Useful tips
The vegetarian diet continues to gain popularity in society. The reason for choosing this method of eating varies from the goal – reluctance to eat violent foods, the desire to improve your health or simply lose those extra pounds.
This is certainly an individual decision, and its result depends entirely on the individual. No one can “impose” a choice on us.
Below are the benefits of a “classic” vegetarian diet (followed by most vegetarians) – avoiding meat, fish and eggs. Now people who follow this diet are called lacto-vegetarians.
Lacto-vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or eggs, but they do eat dairy products.
There are also ovo-vegetarians, lacto-ovo vegetarians, vegans and raw foodists.
Read also: 10 vegetarian meals for breakfast
Diet proper nutrition
Benefit No. 1 Life expectancy increases
Many factors affect a person's life expectancy, but diet is one of the main ones.
Scientists have found that heredity plays only 30% of the role in this issue.
No one would argue with the fact that vegetarians always look younger than their peers. Moreover, youth is also preserved in a person's character.
It has been scientifically established that vegetarians are less stressed, they are more cheerful and active.
A large consumption of vegetables and fruits helps to free the body from toxins, thus increasing its vitality.
Read also: Vegetarians are less likely to get sick
Benefit No. 2 Lowering cholesterol
According to recent studies by Korean scientists, vegetarians have much lower cholesterol levels than “omnivores”. This is due to the fact that they do not eat animal products, its main source.
About 80% of cholesterol is produced by the human body, 20% from food. To maintain it normal, you must follow an appropriate diet and exercise.
There is so-called “bad cholesterol” (low-density lipoproteins), which, according to studies, should also be normal. Therefore, a vegan diet that excludes the consumption of dairy fats may not be beneficial for everyone.
In this regard, it is worth noting that eating butter, or better ghee, is essential for vegetarians.
The benefits of vegetarianism
Benefit #3 Lower risk of stroke and obesity
Vegetarians tend to be more conscious about food choices and are less likely to overeat, the main factors contributing to obesity problems.
The Department of Pediatrics at Ghent University Hospital in Belgium states that a vegetarian diet is a good way to minimize your chances of having a stroke or obesity.
American scientists conducted a study that found that vegetarians are 36% less likely to develop heart disease.
Also read: Signs You're Ready to Become a Vegetarian
Benefit 4 Reduces the risk of diabetes
A “non-vegetarian” usually has high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disease characterized by a chronic increase in blood sugar levels due to absolute or relative pancreatic hormone deficiency insulin.
This disease may be due to a genetic factor, but it can also be “acquired”. Obese people are at risk.
There are about 250 million people in the world with this disease. Today, this disease is included in the category of incurable pathologies. Doctors prescribe a strict diet for patients with diabetes mellitus.
Therefore, it is so important to regularly monitor blood sugar levels and take appropriate measures when they are “high”.
Doctors recommend that everyone learn to regulate the consumption of sugar and flour products, carefully monitor their weight.
Vegetarianism: nutrition
Benefit No. 5 Good skin condition
If you want to have beautiful and healthy skin, you need to consume enough vitamins and minerals, as well as drink plenty of water.
The fruits and vegetables we eat are very rich in vitamins, minerals and contain sufficient amounts of antioxidants.
It is also important to know the best time to consume them. Berries and fruits are best eaten between main meals. As a last resort, 30 minutes before administration, or 30 minutes after. It is best to eat fruit in the morning, before 1 pm.
Benefit No. 6 High fiber content in the diet
Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which is essential for good digestion.
A high intake of fiber contributes to a good metabolism in the body, as well as the rapid elimination of toxins.
Fiber is necessary for maintaining a “healthy” microflora in the intestines, which is an excellent prevention of many diseases.
Benefit No. 7 Reduces the risk of developing cataracts
According to a study by the Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine at Oxford University, there is a strong link between cataract risk and our diet. Non-vegetarians have the biggest risk, vegans have the lowest risk.
The advantages of vegetarianism
Benefit #8 Lower risk of kidney stones
The Langon Medical Center at the University of New York states that avoiding the consumption of animal products in favor of vegetables increases the pH of urine, while low urine pH leads to the formation of kidney stones.
Benefit No. 9 Increased vitality and mood
Scientists from Benedictine University conducted a study aimed at identifying the relationship between the consumption of certain foods and a person's emotional state.
The results confirmed that the less a person eats meat and fish, the more stable his emotional background is, and the better his mood.
Benefit #10 A vegetarian diet can meet all your nutritional needs and preferences
A myth has been created that vegetarians eat very monotonous and always remain hungry. This is absolutely not the case!
The vegetarian diet is very varied and can satisfy everyone's tastes.
The American Dietetic Association states that a vegetarian diet (also vegan), while well-balanced, can be suitable and beneficial for all ages, starting from infancy until old age. It is also suitable for athletes.
Thus, we can conclude that the benefits of a vegetarian diet are huge. This article discusses only a part of them.
Everyone decides what eating style they will follow. The main thing is not to forget about the main purpose of food, its benefits for the body and mind.
As Hippocrates said, “Your food should be your medicine and your medicine should be your food.”