Dirty Healthy Vegan page

[brahnamin]

So I work at a natural foods store. On the upswing, I get to purchase local grass fed/finished beef, bison, and lamb, local free range/cage free chickens (and their little eggs too), local free range pig flesh (fed only on vegetables and what they scrounge on their own), and fresh local produce . . .

. . . on the downswing I sometimes have to sit through things like a Vegan Cooking Class that is almost entirely focused on tofu, tempeh, and other soy based products, like veganaise.

Still, it was informative (mostly because I took the time to ask questions that I wanted firsthand answers for) and only a little bit crazy (apparently meat has no fiber and therefore will not remove itself from your digestive system . . . but a 1/2" hex nut will? Go figure). At least she was honest enough with the women in the class to point out the estrogen difficulties that can spring up from over consumption of soy - though she also said that fermented soy, like tempeh, doesn't have this same problem.

In any case, as I always do when talking with Vegans, I asked where she got her B12 (I was particularly interested because she swore she didn't do supplements - only foods). Not surprisingly, her B12 source is primarily nutritional yeast, supported by regular consumption of fermented products that encourage the formation of B12 from bacterial growth.

Then, almost as an aside, she *pointed out* that simply neglecting to wash your hands on any given day would allow you to absorb plenty of B12 from the bacteria present on your skin.

Now, I'm all for getting dirty, walking barefoot in the soil, and I've been soap and poo free for going on a year now, but what is the likelihood that you have the right bacteria on your hands every day and that some of the toughest skin on your body is just going to start sucking in their leavings?

Not saying it couldn't happen. In fact, I personally think our society has lost out a lot in losing daily contact with he soil of our world. But I do remain skeptical (particularly because she was saying that a day without washing you hands was equivalent to getting a full day's supply of B12).

Any former Vegans or Veganphiles familiar with this and able to shed some light on my curiosity?

Oh, and for the record, not vegan, not going vegan, not planning on making the tofu scramble we learned in the cooking class (though I did take a bite . . . didn't taste like eggs . . . tasted like dry, chalky stir fry).

[loafingcactus]

Googled... Maybe never shaking hands with a vegan again...

[interzone]

In any case, as I always do when talking with Vegans, I asked where she got her B12 (I was particularly interested because she swore she didn't do supplements - only foods). Not surprisingly, her B12 source is primarily nutritional yeast, supported by regular consumption of fermented products that encourage the formation of B12 from bacterial growth.

My understanding is that nutritional yeast doesn't actually produce the B12, so it has to be fortified using bacteria that produce it. Certainly sounds like a circuitous way for her to pop a supplement!

Oh, and that's a pretty apt description of tofu scrambles. They are pure nastiness.

[kenfuji]

Mark has mentioned in his book that Grok ate with his dirty hands (soil and other daily activities) which benefited by ingesting good bacteria. I don't recall if he has mentioned any ties with B12 which seems a bit far fetched, but would be interesting if there are any studies to prove it. If you eat the right stuff you don't have to worry about it.

[brahnamin]

My understanding is that nutritional yeast doesn't actually produce the B12, so it has to be fortified using bacteria that produce it. Certainly sounds like a circuitous way for her to pop a supplement!

Oh, and that's a pretty apt description of tofu scrambles. They are pure nastiness.

Some yeasts do add bacteria, but if they ferment long enough it's a natural process. Either way it's better absorbed than a traditional supplement. Bragg's has a well-earned reputation for taking the time to do things right.

Mark has mentioned in his book that Grok ate with his dirty hands (soil and other daily activities) which benefited by ingesting good bacteria.

Hadn't thought of it that way. Our vegan chef said it was through direct absorption. Makes more sense that the bacteria would naturally transfer to food eaten or prepared by hand and ingested in the traditional fashion.

[brahnamin]

Googled... Maybe never shaking hands with a vegan again...

I know, right?

[Bishop]

It may be slightly true, but I have read you have to consume a distinguishable amount of fecal matter to get enough B12. Dirty hands would not provide enough.

[GreenLightJerky]

Unless you happen to be on a farm all day, the dirt on your hands is not the same! Im sure you cannot get B12 from the bathroom stall handle or the pay phone!

[brahnamin]

It may be slightly true, but I have read you have to consume a distinguishable amount of fecal matter to get enough B12. Dirty hands would not provide enough.

Hrm. Wonders if the fecal mater of Herbivores is technically vegan.

*wanders off to sear some scallops and get a REAL dose of B12*

[dragonmamma]

I wonder about the B-12 content of these: Hot off the grills in Japanese labs: The 'delicious' Fecal Burger - NeoGAF