Why should you consider becoming Vegetarian? Vegetarian Benefits

I have been vegetarian for more than two years, and you know what? I feel proud that I have made such a decision, and there are many reasons why. As you may have already noticed, there is more people than ever who are vegetarians, and most of us have at least one friend, who has stopped consuming meat. So why people become vegetarians? Is it worth becoming one? What are the benefits of being vegetarian?

Vegetarians are happier

And more positive than their meat-eating counterparts. Numerous sources suggest that vegetarians have lower scores on depression tests compared to meat-eaters. Vegetarians consume fresh dishes, which is believed purify our minds and keep our thoughts positive.

Vegetarians have Lean figure

Vegetarian diet helps to reduce weight or at least prevent gaining extra pounds from the high fat found in non vegetarian foods. They typically weight less, due to better quality food in form of fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds and nuts. Also vegetarians are generally better aware of healthy food and thus eat healthier.

Vegetarians have better Sight & Skin

Due to a healthy diet, vegetarians tend to have better vision and less macular degeneration and extra collagen lead to better skin. Many vegetarians discovered better skins once stopped consuming meat.

Feel more energetic

Vegetarians feel lighter and have more energy to do things, plant-based food is easier to digest. In comparison after a meat-based meal, the stomach needs much energy and time to digest the food, which makes us feel tired.

Improved heart rate

Less cholesterol and blood pressure, reduced risk of heart diseases. All this achieved with a healthy vegetarian diet, comprising of a full set of food sources, with potassium and dietary fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains. Number of studies have identified that vegetarians have lower mortality rates from heart disease than meat eaters. Lower blood pressure helps to prevent hypertension and reduce the risk of stroke.

Have healthier and stronger bones

Vegetarians absorb more calcium than meat eaters. Meat has high renal acid levels which must be neutralized by leaching calcium from the bones, which is eventually lost. Where are as vegetarians get calcium more easily without losing any, from plants such as spinach, collard green, fortified cereals, tofu, kale and others.

Less risk of Cancer

Numerous studies indicated that vegetarians are 40% less likely to develop cancer compared to meat-eaters. Vegetarian eating fruits and vegetables build stronger immunity which helps fighting cancer cells.

Less risk of Diabetes

Vegetarian diets rich fibers, nuts, whole grains and legumes improve the glycemic control the people who already have diabetes. Where as meat consumption is known to increases the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

Healthier form iron

Vegetarian sources of iron like beans, leafy greens contain a more healthy form of non-heme iron. Numerous studies indicate finding of heme iron, which increases the risk of colon and rectal cancer.

Vegetarians live longer

They enjoy healthier and longer lives, compared to meat eaters.

Make the world better

Cutting out animal products from our life is a kinder way to live. Lower demand for meat products will lead to fewer animals being killed. Animals are live creatures who share many similarities with us, such as emotions, they can experience stress, pain, and fear too, let’s live in harmony with them.

Make planet cleaner

Vegetarian diet leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions comparing to meat eating diets. Growing livestock for meat has incredibly negative effects on our environment. Producing a pound of hamburger meat contributes as much greenhouse gas as driving a small car nearly 20 miles. A pound of pork equals about 5 miles, and a pound of potatoes only 0.34 miles. Being vegetarian is one way to reduce carbon footprints and save the planet.

Conserves water

Vegetarian diet needs less water to grow and preserve food. It takes roughly 2500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef, and about 660 gallons to make a pound of chicken. But it only takes 220 gallons to make a pound of tofu or 180 to make a pound of wheat flour.

Save rainforests

Meat consumption requires not only large quantities of feed for cattle but also large areas of land for cattle to live in. Between 1996 - 2006, 25 million acres of Amazon rainforest were cleared - 80% of which became a pasture for beef cattle. In 2009, the US imported 45,000 tons of processed Brazilian beef mostly for use in hamburgers, hot dogs and lunch meats. Imports of meat are likely to grow in in near future.

Reduce Antibiotic consumption

70% of antibiotics sold in The US go to livestock such as chickens, cows, pigs to prevent the spread of various diseases. Overuse of antibiotics helps bacteria to develop which in turn may endanger human health.

Enough food for everyone

Grains and vegetarian food are required to feed livestock in order to produce meat. (Over 10 pounds of plant protein is fed to produce one pound of beef). If that food could be diverted for human consumptions, world’s hunger would be alleviated and everyone would have enough food to eat.

Saves time

Most vegetarian foods can be eaten directly without preparation, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts etc. Also, they take less time to cook, in comparison to meat-based diets. Therefore you have more time to do things you like.

I think being vegetarian is easy, it can solve many health problems people have and improve general well-being. Also, it is making our planet a healthier and cleaner place to live. Next time when you are about to choose a meal, consider choosing a right one, a vegetarian one!

P.S. If you have some more points to add, do let me know, I'll be glad to update!