A Bowl of Mung Bean Soup, Unveiling the Truth Behind Vegetarianism

A Bowl of Mung Bean Soup, Unveiling the Truth Behind VegetarianismLinYi, Shandong, a typical summer afternoon. 60-year-old Wang Da-ye returned home, his body weary

A Bowl of Mung Bean Soup, Unveiling the Truth Behind Vegetarianism

LinYi, Shandong, a typical summer afternoon. 60-year-old Wang Da-ye returned home, his body weary. He felt his empty stomach and remembered some mung beans in the refrigerator. He decided to cook a bowl of mung bean soup to cool himself down. Little did he know that this seemingly refreshing and heat-clearing soup would become his last meal. The next morning, neighbors found Wang Da-ye collapsed at home, lifeless. This sudden tragedy caused a stir in the neighborhood, with people speculating about the cause: was it the mung bean soup? Or was there something else behind it?

Wang Xiao-ming, Wang Da-yes son, arrived at the hospital, only to find his father's body taken to the morgue. He stood in the corridor, stunned, recalling his father's past. Wang Da-ye was a retired postman, known for his simplicity, frugality, and regular lifestyle. In recent years, however, he had become increasingly interested in health and followed various online "healthy diet methods." The one that impressed Wang Xiao-ming the most was his father's long-standing dedication to vegetarianism.

Wang Da-ye often said, "Eating too much meat is bad for your health, its better to eat more vegetables." For this reason, he almost completely gave up meat and primarily ate vegetables, fruits, and beans. Wang Xiao-ming had repeatedly advised his father to eat a balanced diet, but he always countered with, "I'm doing this for my health." Now, with his father's sudden death, Wang Xiao-ming couldn't help but wonder: was his father's dietary habit truly the problem?

With this question in mind, Wang Xiao-ming sought the advice of Dr. Liu, the attending physician. Dr. Lius expression was grave, "Your father's condition was complex, but based on initial examination, it's likely multi-organ failure caused by long-term malnutrition."

Seeing Wang Xiao-ming's confused look, Dr. Liu further explained, "Although your father mainly ate vegetarian food, he might have neglected protein intake. Protein is an essential nutrient for the human body, and long-term deficiency can lead to various health issues." Dr. Liu took out an examination report and pointed to the data, "Blood tests show your father's serum albumin level was only 28g/L, far below the normal range (35-50g/L). This indicates severe protein deficiency in his body."

Wang Xiao-ming was utterly baffled. Upon noticing this, Dr. Liu patiently explained, "Serum albumin is a crucial indicator for evaluating nutritional status. When it falls below 30g/L, it indicates moderate malnutrition. Your fathers condition was nearing severe malnutrition."

"But," Wang Xiao-ming questioned in confusion, "Father ate beans frequently, aren't beans rich in protein?"

Dr. Liu nodded, "You're right, beans do contain a wealth of protein. However, the amino acid composition of plant protein doesnt perfectly match human needs, it's called incomplete protein. In contrast, the amino acid composition of animal protein is closer to human requirements, making it a complete protein."

To help Wang Xiao-ming understand better, Dr. Liu provided a diagram, "We can compare protein to a string of beads, with each bead representing an amino acid. The human body needs a string of beads in a specific order. Animal protein is like a pre-strung string of beads, ready for use. Plant protein, however, is like scattered beads that we need to assemble on our own."

Wang Xiao-ming thoughtfully nodded, "So, solely relying on plant protein may lead to a lack of certain amino acids?"

"Exactly," Dr. Liu affirmed, "This is why we always say to eat a balanced diet. Different types of plant proteins can complement each other, or adding some animal proteins can ensure balanced nutrition."

Dr. Liu continued to explain, "Long-term protein deficiency can lead to various health problems. For example, it can compromise the immune system, making one prone to infections; cause muscle atrophy, leading to weakness; reduce wound healing ability; and even affect the function of vital organs like the heart and liver."

Wang Xiao-ming recalled his father's condition over the past year. He had indeed caught colds multiple times and recovered slowly. He also noticed his father's muscles had visibly atrophied, and he often struggled to breathe while walking. These symptoms, it turned out, were all related to malnutrition.

"What about the last bowl of mung bean soup?" Wang Xiao-ming suddenly remembered this crucial question. "Was it the direct cause of his death?"

Dr. Liu shook his head, "There's nothing wrong with mung bean soup in itself. In fact, mung beans have heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, considered a summer remedy in traditional Chinese medicine. However, for your father, who had been malnourished for so long, any minor stimulus could become the final straw that breaks the camels back."

Dr. Liu explained, "Your father may have been on the verge of multi-organ failure. Abruptly consuming a large amount of mung bean soup might have caused electrolyte imbalances, further burdening his organs. Its like a dam on the verge of collapse, even a slight breeze can trigger a breach."

Seeing Wang Xiao-ming's expression, Dr. Liu comforted him, "Don't blame yourself too much. Many people have similar misconceptions, believing that vegetarianism equals health. In reality, whether you choose a fully vegetarian diet or a combination of meat and vegetables, the key is balanced nutrition."

Dr. Liu provided a list of nutritional recommendations, "For vegetarians, there are some points to pay special attention to: First, ensure adequate protein intake, which can be achieved through a combination of beans, nuts, whole grains, and other plant-based foods. Second, be sure to supplement Vitamin B12, which is primarily found in animal products, and vegetarians may need additional supplementation. Third, pay attention to iron, zinc, and calcium intake. You can consume more plant-based foods rich in these elements."

Wang Xiao-ming carefully noted these suggestions, determined to spread this knowledge to more people to prevent similar tragedies.

Leaving the hospital, Wang Xiao-ming fell into deep thought. He remembered a saying his father often repeated, "Health is the most valuable wealth." Now, this phrase had a new meaning. Health wasnt just about being free from disease, but also required scientific knowledge and balanced nutrition.

Back home, Wang Xiao-ming opened his computer and began researching relevant nutritional information. He discovered numerous studies on vegetarianism and nutrition. In 2016, the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Dietitians of Canada released a joint statement stating, "A properly planned vegetarian diet, including vegan diets, is healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases."

However, the key word in this statement was "properly planned." Wang Xiao-ming realized that his father's problem wasn't choosing a vegetarian diet, but failing to plan his dietary structure scientifically.

To better understand the nutritional needs of vegetarians, Wang Xiao-ming consulted various studies. He found that vegetarians indeed need to pay particular attention to the intake of certain nutrients. For example, a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" pointed out that vegetarians often have lower serum Vitamin B12 levels than omnivores, requiring supplementation through fortified foods or supplements. Another study published in "Nutrition Reviews" emphasized the importance of vegetarians supplementing with -3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA. These two fatty acids are primarily found in fish, and vegetarians may need to obtain them through algal supplements.

Wang Xiao-ming also noticed that the Chinese Nutrition Society published recommendations specifically for vegetarians in their 2016 "Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents." The guidelines emphasize that vegetarians should pay attention to food diversification, balanced consumption, and ensuring balanced nutrition.

Armed with this new knowledge, Wang Xiao-ming decided to take action. He approached the local community to propose a series of lectures on healthy eating. He hoped to share his father's story and scientific nutritional knowledge to help more people avoid similar tragedies.

At the first lecture, Wang Xiao-ming started with his own experience, "My father passed away because of a bowl of mung bean soup, but the real cause was long-term malnutrition." He saw surprise and concern on the faces of the audience.

"Many people, including my father, believe that vegetarianism equates to health." Wang Xiao-ming continued, "But in reality, the key is balanced nutrition, whether you choose a vegetarian or omnivore diet."

He elaborated on the importance of various nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, and how to obtain these nutrients through a vegetarian diet. Wang Xiao-ming emphasized, "Vegetarianism can be a healthy choice, but the prerequisite is to plan it scientifically and rationally."

After the lecture, many audience members approached Wang Xiao-ming with questions. A middle-aged woman said, "I always thought eating more vegetables and fruits was healthy, I didnt realize there was so much to consider." A young vegetarian said, "After listening to your lecture, I realize there might be problems with my diet, and Im going to get a comprehensive checkup."

Wang Xiao-mings efforts paid off.