Advertisements push the sales of cow's milk as 'the best source of calcium'. However, studies have shown that more calcium is excreted when protein and sodium intakes are high than when intakes of these nutrients are low. Therefore a diet high in meat and milk may not be the most beneficial way to protect calcium loss from the body. Most food poisoning cases are linked to meat and milk products. There has been considerable concern over the rise of incidents involving E.coli 0157 which can produce severe disease and death.
Infection occurs through the consumption of contaminated food, particularly beefburgers and milk.
Outbreaks have also been associated with yogurt, cooked meats, meat pies, cheese and dry cured salami. Outbreaks and sporadic cases have also been linked with cattle and there are risks associated with people, especially children, visiting farm centres. A typical vegan diet is based on plant foods - high in fruit and vegetables, low in saturated fat and high in fibre. By eating a vegan diet we could reduce the incidents of food poisoning but also other major diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, obesity, varicose veins, piles, gallstones, constipation and kidney stones. The quantity and quality of information on alternatives are staggering and more are being developed all the time.