Academic Writing Sentence Outline

Topic: Vegetarianism Narrowed topic: The effects of a vegetarian diet Audience: Nutritionist, Physicians and Jamaican parents Purpose: To sensitize Nutritionist, Physicians and Jamaican parents on the benefits of a vegetarian diet in the prevention of chronic lifestyle diseases. Thesis statement: A vegetarian diet plays an important role in the prevention and management of chronic lifestyle diseases including the prevention of certain cancers, the control of diabetes and the reduction of blood pressure levels.

I.One important role of a vegetarian diet in the prevention of chronic lifestyle disease is the prevention of certain cancers. A. The WCRF/AICR panel estimates that 20 per cent of all cancers could be avoided if people increased their vegetable and fruit intake to at least five servings a day, even if no other dietary changes were made (Davis, Melina, 2000, p.47). B. Consumption of isoflavone-containing soy products during childhood and adolescence protects women against the risk of breast cancer later in life, whereas a high childhood dairy intake has been associated with an elevated risk of colorectal cancer in adulthood (Craig, 2009). C. Compared with vegetarians, people eating red meat at least once a week had a 37 per cent increase in colon cancer, and those eating red meat more than once a week had an 86 per cent increase in risk (Davis, Melina, 2000,p.44).

II.Another significant role of a vegetarian diet in the prevention and control of chronic lifestyle diseases includes the control of diabetes. A. A diet high in plant protein (soy is a great source) and complex carbohydrates, (vegetables) but low in fat, starch and sugar, is the best dietary prescription for controlling diabetes (Vendryes, 2010). B. In 2009, a study involving more than 60,000 men and women found that the prevalence of diabetes in individuals on a vegan diet was 2.9%, compared with 7.6% in the non-vegetarians (Tuso, P. J. et al, 2013). C. Even insulin-dependent diabetics can help to reduce their insulin needs with a plantbased diet (Vendryes, 2010).

III. Additionally, the reduction of blood pressure levels is another important role played by a vegetarian diet in the prevention and control chronic lifestyle diseases. A. In fact, studies show adding meat to a vegetarian diet rapidly results in significantly raised blood-pressure levels ( Vendryes,2010). B. According to Dr. Vendryes, individuals with high blood pressure, who change to a vegetarian diet, may able to reduce or eliminate their need for medication (Vendryes,2010).

C. Compared with other vegetarians, vegans are thinner, have lower total and LDL cholesterol, and modestly lower blood pressure (Craig, 2009).

References

Craig, W. J. (2009). Health effects of vegan diets. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89(5). Retrieved from http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/89/5/1627S.full Davis, B., & Melina, V. (2000). Becoming vegan: The complete guide to adopting a healthy plant-based diet. Summertown, TN: Book Pub. Co. Tuso, P. J., Ismail, M. H., Ha, B. P., & Bartolotto, C. (2013). Nutritional Update for Physicians: Plant-Based Diets. The Permanente Journal, 17(2), 61-66. Retrieved from http://www.thepermanentejournal.org/issues/2013/spring/5117-nutrition.html Vendryes, T. (2010, October 5). Benefits of a vegetarian diet. The Gleaner. Retrieved from http://http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101005/news/news4.html