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Vegetarian Diet
It is a common assumption that vegetarians are healthier than meat
eaters and that is the main benefit of the vegetarian diet. Of
course it is possible to be a vegetarian and be unhealthy but it
seems that statistics do support the common assumption. There may be
many reasons for this and one may well be that the decision to
abstain from eating meat is one which results in a greater awareness
of what foods you are eating and how balanced your diet must be � an
awareness that a meat eater may not have indulged themselves in. But
a vegetarian diet, planned properly, is rich in dietary fibre,
carbohydrates, omega 6 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, carotenoids,
magnesium and potassium and contains far lower levels of cholesterol
and saturated fats and none of the animal protein of a meat eater𠏋
diet.
Despite the fact that Japanese Sumo wrestlers get fat on vegetarian
stew, they are the exception and the vast majority of vegetarians
don㦙. In fact, the high level of dietary fibre in a normal veggie𠏋
menu is what reduces the overall number of calories absorbed into
the body and, therefore, makes a vegetarian diet a more slimmer one.
The high fibre, high antioxident and low saturated fat which is
typical of a non-meat diet is also conducive to low blood pressure
and a healthy heart: further health benefits from ceasing to eat
meat. Additionally, the lower general fat and protein intake of a
veggie tends to cause a lower production of carcinogens in the body
and, therefore, produces a lower risk of cancer. The higher presence
of dietary fibre is also good for your general health and
well-being, promoting good digestion and less change of digestive
disorders.
Aside from the dietary elements of vegetarianism there are
additional benefits which may be overlooked. For those concerned
about the well-being of animals there is some reassurance in
refusing to eat meat. The general awareness which comes with making
such a big change to your diet can affect other areas of your life
and often a result is a greater awareness of environmental and
health issues, as well as a better understanding of your own body
and health. It may be that, statistically, a more healthy body is a
major benefit of not eating meat but a better awareness of health
and your environment may, in the longer term, be the greater benefit
of a vegetarian diet.
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