Beefing Up Your Diet (and Life) without Meat

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) shows vegetarians are 12 percent less likely to die than meat-eaters.

“Oh, are you a vegetarian? That’s so monotonous! Having veggies every time when you have loads to eat from the animal kingdom.”

Every now and then I listen to these customary remarks when I am amongst a group of people who are meat lovers. And my usual response to everybody who puts forth this question is, “Are you aware of the benefits of a vegetarian diet?” the answer is quite expected, “No, not really! How can it be healthy when you can’t even get the complete nutrients your body requires for healthy living?”

It is quite uncommon that people are aware of the power of the vegetarian diet for a healthy life. The common perception amongst the general population is that people follow vegetarian diets due to religious, ethical, and environmental considerations. They rarely know that many times the driving force behind people who opt to be vegetarians is “better health.”

Recently, vegetarian diets have experienced a surge in popularity. These diets do not contain meat, poultry, or fish; vegan diets further exclude dairy products and eggs. Vegetarians consume fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, legumes, nuts, and various soy products.

As per the recommendations of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada, appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthy, nutritionally adequate, and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.

Let’s have a look at some facts to understand the benefits of vegetarianism better. As per the position statement of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada for vegetarian diets:

• A vegetarian diet is associated with many health benefits because of its higher content of dietary fiber, carotenoids, folic acid, and antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, potassium, magnesium, and many phytochemicals. In addition, a vegetarian diet has lower levels of saturated fat and cholesterol.
• Various studies have been reported which conclude that vegetarians have lower body mass indices than non-vegetarians as well as lower rates of death from ischemic heart disease; vegetarians also show lower incidence of high blood cholesterol levels, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, and colon cancer.
• Well-planned vegan and other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence.
• Vegetarians should ensure that they consume foods that are fortified with essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Further, a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) shows that vegetarians have 12 percent overall less death rates than meat-eaters. Vegetarian diets have been associated with more favorable levels of cardiovascular risk factors, and nutrient profiles of the vegetarian dietary patterns suggest possible reasons for reduced cardiovascular risk, such as lower saturated fat and higher fiber consumption.

Although that ribs and steak might be tempting, keep in mind that red meat, especially processed red meat, has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and cancer. Non-vegetarian food also doesn’t provide fiber or the roughage essential for the body to keep the digestive system healthy. Finally, non-vegetarian diet lacks in many essential nutrients, which are available in the natural form from fruits and vegetables.

After having a glimpse at the facts, you must have realized that choosing to be a “vegetarian” is a more healthy way of living. The purpose of this article is to help you understand the potential benefits of plant-based diet, promote healthy eating habits, and show you an easier path to healthier life.

So dwell on this “better” option and embrace it with confidence, as it definitely is a better and healthy way of living.

Helping you to live a healthier life

IControlMyHealth Editorial Team

References

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