Vegetarianism has been in vogue even before the vegan movement came into the spotlight. And while it’s not a diet fad as such, most people you know will have tried being vegetarian at some point in their lives.
As with any dietary choice, balance is the key, and you can stay healthy as long as you ensure you’re getting the proper nutrients into your system.
In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of being vegetarian, so you can figure out how to make your diet more wholesome.
Pros of Being Vegetarian
Vegetarian diets are famous for the incredible health benefits you receive when you cut meat out of your diet. Here are a few pros of being vegetarian.
1. Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Plant foods don’t contain the saturated fats and cholesterol found in meat unless you’re consuming excess quantities of dairy.
The low intake of saturated fats keeps your arteries free from blockages that could lead to complications like strokes and heart disease. The improved circulation also prevents the development of gout and lowers the likelihood of arthritis.
2. Improved Sexual Health
This ties into the previous point as the free flow of blood is a prerequisite for one’s sexual health. A cleaner circulatory system ensures that blood is flowing freely to different organs and systems in the body, in this case, the genitalia.
This is why studies have proven that those who follow a plant-based diet are less susceptible to sexual health issues like erectile dysfunction.
3. Accelerated Weight Loss
A plant-based diet is the most effective solution to weight-loss goals if it’s planned properly. Plant foods are free from saturated fats, which helps reduce fat intake.
Additionally, plant foods are rich in fiber, a compound that aids in effective digestion and absorption of nutrients in the body.
Fiber also helps you feel full longer and reduces the likelihood of snacking between meals.
4. Elevated Energy Levels
Digestion is the most energy-consuming process in the body, and breaking down animal protein is a monumental task. This process leads to a tremendous drop in energy levels throughout the day.
However, plants have an uncomplicated chemical structure that’s easily recognized by the body. Your digestive system can quickly break down plant matter and efficiently utilize the energy obtained from your food.
Cons of Being Vegetarian
While vegetarianism can be a revolutionary way to live, freeing up your energy and improving your health, a poorly planned diet can lead to complications, even if it is plant-based.
1. Low Levels of B12
Most vegetarians need to supplement their diets with adequate amounts of B12 as this nutrient is absent in plants. Most animals on factory farms receive B12 supplements, and hence those who eat meat generally possess healthy levels of B12.
If you’re a vegetarian, you must get a B12 supplement and take it regularly.
2. Reduced Iron Absorption
You can find plenty of plant foods rich in iron, but it’s often more challenging for the body to absorb iron from these sources. As such, vegans and vegetarians tend to have lower levels of iron in the body.
Soy products, certain grains, and some leafy greens are rich in iron and should be consumed daily. And to boost iron absorption, you can squeeze a bit of lime on top of whatever you’re eating.
3. Lack of Convenience
Some vegetarian recipes are often more difficult to recreate than traditional meat dishes. This is primarily because all supermarket stores may not contain the necessary ingredients to recreate your dish.
However, there’s been a paradigm shift in recent years, and stores and businesses are gradually introducing vegan and vegetarian products into the market.
Plant-based restaurants are setting up shop at a rapid pace, and even famous meat restaurants are adding vegetarian and vegan dishes t their menu every day. So while being vegetarian can be inconvenient at times, this norm is slowly shifting.
Try It Out
If you haven’t already tried being vegetarian, it’s worth giving it a shot. With the right balance of nutrients and a few good recipes to start with, you can use a plant-based diet to improve your health and quality of life significantly.