What are the benefits of going vegetarian?
If you’ve ever considered going vegetarian, then we’ve got some benefits for you to chew on.
Health improvements
Scientists have shown that vegetarian diets can lower cholesterol almost as well as medical treatments can. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) is the scientific name for the "bad" cholesterol that causes clogging in coronary arteries. LDL fell by almost 30% for people who followed a vegetarian diet, consisting of almonds, soy proteins such as Quorn, high-fiber food such as oats and barley, and plant sterols, found in leafy green vegetables and vegetable oils.
Research also shows that, overall, vegetarians have a lower risk of many types of cancer, compared to meat eaters. Vegetarian diets have been linked to a low risk of cardiovascular problems; and studies have found that the more meat consumed, the higher the risk of type 2 diabetes. This is because vegetarian foods tend to be less high in saturated fat than meat is.
Michael F. Roizen, author of “Make Yourself Younger with What You Eat” says that "People who consume saturated, four-legged fat have a shorter life span and more disability at the end of their lives. Animal products clog your arteries, zap your energy and slow down your immune system. Meat eaters also experience accelerated cognitive and sexual dysfunction at a younger age."
The longest life expectancy in Japan belongs to those who live in Okinawa, where a low-calorie diet of carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and soy is common. Scientists who have studied Okinawa argue that the reduced meat in their diets aid in the longevity.
Environmental benefits
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), chemical and animal waste from factory farms causes more than 173,000 miles of polluted rivers and streams. This is one of the greatest threats to water quality today.
Around 70% of all grain produced in the USA is fed to animals raised for slaughter. Livestock in the United States consume 5 times as much grain as the American population does. If this grain was exported, it would boost the trade economy by around $80 billion a year, and nearly 800 million people who are currently experiencing famine would be fed with the exported grain, according to David Pimentel, professor of ecology at Cornell University.
Veggie diets also avoids toxic chemicals. It is estimated that nearly 95% of pesticide residue in a typical diet comes from meat, fish and dairy products. Fish, in particular, contain carcinogens and metals that cannot be removed through freezing or cooking. Meat and dairy products can also contain steroids and hormones.
Risks
People who eat vegetarian diets may lack certain nutrients, especially if they are not consuming the nutrients and proteins from eggs and dairy.
Nutrients that can be lacking include:
Iron
Calcium
Protein
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Zinc
But, these nutrients can be found elsewhere. Iron can be found in beans, lentils, figs and broccoli. Vitamin C is in citrus fruits or tomatoes, and also helps the body to absorb further iron. Milk and yogurt are important for calcium consumption, but tofu, soy milk and leafy greens are a source of calcium too. Soy milk and breakfast cereals can help increase the intake of vitamin D, but exposure to sunlight is the best source for this.
It's important to understand the small risks before deciding to go vegetarian, and maybe take steps - such as buying supplements - towards preventing these problems.
Saving lives
The last thing to remember is that by going vegetarian, you are preventing the death of so many animals. It is estimated that in the UK one vegetarian can save as much as 110 animals every single year, and in many vegetarians opinions, that is the main benefit of choosing this lifestyle.
