From nutritional and medical point of view there are many pros and cons in observance of Lent, told dietician Vardanush Petrosyan at press-conference on March 11.

There are three approaches in observance of Lent, noted the dietician:

1. The most common approach is rejection of any animal product except honey. «I.e., fasting person rejects diary, meat, fish, seafood, egg and butter and eat only vegetarian food, » explains Vardanush Petrosyan.

2. Second approach: rejection of any food, except bread and water.

3. The third approach involves a hunger strike - a complete rejection of all food and water.

In Armenia the most common is the first approach – Armenian people observe Lent, rejecting animal products and alcohol. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of the Lent, according to the dietician?

«From the nutritional point of view vegetarianism for 48 days, has a number of positive and negative sides, » said Vardanush Petrosyan.

The advantages of observing Lent:

First of all, person observing Lent, stops consuming animal fats, which, when consumed in big amounts, can cause cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity.

«Besides, vegetarian food is rich in fiber, the healthy features of which everyone knows, » she said.

The disadvantages of observing Lent:

The main disadvantage of observing Lent, according to the dietician, is, that without animal food nutrition can not be right and balanced.

«Person observing Lent, will miss proteins, vitamin В12, vitamin D and mineral salts, particularly calcium and iron, », said the dietician and added, that if the fasting person has a lack of these elements, he (she) should take them in form of supplements.

Vardanush Petrosyan again reminded, that Lent has first of all a spiritual meaning, not nutritional. «It is desirable that people, who observe fasting, pay attention not only to their food, but to their spirituality. But do not forget about what health problems can arise later, » resumed the dietician.

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Photo by Arsen Sargsyan