By Cruz Lena
A significant portion of the population is vegetarian, which has caused the spur in vegetarian and vegan restaurants. People have either given up eating animals or have been raised not eating animals. Vegetarians do not eat any animal meat, whereas vegan do not consume any animal products. So vegans not only avoid eating animal meat, but also avoid animal products such as, milk, cheese, eggs, or even animal based gelatin. Being vegetarian or vegan is not for everyone. Regardless of the discipline needed, some people cannot find the nutrients needed to sustain a healthy lifestyle without meat or animal products. Before switching to a meatless diet, one should consult with their doctor or nutritionist. Here we will examine some health benefits of cutting meat out of one’s diet.
Lower Cholesterol
Cholesterol has been proven to be a factor in heart disease. Granted, this is not the only measure for heart disease, but people with high cholesterol are at a higher risk of a heart attack. Meats, especially red meats, are high in cholesterol. Lowering your cholesterol is not only good for your heart, but also overall health. Cholesterol is the measure of fat in your blood, high density fat (good fat) and low density fat (bad fat). High density fat is raised through eating good fats from foods such as olive oil, avocados, almonds and even coconuts. By decreasing the low density fat in your blood you can notice improvements in your overall stamina and mental health. Low density fat has even been attributed to cause erectile dysfunction in men. Women should also avoid high levels of low density fat as it can cause serious build up in the arterial walls, making the heart work harder to pump blood through the body. No one wants the arteries becoming like rotary seals and blocking the flow of blood.
Lower Percent Body Fat
Being thinner can be not only healthier, but more attractive in many cultures. However, being thin does not necessarily mean healthier. Measuring the percent body fat is much more important than just looking thin. Being vegetarian makes people be more conscious of what they eat, and many times electing a healthier meal option. Plus, adding all those salads and beans to your diet can directly help to achieving a thinner waistline. It is important to also add exercise into your routine, as a healthy diet is only a start, but a healthy lifestyle is the complete deal.
Less Fatigue
Many vegetarian have reported that upon waking up in the morning they do not feel sluggish or fatigued. This can be attributed to the increased intake of vital vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin C, B vitamins, and unsaturated fats. Keeping a healthy lifestyle gives you perks that allow you to keep going all day without needing cup after cup of coffee or other caffeinated drinks.
Switching to being a vegetarian has its health benefits. Plus, you can also feel better about yourself as you are directly contributing to a healthier planet. Reducing the need for livestock directly reduces the greenhouse gas emissions for our planet. So it is good for you and the planet.
