There are many reasons for becoming a vegetarian. Discover the most relevant in this article.
We are always looking for alternatives to be in better health. This can lead us to consider drastic options in our lifestyle. One of these changes may be to stop consuming food from animals and to base our diet solely on vegetables; in other words, to become a vegetarian.
Have you ever thought about this? If you’re not sure why you should go vegetarian, here are some good reasons. The most important thing to remember is that this is just as good a lifestyle as any other.
1. Reduce the risk of experiencing several types of diseases
Is there a history of heart disease or diabetes in your family? If so, there are a number of ways you should know that being a vegetarian will help you maintain your health.
- Reduces blood cholesterol
- Eliminates the risk of heart disease
- Reduces blood pressure and the risk of developing hypertension
- Reduces the development of type 2 diabetes
These effects are due to the fact that the usual diets include, to a greater or lesser extent, saturated fat and high cholesterol. On the contrary, vegetarian diets increase the consumption of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamins, flavonoids and vitamins of various types.
Just remember that for these effects to be real, the food you eat needs to be of good quality and should not be fried or chemical. This involves consuming products that are as natural as possible before they are frozen.
2. Reduce the risk of developing different types of cancer
Another reason for going vegetarian is because it is a way to try and protect yourself from cancer. Some of the environmental factors that favor the onset of this dreadful disease may be related to diet, sun exposure, obesity and lack of exercise.
A study carried out between 1970 and 1980 showed that there was a direct relationship between lowering the risk of cancer and consuming a plant-based diet. Some of the types of cancer that can be prevented include the following:
- Colon
- Lungs
- Boobs
- Brain
- Skin
3. Lose weight
Being a vegetarian will also help you lose weight, which is great news if this is one of your constant struggles. This has been shown in a survey to see if the vegetarian diet actually helps with weight loss.
Best of all, you’ll get all the nutrients your body needs. The only thing you should consider is that your vegetarian diet includes all the necessary nutrients. It is common to focus on a few food groups initially.
Ideally, you should educate yourself to understand what nutrients are provided by each group or type of vegetable and fruit. Then, prepare your menus with the right combinations of foods. If you have the chance, try consulting a nutritionist to help you determine the amounts, servings, and nutrients you need for each meal.
Also read: What are the main food intolerances?
4. Live longer and in better health
Because being a vegetarian gives you natural nutrients, your immune system is strengthened. It means that you can have a longer and better life.
You should keep in mind that your diet is not the only influencing factor. You should also lead a healthy lifestyle, which involves:
- Don’t smoke or quit smoking if you do
- Drink as little alcohol as possible
- Constant exercise
5. Have a varied diet
The final reason for going vegetarian is that you are going to force yourself to eat in a less boring way. This makes sense, if you factor in that you’ll have a lot more food options to have fun with. Instead of settling for just one piece of meat and two vegetables, you’ll have to be more resourceful.
In no time, you will discover that there are many great products you can try, from exotic spices to new fruits and vegetables.
What are you waiting for to try this new diet? If at the end of your trial you don’t like being a vegetarian, you can always go back to an omnivorous diet.
