meat can preserve my bone density, then moo-ve over, Elsie the Cow. You and my grill have a date tonight.