Many people opt to be vegetarians, be it for personal reasons, religious beliefs, or as a means to eliminate the dependence on animal protein from their diet. Whatever may be the reason, vegetarianism comes with its own set of benefits and problems which we shall now examine.
Vegetarians are those who choose to forgo any sort of animal products — meat, fish. Some even reject animal by-products like milk, eggs, cheese, etc. Many people abstain from meat because of ethical reasons. There are those who prefer a vegetarian diet because it suits their health. The advantages and disadvantages of vegetarianism are:
| BENEFITS OF BEING VEGETARIAN | DRAWBACKS OF BEING VEGETARIAN |
| A range of health benefits | Increased intensity of PMS and menstrual irregularities |
| Vegetarians have lower cholesterol | Can cause deficiencies |
| Benefits the environment | Exploits exotic fares |
| Increased intake of leafy green vegetables | Vegetarianism can be an expensive option for many |
| Many diseases caused by eating meat like salmonella can be prevented | |
| Higher intake of minerals and vitamins which otherwise would have been neglected | |
| Boosts metabolism | |
| Enhances skin and hair |
Advantages of Being Vegetarian
- A range of health benefits.
A vegetarian lifestyle offers a variety of health benefits. In fact, studies show that being vegetarian could prolong your life by 20% than if you’re not. Cardiac health is enhanced with a vegetarian diet. Vegetarians are more active, both physically and mentally, and have a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who are not vegetarian.
- Vegetarians have lower cholesterol.
Research shows that following a vegetarian diet positively impacts your health — in fact, bad cholesterol LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is lower in those who follow a vegetarian diet. Bad cholesterol tends to plug up your arteries, and the chance of suffering heart attacks and obesity increases. Good cholesterol HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is made naturally in our bodies.
- Benefits the environment.
Many people consider devouring endangered species “fine dining.” Sharks are mercilessly hunted for their fins, which are considered a delicacy, and many birds and animals are on the point of extinction because of human greed and poaching. Vegetarianism gives nature a chance to nurture all types of life, and does not harm any living thing.
- Increased intake of leafy green vegetables.
Vegetarianism essentially consists of eating green leafy vegetables among other veggies, fruits, nuts, roots, herbs, etc. vegetables are full of fibre and water which nourishes the skin and improves the overall health of your body. Being vegetarian leads to a marked reduction in issues like constipation, dehydration. The high level of anti-oxidants slows the signs of aging in your body.
- Many diseases caused by eating meat like salmonella can be prevented.
Non-vegetarian foods like eggs, fish and dairy can contain a variety of diseases and pests that can be harmful to the body. Eating raw fish in the form of sushi or sashimi can introduce worms inside your body; eggs and poultry can contain salmonella, and animals like pork or cow can pass tapeworms and ringworms into your body. Vegetarianism does not have such problems.
- Higher intake of minerals and vitamins which otherwise would have been neglected.
A non-vegetarian diet does not have the benefit of a high amount of fibre in its diet. Therefore, the risk of obesity and stroke rises exponentially than in a vegetarian. A non-vegetarian diet also omits many important minerals and vitamins which can only be found abundantly in veggies, so vegetarianism encourages higher intake of good nutrients which are missing in a non-vegetarian diet.
- Boosts metabolism.
Due to the increased intake of fibre and fibrous foods, vegetarianism affects metabolism, and improves the digestion speed and quality. Compared to non-vegetarians, the resting metabolism rate (RMR) is quite high among those who are vegetarians. This is because a vegetarian diet is processed more easily and faster than a non-vegetarian one.
- Enhances skin and hair.
If you have naturally bad hair that is affected by the slightest treatment, harsh or otherwise, you might try vegetarianism for a spell. This diet has proven to have very good effects on hair as well as skin. Vegetarians have reported that their lifestyle has impacted their exterior by providing clear, blemish-free and dewy skin, and healthier hair with more volume.
Disadvantages of Being Vegetarian
- Increased intensity of PMS and menstrual irregularities.
Vegetarianism has adverse effects on people’s menstruation. Quite a few observational studies have reported that while blood flow does lighten considerably, many have stated that their monthly cycle has become absent.
This could be because of iron deficiency and lack of beta-casein proteins. Vegetarianism adversely affects fertility and sex drive.
- Can cause deficiencies.
While being a vegetarian brings in a lot of healthy options, many vital nutrients that can only be found in meats and poultry are cut off. Omega-3 fatty acids, so important for cardiac health, can be found abundantly in fish. Many nutrients that can only be found in animal flesh, vitamin B12, are lacking from a vegetarian meal. This can cause health deficiencies.
- Exploits exotic fares.
Many people try to seek vegetarian alternatives for recipes that use meat. In an effort to bring the taste as close to the original as possible without resorting to meat, many use exotic food items that are not found in the markets very easily.
These items are sourced from somewhere else in the world, usually third world countries, and that region and its people are exploited mercilessly.
- Vegetarianism can be an expensive option for many.
The reason why many people don’t or can’t indulge in a purely vegetarian diet is because it is a costly diet choice. Vegetables and fruits cost a ton nowadays, and they contain many chemical pesticides and fertilizers that can have devastating effects on your body in the long run.
Being a vegetarian has its own benefits and drawbacks. Vegetarianism impacts the body and the environment in a myriad of ways. Being vegetarian is a choice, and something that not everyone can afford. If you have to resort to vegetarianism for health reasons, then make sure you take advantage of local seasonal vegetables and fruits. Try to get your produce from local markets, and support your farmers.
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