Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet

Long since it stopped being considered a passing fad by most of the general public, vegetarians are (proverbially) here to stay. There has been many arguments about the merits of the vegetarian diet that, more often than not, have sometimes spiraled down to a fight to the death between meat lovers and leaf eaters. Putting the opinions and moral differences aside, it is now time to give an honest look at the mainstream vegetarian diet and examine what kind of benefits can it bring to you. If you were ever tempted to give up the pleasures of the flesh, read on to see the reasons that can finally push you over the fence; if you could never understand why people go the vegetarian route, the following paragraphs might be enlightening to you.

Key Benefits of Going Vegetarian

Live long and prosper

On average, vegetarians live about seven years longer while vegans (who eat no animal products whatsoever) live about 15 years more than people with meat in their diets (according to a recent study from Loma Linda University.) As a bonus, you'll also be more attractive while you enjoy your extra years. Vegetarians tend to have much less weight problems; a tip that most women would love to read on their clothing labels.

Meat will break your heart

Cardiovascular diseases are still ranked as the top killer in the United States. The standard North American diet is one that is chocked full of saturated fats and cholesterol from meat and dairy products; this unhealthy diet carries most of the blame. As a rough estimate it was found that the average North American male eating a meat based diet has a 50% chance of dying from heart disease. This drops to 15% if he cuts out meat in his diet and to a measly 4% if he gives up meat, dairy products and eggs.

Say no to cancer

A recent study presented on the International Journal of Cancer concluded that red meat is closely associated to some forms of breast cancer. In fact, according to that study, women who eat meat every day are nearly four times as likely to get breast cancer than those who don't. By contrast, those who consume at least one serving of vegetables per day reduce the risk by a 20-30% figure.