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Do We Really Need Meat?
5 Reasons Why a Vegetarian Diet is Best
In most Western countries,
mealtimes traditionally center on a meat dish. The main course proudly
dominates the plate, accompanied by a starch of some sort typically
pasta,
rice or potatoes. A few vegetables make an appearance as a sort of
afterthought (ever wonder why they are referred to as side dishes?).
For many of us (current vegetarians excepted), a meal without meat is like a
dance party without a DJ dull, awkward and pointless. But in many parts of
the world, meat is not a major part of the diet in certain
cultures, it is
completely forbidden. Yet those who follow strictly
vegetarian diets not
only survive, they thrive; and in fact, they are generally healthier and
live longer than people who regularly consume meat.
If you are aiming for a healthier lifestyle, yet you are not at all sure
that you could survive without meat in your
diet, read on to find out how
why going vegetarian is really the healthiest way to nourish your body and
mind.
1. Vegetarians have a lower risk of developing serious or
life-threatening medical conditions.
Studies have consistently shown that vegetarians have a significantly
lower risk of developing the following diseases, which are commonly
associated with frequent consumption of meat:
Nutrition experts from
around the world agree that the modern Western-style diet is directly
responsible for the massive increase in the number of individuals with
chronic and life-threatening medical conditions. Treating these illnesses is
enormously expensive and creates a significant economic burden, both for the
individual and for the state.
Converting to a vegetarian diet can lower cholesterol levels, reverse
coronary disease and reduce the risk of certain cancers by 40 to 50 percent.
People who eat vegetarian typically have a much
lower percentage of body
fat, which lowers the chances of developing type II
diabetes.
2. A vegetarian diet provides all of the important nutrients without
potentially unhealthy animal fats and proteins.
Animal proteins have been linked to an increased risk of various types
of breast and endometrial cancers; eating
large quantities of animal fats
can lead to lung, colorectal, and prostate cancer.
With a vegetarian diet, you get all the benefits of heart-healthy fats such
as olive oil, nuts, and avocadoes. Numerous studies have shown that eating
plenty of whole grains and
legumes (peas, lentils and beans) can provide you
with all the protein you need. Green, leafy vegetables are
rich in calcium
and iron, further eliminating the need for animal products.
It makes sense, then, that going vegetarian is better for your long-term
health; if you can get all the nutrients you need from plant foods, why risk
your well-being by eating animal products that can cause so much damage to
your body?
3. Eating a vegetarian diet helps you control your body weight.
On average, vegetarians tend to have a lower body weight in relation to
their height than meat-eaters; a vegetarian diet consisting of mainly
fruits
and vegetables has fewer calories and less
fat than the average omnivorous
diet.
This does not mean that simply leaving meat out of your
meal planning will
make you thinner; eating mounds of macaroni and
cheese, peanut butter, and
non-meat pizza will still make you fat. Vegetarianism requires careful meal
planning and a decent amount of common sense; but if you consume a wide
range of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes, you will soon notice
that the pounds seem to be slipping away almost effortlessly.
4. Vegetarianism can improve your body image and self-esteem.
Consuming a healthy vegetarian diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits,
legumes, whole grains, and heart-healthy oils provides you with the
nutritional building blocks you need for optimum physical and mental health.
People who convert to vegetarianism frequently report an increase in
energy.
Vegetarians tend to weigh less and exercise more, which leads to a sense of
well-being (possibly due to the increase in endorphin levels which comes
with physical activity) and an improved body image.
5. Eating plant-based foods is better for the environment.
Many environmentalists believe that eating only plant-based foods greatly
reduces our carbon footprint. Studies have shown that meat production and
transportation accounts for more than 18% of greenhouse gases from the
loss of trees which are cut down for pastureland to the release of methane
from meat animals to the energy involved in storing and transporting meat
products, meat consumption has an enormous impact on the environment.
Environmental officials argue that adopting a diet with little or no animal
products can have a significant effect on climate change.
While it is possible to adhere to a healthy diet which includes small
amounts of lean animal proteins, it seems that there is really no advantage
to eating meat. Whether you choose to become a vegetarian for ethical or
health reasons, plant-based foods can provide all the nutrition you need to
stay strong, healthy and active. If you want to improve your
health, lose
weight, and save the environment all at the same time, why not go
vegetarian?
Talk to your doctor before you make any significant changes to your eating
habits in order to make sure that you get the all of the nutrients you need
to keep your body functioning at optimum levels.
The Blood Type Diet Program for Losing
Weight
You must seek approval from your doctor
before starting any new diet.
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