Vegetarian and vegan diets have become popular and have replaced many high-protein diets, such as the Atkins diet, for many people. Vegan diets consist of zero dairy products or animal protein, including fish. You may discover drawbacks to avoiding animal protein and fish in your diet. If you do not consume enough protein by replacing animal meat with nuts and beans, then side effects may occur. You should consume 0.8 g of protein per kg of your body weight daily.
Hair Loss
Hair loss may occur when you do not get sufficient amounts of protein in your diet. Hair needs protein to grow and to keep healthy and shiny. Proteins contain the building blocks of your body called amino acids. Amino acids help restore health in your body by continually replenishing muscles with new growth and your cells with new outer structural membranes.
Brittle Nails and Bones
Your nails also may become cracked and brittle without sufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D found in meats and eggs. Your body also needs sufficient amounts of protein to rebuild nails and to keep your skin soft. The B vitamins usually come from meats. These vitamins help your body maintain a level balance with digestion and metabolism. Your body depends upon vitamins and minerals found in meats and dairy products for your overall skeletal structure. Without sufficient sources of protein and nutrition, your body will deteriorate, and brittle bones and decaying teeth will replace a once healthy and strong body, warns the Iowa State University Extension in their "Eat to Compete" web information.
Increase in Body Fat
Omega-3-acid ethyl esters found in fish help you to break down triglycerides in your body that can block your arteries. Fish oil helps your bones and teeth remain strong. It contains fatty acids your body needs to rebuild muscles and cells. Lack of protein found in meat can cause your body fat to increase.
Low Red Blood Cell Count
Red meats contain iron. Your body needs sufficient amounts of iron to build red blood cells. A lack of iron in the blood will cause anemia. Your body carries oxygen in its red blood cells. When you are anemic, you are also low in oxygen. This can cause you to become weak and easily fatigued.
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