There are a large variety of reasons related to why an individual may choose to follow a vegetarian diet. The most common reasons typically include parental preferences, religious or other beliefs, and health issues. A large portion of vegetarians are also concerned over animal rights or the environment. Many argue that although those who follow a vegetarian diet do so for good intentions, it is a bad idea because as humans we have a need to eat foods provided by the animal kingdom which provides us nutrients we need. What people fail to acknowledge is the fact that a vegetarian diet can more than satisfy all our nutritional requirements, as there are many alternative foods available to replace the nutrients we lack from animal foods. Becoming a vegetarian is certainly a difficult diet to follow, which requires close attention and careful planning, but when done properly can be extremely successful.
Since many animal foods do provide nutritional benefits, it is essential for vegetarians to include alternative sources of these vitamins in their diet. These primary nutrients include iron, protein, calcium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins D and B12. Iron is a primary example, and alternative foods enriched in iron a vegetarian may include in their diet is beans, broccoli, raisons, wheat and tofu. Iron is important because it is essential to our body’s production of red blood cells, which is ultimately what keeps our organs functioning properly. Following a vegetarian diet does not just fulfill all your nutritional needs, but good health, reduced incidence of disease and better management of health problems are all benefits associated with vegetarianism.
It looks like a meat-less diet holds more health related benefits, including the reduction of various illnesses and diseases including diabetes, cataracts and cardiovascular disease. A vegetarian diet typically helps with weight management and improves blood sugar control, two important factors which reduce risk of diabetes complications. It is also proven that the risk of developing diabetes is reduced by one half for those receiving the benefits from a vegetarian diet. Research released has shown a direct correlation between the risk of developing cataracts and diet — with a much higher risk for those who eat meat, and the lowest risk groups being vegetarians. Vegetarian diets also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease because these diets are full of antioxidant rich foods. Antioxidants reduce the damage caused by oxidative stress, including atherosclerosis, the number one cause of cardiovascular disease. Vegetarians typically tend to have lower cholesterol levels, which is much healthier for the body because it reduces the risk of diseases such as coronary artery.
A vegetarian diet oddly enough reduces the risk of developing kidney stones. Eliminating the consumption of animal protein to replace it with foods such as vegetables results in a higher urine pH; whereas lower urine pH levels are associated with the formation of kidney stones. A bit of another obvious health related benefit is the reduced risk of obesity, because generally vegetarians have less of a tendency to bing eat or choose foods based on emotions. By eliminating the major habits which contribute to obesity, it obviously reduces the risk. Additionally, some studies show that some vegetarian diets can aid with weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. An interesting benefit includes potential improvement in your overall mood. It has been proven that there is a direct link between arachidonic acid and mood disturbance. Arachidonic acid is a substance present in dietary animal sources, so those following a vegetarian diet do not contain high levels of this substance. Researchers at Benedictine University conducted a study which confirmed that mood improvements do occurred when the consumption of meat, fish, and poultry are limited. Therefore, vegetarians experience less mood disturbances causes a potentially increased overall mood.
To play the devil’s advocate, there are also many counter-arguments for the controversial question of whether it is a good idea to follow a vegetarian diet. As previously addressed, many argue that by not eating a diet which includes animal foods, you are not receiving the nutrients you need, and that even if you are, it is extremely challenging. To address this comment, yes a vegetarian diet can be more challenging, but with proper dedication, all nutrients can be included in this type of diet that you would receive from animal foods. Some also argue that a vegetarian diet will cause you to end up under or over eating, will result in more processed foods, or a lower sense of well-being. To conclude, despite the arguments against vegetarianism, to follow this diet is a very personal choice which an individual may make for numerous reasons. Not only is there absolutely no health benefits whatsoever to eating animal fat, you are removing the detrimental effects it may have on your health by following a vegetarian diet.
Work Cited:
American Heart Association. “Vegetarian, Vegan Diet Benefits & Risks — Go Red For Women.” Go Red For Women®, 27 Mar. 2014, http://www.goredforwomen.org/live-healthy/first-steps-to-prevent-heart-disease-and-be-heart-healthy/vegetarian-vegan-diet-benefits-risks/.
Anonymous. “Vegetarian Foods: Powerful for Health.” The Physicians Committee, 15 Aug. 2011, http://www.pcrm.org/health/diets/vegdiets/vegetarian-foods-powerful-for-health.
Coleman, Erin, and L.D. 2017. “Advantages of Vegetarianism.” LoveToKnow, LoveToKnow Corp, vegetarian.lovetoknow.com/Advantages_of_Vegetarianism.
Editors, Vegetarian Times. “16 Reasons You Should Go Veg.” Vegetarian Times, Vegetarian Times, 15 June 2007, http://www.vegetariantimes.com/health-and-nutrition/why-go-veg-learn-about-becoming-a-vegetarian.
Harvard Health Publishing. “Becoming a Vegetarian – Harvard Health.” Harvard Health Blog, 2018, http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/becoming-a-vegetarian.
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