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With more people becoming vegan people often wonder if eating no meat is truly the better and healthier option. While meat is rich in protein and vitamin B12, it is also high in unsaturated fats and cholesterol which can lead to many life-threatening diseases.
Do we all have to become a 100% vegan to protect our health? The answer is no. But many of us, however, drastically need to reduce their meat intake while making sure animal products come from a reliable, organic source to avoid hormones, antibiotics, and animal cruelty.
We have been flexitarians or semi-vegetarians for many years and we felt great. Since September 2017, however, we decided to try a 99 percent plant-based diet (wild Cambodian hiney, occasional egg, and homemade cultured yogurt are our exceptions) and we feel great.
Though this doesn’t mean you have to do the same. Meat coming from healthy sources with minimal processing steps can be part of a healthy diet. Avoid meat coming from big meat farms and deli meats. They are the worst kind.
Whether you choose to be a flexitarian, vegetarian or vegan, reducing your meat consumption will definitely benefit your whole body and here’s why....
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1 Lowers blood pressure
Multiple studies have shown that dramatically reducing or eliminating meat helps to keep your blood pressure under control. Plant-based munchers generally have a lower and healthier blood pressure than people who eat a lot of meat.
2 Reduces the risk of colon cancer
High consumption of red and processed meat (deli meats) has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer due to the high amounts of unhealthy fats and hormones as well as the way it is being processed or cooked.
3 Lowers the risk of overweight, obesity, and diabetes type II
Meat consumption has been linked to obesity and overweight since it is rich in fats and cholesterol. People who eat more vegetables and fruits usually have no issues to maintain their weight.
Furthermore, researchers found that eating less meat would reduce the risk of developing diabetes type II as it is closely related to being overweight or obese.
4 Healthy, glowing skin
Packed with water and antioxidants, fresh produce keeps your skin toned, hydrated, and smooth. People who eat a lot of meat and processed foods are more prone to develop acne, wrinkles, and other skin issues.
5 Reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues
Meat and other animal products contain a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol. Both contribute to clogged arteries, heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases.
6 Improves longevity
According to some studies, people who are on a plant-based diet live longer compared to those who eat meat on a daily basis. Processed meat in particular, like deli meats, cooked ham, and hot dogs, contain nasty chemicals and toxins which are associated with many diseases such as heart failure and cancer.
7 You’ll get enough protein. No worries ;)
Our body uses protein to build and repair cells, tissues, and organs. Proteins play a vital role in the formation of many hormones. Though meat is an excellent source of complete protein (meaning it has all 9 essential amino acids our body can not make itself), there are so many better, nutrient-dense, plant-based foods out there to meet your daily needs. These include lentils, quinoa, chickpeas, to name a few.
8 Saves more money
Meat is one of the most expensive foods. Especially when you buy them organic. Which you should to avoid hormones, antibiotics, and other nasty chemicals. If you reduce your meat intake to 2 to 3 times a week, you’ll save plenty of money which you can spend on high-quality organic foods.
9 Help save the Mother Earth
Meat production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases and climate change. Dutch researchers predicted that universal veganism could reduce agriculture-related carbon emissions by 17%t, methane emissions by 24%, and nitrous oxide emissions by 21%t by 2050.
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Changing your eating habits will not only do your body a big favor but the planet as well. If you eat a lot of meat, “Meatless Monday’s” or “Vegan before 6 pm” are great initiatives to get you started.
And if you thought eating a plant-based diet is boring and tasteless, think again. There are so many yummy and easy recipes out there. It’s up to you to experiment with those new flavors and textures. Check out my blog or other vegan or vegan-enthusiastic cooks here on steemit. There are plenty to get your inspiration from!
Thanks for reading and until next time!
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