Interesting research here looking at rates of mental health – specifically depression – in vegetarians. That rate is higher than in the general population. So, yes we’re right and have been all along – vegetarians are not as other men. We do still have a certain problem here though:
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]ResultsOur problem being, well, why? One idea discussed is the thought that there’s some nutritional deficiency in the standard vegetarian diet which leads to depression. One not discussed but which makes sense is that the contemplation of a life containing copious tofu and no bacon is depressing. Well, that obviously makes sense, clearly.
But there is the other possibility of course:
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]however reverse causation cannot be ruled out.[/perfectpullquote]Nutters become vegetarians, therefore more nutters among vegetarians is not a surprise.
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Isolating different types of vegetarians is probably needed to understand whether of not vegetarianism is symptomatic or causative in respect of mental well being. The Hindu vegetarians from birth and the lefty vegetarian from teenage years need to be separated in studies.
Becoming a vegetarian in the UK at least, generally means going against family tradition, which is in itself a possible indicator of neurosis. Being hyper-sensitive to suffering in animals, although perhaps morally laudable, is an indicator of neuroticism. Being deficient in vitamin B12, a not uncommon problem for vegetarians, can cause erratic mood swings, which of course are also signs of neurosis. Vegetarian diets are nearly always very high in sugars as protein sources are usually carbohydrate rich, which apart from increasing the risks of diabetes, can also lead to increased mood swings.
In conclusion, those who choose to become vegetarians are likely to be more prone to mental health issues than those who don't. Eating a vegetarian diet makes it more difficult to ensure adequate nutrition to support mental well being.
Finally eating communally stimulates the production of oxytocin, Hindu families chomping a masala dosa together get a shot of this well being inducing hormone; eating brown rice with an artificial fungus derived protein alone in a bedsit does not.
Warning! Religion: contains nuts.