Be Healthy. Be Vegetarian

Be Healthy. Be Vegetarian.

Studies have shown that vegetarians that follow a well-balanced low-fat high-fiber diet often have lower incidence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, obesity and some forms of cancer. A vegetarian diet should be the way all Americans today are eating. Vegetarian diet can be a very healthy option but it is important to ensure it is well balanced. You could stuff your face with chips and chocolate at every meal and be vegetarian but you wouldn’t be doing your health much good.

The biggest reason that Americans should chose to not eat meat is to improve their health. On a vegetarian diet, many people experience weight loss, high energy level, and less risk of toxicity issues like parasites, food poisoning, salmonella and more that are associated with eating meat. A vegetarian diet that consists heavily of raw fruits and vegetables is healthier than a normal meat filled diet. This diet is better for you because a steady dependence on raw produce means more enzymes, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and vital nutrients arrive in the system. Enzymes from raw foods are one of the best ways to boost vitality, increase the efficiency of the digestive system, and promote maintenance at a healthy weight. Studies show that vegetarians tend to weigh less than their meat-eating peers, have a lower mortality rate, and are less likely to be affected by sudden illness.

A regular consumption of fruits and vegetables provides significant protection against cancer. People who consume higher amounts of fruits and vegetables have about one-half the risk of cancer. About three dozen plant foods have been identified as possessing cancer-protective properties. These include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, celery, cilantro, caraway, dill, parsley, tomatoes, cucumber, grapes, cantaloupe, berries and many others. These foods and herbs contain of host of cancer-protective phytochemicals such as carotenoids, flavonoids, isothiocyanates, isoflavones, ellagic acid, glucarates, curcurmins, liminoids, lignans, phenolic acids, phthalides, saponins, phytosterols, sulfide compounds, terpenoids, and tocotrienols.(1) These beneficial compounds alter metabolic pathways and hormonal actions that are associated with the development of cancer, stimulate the immune system, and have antioxidant activity.

Regular fruit and vegetable consumption reduces the risk of ischemic heart disease.

Fruits and vegetables provide possible protection against cardiovascular disease. These factors include folic acid, dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, carotenoids, phytosterols, flavonoids, and other polyphenolic antioxidants. Typically, vegetarian diets are also somewhat lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. Vegetarians typically have lower blood cholesterol levels. Plant diets rich in fiber are useful for lowering serum cholesterol levels. Vegetarian meals may be easier on the digestive system as well since heavy meat and animal products require so many enzymes and a great deal of energy to digest. This is challenged, however, by nutritional concepts which present vegetarian protein as especially difficult to digest and absorb.

Health isn’t the only reason to not eat meat however.

The environment is another huge reason we should stop eating meant. Vegetarianism is seen as a solution to the destruction