Addressing Vegetarians’ Pessimistic Beliefs Towards Plant Oils to Override Consumer Behaviour - Theory of Planned Behaviour

Cassandra Sturgeon Delia

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11

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Addressing Vegetarians’ Pessimistic Beliefs Towards Plant Oils to Override Consumer Behaviour - Theory of Planned Behaviour

Cassandra Sturgeon Delia

Published in International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences (Volume 11, Issue 1)

Received: 21 November 2021 Accepted: 28 December 2021 Published: 8 January 2022

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Abstract

Lipids are an essential part of the human diet affecting biological processes and reducing disease development. Plant-based oils, specifically sterols, are essential compounds for cellular composition and proliferation. As vegetarians refrain from consuming animal products, although many versions of this lifestyle exist, plant oils are their only source of fat intake. Extracted plant oils are an essential source of fats and fatty acids; hence this study aims to address vegetarians knowledge and pessimistic perceptions of fats and plant oils to understand the vegetarian consumer choice through the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Despite extensive research on the vegetarian lifestyle, a pessimistic approach to understanding consumer choice in plant-based oils has been less than satisfactory. A qualitative research design was selected to conduct one-to-one in-depth interviews with seventeen vegetarian participants that met the eligibility criteria. Recruitment was based on a purposive sampling drawn from social media groups to provide an insight into the pessimistic views of vegetarians on plant-based oils. A thematic analysis was conducted using the computer-assisted software package NVivo 12 Plus. Pessimistic views and lack of knowledge on the functionality of fats and fatty acids may lead to nutrient deficiencies. The study has identified three major themes related to vegetarians pessimistic views towards plant oils: 1) pessimistic misconceptions of fats and plant-based oils, 2) pessimistic views on plant-based oil harvesting and manufacturing, and 3) plant-based oil challenges and pessimistic health claims. These conflicts are affecting the nutritional status of vegetarians by either avoiding or lessening extracted plant oils in their diet due to a lack of misinformation and uninformative nutritional labelling. The present study highlights the vegetarians’ pessimistic perceptions of extracted plant oils. It argues that vegetarians’ are more prone to nutritional deficiencies due to a lack of knowledge on the functionality of fats and fatty acids and highlights the need for informative food labelling to enable consumers to make comprehensive food choices.

Published in	International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences (Volume 11, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11
Page(s)	1-6
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Vegetarians, Plant-based Oils, Pessimistic View, Lipids, Fats, Theory of Planned Behaviour

References

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[2]	Burlingame, B., Nishida, C., Uauy, R. & Weisell, R., 2009. Fats and fatty acids in human nutrition: Introduction. Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism, pp. 5-7.
[3]	Damude, H. G. & Kinney, A. J., 2008. Enhancing Plant Seed Oils for Human Nutrition. Plant Physiology, pp. 962-968.
[4]	Zárate, R. et al., 2017. Significance of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in human health. Clinical and translational medicine, pp. 1-19.
[5]	Sturgeon Delia, C., 2021. A vegetarian educator in a meat obsessed country. British Food Journal, pp. 2770-2784.
[6]	Ferdowsain, H. R. & Barnard, N. D., 2009. Effects of Plant-Based Diets on PLasma Lipids. The American Journal of Cardiology, pp. 947-956.
[7]	Kan, M. & Fabrigar, L., 2017. Theory of planned behaviour. In: In: Zeigler-Hill V., Shackelford T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences.. s.l.: Springer, Cham.
[8]	Baswedan, M. H., Roslaeni, R. & Suwarma, B., 2021. The characteristic and lipid profile levels in vegetarian and non-vegetarian subjects- What’s the Difference?. Bandung, Atlantis Press, pp. 32-35.
[9]	Leitzmann, C., 2014. Vegetarian nutrition: past, present, future. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, pp. 496-502.
[10]	Wyker, B. A., & Davison, K. K. (2010). Behavioral change theories can inform the prediction of young adults’ adoption of a plant-based diet. Journal of nutrition education and behavior, 42 (3), 168-177.
[11]	Saintila, J. et al., 2021. Nutritional knowledge, anthropometric profile, total cholesterol and motivations in vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Nutrición Clínica y Dietética Hospitalaria, pp. 91-98.
[12]	U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2006. Talking about Trans Fat- What you need to know. [Online] Available at: https://www.fda.gov/media/72575/download [Accessed 8th July 2021].
[13]	Foster, R., Williamson, C. & Lunn, J., 2009. Culinary oils and their health effects. Bristish Nutrition Foundataion, pp. 4-47.
[14]	Oliveira, C. et al., (2020). UV Spectrophotometry Applied to the Quantification of Omega-3, -6 and -9 in Fresh Tissues of Wild and Farmed Tambaqui. International Journal for Innovation Education and Research, 8 (12), 183–195.
[15]	Piironen, V., Lindsay, D. G., Tatu A Miettinen, J. T. & Lampi, A.-M., 2000. Plant sterols: biosynthesis, biological function and their importance to human nutrition. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, pp. 939-966.
[16]	Dienstag, J., 2006. Pessimism: Philosophy, Ethic, Spirit.. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
[17]	Corbin, J. & Anselm, S., 2014. Basics of qulaitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. s.l.: Sage Publications.
[18]	Ajzen, I., 1991. The Theory of Planned Behaviour. Organisational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Volume 50, pp. 179-211.
[19]	Pohjolainen, P., Vinnari, M. & Jokinen, P., 2014. Consumers’ perceived barriers to following a plant-based diet. British Food Journal, 4 March, p. 11501167.
[20]	Godfray, H. C. J. et al., 2018. Meat Consumption, health, and the environment. Science, p. 361.
[21]	FDA, 2018. Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M. D., on a new qualified health claim for consuming oils with high levels of oleic acid to reduce coronary heart disease risk. [Online] Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/statement-fda-commissioner-scott-gottlieb-md-new-qualified-health-claim-consuming-oils-high-levels [Accessed 2 June 2021].

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Cassandra Sturgeon Delia. (2022). Addressing Vegetarians’ Pessimistic Beliefs Towards Plant Oils to Override Consumer Behaviour - Theory of Planned Behaviour. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 11(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11

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Cassandra Sturgeon Delia. Addressing Vegetarians’ Pessimistic Beliefs Towards Plant Oils to Override Consumer Behaviour - Theory of Planned Behaviour. Int. J. Nutr. Food Sci. 2022, 11(1), 1-6. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11

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AMA Style

Cassandra Sturgeon Delia. Addressing Vegetarians’ Pessimistic Beliefs Towards Plant Oils to Override Consumer Behaviour - Theory of Planned Behaviour. Int J Nutr Food Sci. 2022;11(1):1-6. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11,
  author = {Cassandra Sturgeon Delia},
  title = {Addressing Vegetarians’ Pessimistic Beliefs Towards Plant Oils to Override Consumer Behaviour - Theory of Planned Behaviour},
  journal = {International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-6},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnfs.20221101.11},
  abstract = {Lipids are an essential part of the human diet affecting biological processes and reducing disease development. Plant-based oils, specifically sterols, are essential compounds for cellular composition and proliferation. As vegetarians refrain from consuming animal products, although many versions of this lifestyle exist, plant oils are their only source of fat intake. Extracted plant oils are an essential source of fats and fatty acids; hence this study aims to address vegetarians knowledge and pessimistic perceptions of fats and plant oils to understand the vegetarian consumer choice through the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Despite extensive research on the vegetarian lifestyle, a pessimistic approach to understanding consumer choice in plant-based oils has been less than satisfactory. A qualitative research design was selected to conduct one-to-one in-depth interviews with seventeen vegetarian participants that met the eligibility criteria. Recruitment was based on a purposive sampling drawn from social media groups to provide an insight into the pessimistic views of vegetarians on plant-based oils. A thematic analysis was conducted using the computer-assisted software package NVivo 12 Plus. Pessimistic views and lack of knowledge on the functionality of fats and fatty acids may lead to nutrient deficiencies. The study has identified three major themes related to vegetarians pessimistic views towards plant oils: 1) pessimistic misconceptions of fats and plant-based oils, 2) pessimistic views on plant-based oil harvesting and manufacturing, and 3) plant-based oil challenges and pessimistic health claims. These conflicts are affecting the nutritional status of vegetarians by either avoiding or lessening extracted plant oils in their diet due to a lack of misinformation and uninformative nutritional labelling. The present study highlights the vegetarians’ pessimistic perceptions of extracted plant oils. It argues that vegetarians’ are more prone to nutritional deficiencies due to a lack of knowledge on the functionality of fats and fatty acids and highlights the need for informative food labelling to enable consumers to make comprehensive food choices.},
 year = {2022}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Addressing Vegetarians’ Pessimistic Beliefs Towards Plant Oils to Override Consumer Behaviour - Theory of Planned Behaviour
AU  - Cassandra Sturgeon Delia
Y1  - 2022/01/08
PY  - 2022
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11
T2  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
SP  - 1
EP  - 6
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2716
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11
AB  - Lipids are an essential part of the human diet affecting biological processes and reducing disease development. Plant-based oils, specifically sterols, are essential compounds for cellular composition and proliferation. As vegetarians refrain from consuming animal products, although many versions of this lifestyle exist, plant oils are their only source of fat intake. Extracted plant oils are an essential source of fats and fatty acids; hence this study aims to address vegetarians knowledge and pessimistic perceptions of fats and plant oils to understand the vegetarian consumer choice through the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Despite extensive research on the vegetarian lifestyle, a pessimistic approach to understanding consumer choice in plant-based oils has been less than satisfactory. A qualitative research design was selected to conduct one-to-one in-depth interviews with seventeen vegetarian participants that met the eligibility criteria. Recruitment was based on a purposive sampling drawn from social media groups to provide an insight into the pessimistic views of vegetarians on plant-based oils. A thematic analysis was conducted using the computer-assisted software package NVivo 12 Plus. Pessimistic views and lack of knowledge on the functionality of fats and fatty acids may lead to nutrient deficiencies. The study has identified three major themes related to vegetarians pessimistic views towards plant oils: 1) pessimistic misconceptions of fats and plant-based oils, 2) pessimistic views on plant-based oil harvesting and manufacturing, and 3) plant-based oil challenges and pessimistic health claims. These conflicts are affecting the nutritional status of vegetarians by either avoiding or lessening extracted plant oils in their diet due to a lack of misinformation and uninformative nutritional labelling. The present study highlights the vegetarians’ pessimistic perceptions of extracted plant oils. It argues that vegetarians’ are more prone to nutritional deficiencies due to a lack of knowledge on the functionality of fats and fatty acids and highlights the need for informative food labelling to enable consumers to make comprehensive food choices.
VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Cassandra Sturgeon Delia

Curriculum Department, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, Poala, Malta

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Cassandra Sturgeon Delia. (2022). Addressing Vegetarians’ Pessimistic Beliefs Towards Plant Oils to Override Consumer Behaviour - Theory of Planned Behaviour. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 11(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11

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ACS Style

Cassandra Sturgeon Delia. Addressing Vegetarians’ Pessimistic Beliefs Towards Plant Oils to Override Consumer Behaviour - Theory of Planned Behaviour. Int. J. Nutr. Food Sci. 2022, 11(1), 1-6. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11

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AMA Style

Cassandra Sturgeon Delia. Addressing Vegetarians’ Pessimistic Beliefs Towards Plant Oils to Override Consumer Behaviour - Theory of Planned Behaviour. Int J Nutr Food Sci. 2022;11(1):1-6. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11,
  author = {Cassandra Sturgeon Delia},
  title = {Addressing Vegetarians’ Pessimistic Beliefs Towards Plant Oils to Override Consumer Behaviour - Theory of Planned Behaviour},
  journal = {International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-6},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnfs.20221101.11},
  abstract = {Lipids are an essential part of the human diet affecting biological processes and reducing disease development. Plant-based oils, specifically sterols, are essential compounds for cellular composition and proliferation. As vegetarians refrain from consuming animal products, although many versions of this lifestyle exist, plant oils are their only source of fat intake. Extracted plant oils are an essential source of fats and fatty acids; hence this study aims to address vegetarians knowledge and pessimistic perceptions of fats and plant oils to understand the vegetarian consumer choice through the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Despite extensive research on the vegetarian lifestyle, a pessimistic approach to understanding consumer choice in plant-based oils has been less than satisfactory. A qualitative research design was selected to conduct one-to-one in-depth interviews with seventeen vegetarian participants that met the eligibility criteria. Recruitment was based on a purposive sampling drawn from social media groups to provide an insight into the pessimistic views of vegetarians on plant-based oils. A thematic analysis was conducted using the computer-assisted software package NVivo 12 Plus. Pessimistic views and lack of knowledge on the functionality of fats and fatty acids may lead to nutrient deficiencies. The study has identified three major themes related to vegetarians pessimistic views towards plant oils: 1) pessimistic misconceptions of fats and plant-based oils, 2) pessimistic views on plant-based oil harvesting and manufacturing, and 3) plant-based oil challenges and pessimistic health claims. These conflicts are affecting the nutritional status of vegetarians by either avoiding or lessening extracted plant oils in their diet due to a lack of misinformation and uninformative nutritional labelling. The present study highlights the vegetarians’ pessimistic perceptions of extracted plant oils. It argues that vegetarians’ are more prone to nutritional deficiencies due to a lack of knowledge on the functionality of fats and fatty acids and highlights the need for informative food labelling to enable consumers to make comprehensive food choices.},
 year = {2022}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Addressing Vegetarians’ Pessimistic Beliefs Towards Plant Oils to Override Consumer Behaviour - Theory of Planned Behaviour
AU  - Cassandra Sturgeon Delia
Y1  - 2022/01/08
PY  - 2022
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11
T2  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
SP  - 1
EP  - 6
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2716
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20221101.11
AB  - Lipids are an essential part of the human diet affecting biological processes and reducing disease development. Plant-based oils, specifically sterols, are essential compounds for cellular composition and proliferation. As vegetarians refrain from consuming animal products, although many versions of this lifestyle exist, plant oils are their only source of fat intake. Extracted plant oils are an essential source of fats and fatty acids; hence this study aims to address vegetarians knowledge and pessimistic perceptions of fats and plant oils to understand the vegetarian consumer choice through the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Despite extensive research on the vegetarian lifestyle, a pessimistic approach to understanding consumer choice in plant-based oils has been less than satisfactory. A qualitative research design was selected to conduct one-to-one in-depth interviews with seventeen vegetarian participants that met the eligibility criteria. Recruitment was based on a purposive sampling drawn from social media groups to provide an insight into the pessimistic views of vegetarians on plant-based oils. A thematic analysis was conducted using the computer-assisted software package NVivo 12 Plus. Pessimistic views and lack of knowledge on the functionality of fats and fatty acids may lead to nutrient deficiencies. The study has identified three major themes related to vegetarians pessimistic views towards plant oils: 1) pessimistic misconceptions of fats and plant-based oils, 2) pessimistic views on plant-based oil harvesting and manufacturing, and 3) plant-based oil challenges and pessimistic health claims. These conflicts are affecting the nutritional status of vegetarians by either avoiding or lessening extracted plant oils in their diet due to a lack of misinformation and uninformative nutritional labelling. The present study highlights the vegetarians’ pessimistic perceptions of extracted plant oils. It argues that vegetarians’ are more prone to nutritional deficiencies due to a lack of knowledge on the functionality of fats and fatty acids and highlights the need for informative food labelling to enable consumers to make comprehensive food choices.
VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

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