The latest findings of research program all over the world have categorically established the multiple benefits of being vegetarian towards a healthier body and stress free mind. Vegetarian diet caters to the complete well being of human beings which is the primary reason for its growing popularity across the globe. Apart from making one feel good of not having killed for consumption, there are several benefits of being vegetarian for the environment too.
Maintaining a vegetarian diet also precludes the occurrence of various kinds of diseases and ailments that human beings are prone to. Keeping all the benefits of being vegetarian in mind it is advisable to make a decision and take a step in the right direction.
Key Benefits of Being Vegetarian
Loosing Weight
Weight loss is one of the key benefits of being vegetarian as the typical vegetarian diet consists of foods that are low on saturated fats and high on fibre content. This translates in lesser accumulation of saturated fats which are the prime contributors to weight gain. All variants of meat are the most abundant source of fats which get accumulated and are difficult to burn off through body’s metabolism without physical activity.
Higher Energy Levels
Vegetarian diet comprising of fruits and vegetables are better suited to regulate the blood sugar level in the body thereby ensuring the availability of higher amounts of energy at all given times for keeping one energetic. The glucose and fructose content of fruits are more readily broken by the digestive system of humans to release instantaneous energy as compared to meats.
Freedom from Toxic Chemicals
Animals are on the lower strata of the food chain and therefore tend to assimilate maximum of the toxic chemicals that passes in between. Mutton and beef are known to have dangerous levels of pesticide which can be directly be related to cancer causing elements in the human body. Latest research indicates that the primary source of nuclear radiation contamination in human beings is through consumption of beef in its various forms. Even industrial pollutants find their way into our bodies through poultry and fish that rely on water being contaminated by industrial waste. Animal fat has greater potential to assimilate these chemicals and release them into the body of the consumers as compared to vegetables and fruits.
Lower Risk of Heart Problems
Meat is one of the primary sources of saturated fats and cholesterol which ultimately finds its way to heart and blocks the arteries leading to various types of cardiovascular complications. Vegetables have almost negligible percentage of cholesterol content making the ideal food for people prone to strokes and heart attacks. On an average any person who consumes meat on a regular basis has a 50 % higher chance of getting heart attacks as compared to vegetarians which one of the most significant benefits of being vegetarian.
Reduced Risk of Cancer
Cancer of the lungs and colorectal types are seen more commonly among meat consumers and non vegetarians have double the chances of these dreadful diseases as compared to their vegetarian counterparts. The structure of the colon in vegetarians is quite different from those who regularly consume meat products due to the difference in the digestive requirements. The vegetarian colon structure is less prone to cancerous cells as compared to those of the non vegetarians. Vegetarians additionally have reduced chances of bladder and breast cancer as compared to the non vegetarians.
Benefits of being vegetarian : Overall Healthier Body
Vegetarian diet produces a type of rheumatoid healthy cholesterol which is similar to that produced by the human liver which helps the body in warding off ailments such as arthritis, gallstones, gall bladder problems, muscle, ligaments and joint problems and instances of nervous breakdown. Fruits and vegetables also help prevent renal blood flow and histology renal damage which can be serious in their implications. The cases of bone loss at advanced age also decrease for those who stick to vegetarian diet as compared to those who consume meat products.
Longer Life
Reduced weight, better functioning of the body systems and an enhanced immunity system are some of the most visible benefits of being vegetarian. Those consuming vegetarian food are less susceptible to anxiety, stress and depression. The combined beneficial impact of all these factors results in a complete state of well being which ultimately translates into a longer and healthier life for the vegetarians. Additionally it has been found that the vegetarians are more spiritually inclined which makes them more at ease with themselves and their surroundings. This state of the mind is another contributory factor for increased longevity among the vegetarians.
Substantial Savings
The very nature of non vegetarian foods makes them invariably costlier than the vegetarian dishes. Thus over a period of time vegetarians save substantial amount of money while consuming equally healthy and nutritious food which today come in extremely delicious variants. Studies indicate that a typical vegetarian family saves up to 15-20 % on expenses related food as compared to those who have non vegetarian products regularly.
Being Vegetarian Helps Protect the Environment
Those who by choice become vegetarian contribute to the environment in a great way. Farms that rear cattle, goats and pigs cause significant pollution in their locality and this can be reduced by reducing the demand for their meat.
Apart from the above cited benefits there are several other reasons to become a vegetarian at the earliest. Vegetarians have a clear conscience as they do not directly contribute to the killing of any animal. Moreover by becoming a vegetarian one joins a club of celebrities who have led the way in this direction. Some of the more popular personalities who have resorted to vegetarianism include Brad Pitt, Dustin Hoffman, Brooke Shields, Anthony Perkins, Kim Bassinger, Drew Barrymore, Eric Stolz, Alicia Silverstone and Richard Gere. There are several leading musicians who are reaping the benefits of being vegetarian including Michel Bolton, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Indigo girls, Brian Adams and Shania Twain. Historically the vegetarians also have a distinct list of personalities who were highly intelligent and gifted in several spheres. Starting from Socrates and Plato to Sir Isaac Newton, Thomas Edison and even Albert Einstein were all vegetarians.
More than a mere fashion statement, becoming a vegetarian has innumerable advantages which help one to lead more healthier and complete life. The benefits of being vegetarian become more evident with advancing age as one starts to face physical ailments and mental complications. Vegetarian diet supplies all the essential nutrients required for human functioning in abundant quantities and currently even sportsmen and athletes are adopting this way of life to improve their physical performance.
Image: Shutterstock