While there are a variety of different diets and lifestyles people may choose to pursue, the vegetarian diet stands out among the rest for its profound benefits. Adopting a vegetarian lifestyle is not merely a trend, it’s a conscious, personal choice that grants great health, environmental, and ethical benefits. Because the journey to vegetarianism is often met with skepticism and misinformation, we’re here to dispel any rumours that may affect your perspective on choosing this diet. Let’s dive right in!
1. Healthier Body, Healthier Life
It shouldn’t come to you as a surprise that embracing a vegetarian diet can pave the way toward a healthier life. A diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains provides you with a plethora of essential nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s been shown that vegetarians often have lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of developing heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Research has also linked a vegetarian diet to a decreased risk of certain cancers and type 2 diabetes. By consuming nutrient-dense, plant-based foods, vegetarians nurture their bodies with optimal fuel that leads to better health and longevity. After all, having a healthy body makes you feel good.
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2. A Path to Sustainable Weight Management
A vegetarian diet can also be a powerful tool for weight management. Plant-based foods are typically lower in calories and fats, but high in fibre which promotes feelings of fullness that can curb overeating. In a 2015 study done by the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, they found that vegetarians tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to non-vegetarians. The study further suggests that plant-based diets could support weight loss and prevent obesity. Therefore, switching to a vegetarian lifestyle may provide the key to sustainable weight management without needing to restrict your diet.
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3. Contribute to a Healthier Planet
One of the biggest appeals of switching to a vegetarian diet is its environmental benefits. Going beyond helping your personal health, opting for vegetarianism can help contribute to the preservation of our planet. According to the United Nations, livestock farming generates around 15% of all human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. Even more shocking is the fact that the meat industry is one of the leading causes of deforestation and water pollution. By switching to a vegetarian diet, you not only reduce your carbon footprint, but you also contribute to biodiversity preservation as you take your place as a fighter against climate change.
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4. Ethical Eating: Respect for Animal Rights
Choosing to become vegetarian also allows you to align your dietary choices with your ethical goals and beliefs. Unfortunately, livestock farming often involves practices that are inhumane and cruel to animals; every year, billions of animals are raised just to be slaughtered under stressful and painful conditions, all so we can enjoy our cheeseburgers and steaks. By rejecting a diet that includes any meat, it’s telling the world that you respect animal rights and advocate for more compassionate treatment of animals. Vegetarianism gives you the opportunity to make food choices that are kinder to animals, letting you stand strongly behind what you value.
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If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not you want to try a vegetarian diet, we hope that these four benefits were able to convince you it’s not as challenging as it may seem. With the proper research and care, you’ll be able to construct a plant-based diet that works great for you, all while enjoying the various health benefits and great environmental and ethical impacts.
