Vegetarianism is very popular and in western countries, people have started practicing Vegetarianism and cut meat products from their diet. Whether they have gone vegan or practice not to eat animal products on some days. A large number of people have started embracing a plant-based diet.

A vegetarian diet is not just limited to health benefits but it is wallet-friendly and climate benefits.

Our Mood:

According to Miss Sidhu Robb, vegetarians are less prone to depression in comparison to nonvegetarians. Vegetarian dishes have an element of freshness which results in purify our mind with pure thoughts.  Research is done where it is proved meat-based or fish-based diet consists of arachidonic acid, and its high intake promotes changes in the brain that disturb the mood. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fats prevalent in fish combat negative effects. But a study reported worse moods in fish eater than vegetarians despite higher intake of EPA and Docosahexaenoic acid.

Fighting Disease:

A vegetarian diet is low on saturated fats and cholesterol. It reduces the risk of heart disease and data suggests vegetarians suffer less disease caused by the modern western diet. The intake of dietary biomarkers such as phytonutrients, antioxidants, flavonoids, enter lactone and carotenoids helps to fight diseases like hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes, diet-related cancer. A vegetarian diet has a high level of salicylic acid in the blood which helps to combat bowel cancer and heart disease.

Phytochemicals play an important role in the prevention of diseases like hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes, diet-related cancer. Research from a prestigious organization has evidence for anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of carotenoids, polyphenol, and isoflavones.

Lean Figure:

Diet comprised of fewer calories in the in form of grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. A bonus to stick to this diet can have a positive effect on the body and gives a lean figure.

Less Toxicity

Vegetarian diet, especially organic results in less toxicity. Foodborne illness, bacteria, parasites, and chemical toxins are common in commercial meat, and seafood when compared with plant foods. Vegetarians tend to eat less process food.

Sight and Skin:

Eating plant-based food increases collagen can give good eyesight and better skin.

Better Athletic Performance:

According to dieticians, many individuals focus on protein-based food instead they should follow high carbohydrate, good fat and vitamin and mineral-rich veg diet for optimum diets. Sportsmen like Virat Kohli have turned Vegan while boxer David Haye and Lewis Hamilton embraced a plant-based diet.

 Longevity:

  Vegetarians have been found to enjoy longer and healthier lives when compared to meat-eaters. As it helps to stay fresh hormones like adrenaline and cortisol get reduced and helps to fight diseases and helps to live longer and better in comparison to nonveg eaters.

A vegetarian diet consists of all necessary nutrients but as we exclude meat and seafood. Nutrients which are lacking are as follows:-

Iron: Sources of iron are sea vegetables such as nori, breakfast cereals, legumes – like beans and lentils, dried fruits like figs, broccoli. Foods that are high in vitamins c such as tomatoes or citrus fruits one can absorb iron from it.

Calcium: Vegetarians who are avoiding dairy products can get calcium from soy milk, green leafy vegetables, tofu, and dried figs.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is high in vegetarians and they can get through fortified foods and supplements.

Zinc- Dairy products are a source of zinc but fortified cereals, dried beans nuts, soy products can make up. Zinc is an essential element plays a role in cell metabolism and immune function.

Vegetarianism is not just good for health but for the environment-

30% of carbon emission and greenhouse gas emission is due to food production from animal farm/ slaughter to plate. Vegetarian does not need a large amount of land compared to a meat-based diet. It will help oceans to restore their natural balance. 85% of fisheries are overfished or exploited causing the problem to seas.

 However, there are many benefits of eating vegetarian food but it should not replace consistently with processed food like fries or junk. But in comparison to non-vegetarians being vegetarian is better for health and environment and saves animals from cruel sufferings. So it’s important to Veg-Out.