8 Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet – How to Reduce Chronic Diseases

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It took me many years before I improved my relationship with food. My lifestyle has changed 100% for the better. Once you learn about the nutritional value of food, not only will your lifestyle change, but your mindset will also change too. I am beginning to understand the benefits of a vegetarian diet.

Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet

Healthier foods are not designed to hurt you. Its main purpose is to give nourishment to your body and mind. Therefore, low-nutritional, high-caloric foods, will not cut it. Fruits and vegetables are the key essentials. Did you know that there are so many benefits to a vegetarian diet? These benefits can reduce your risk of major diseases. It’s all about mindset.

Benefits Outweigh the Risks of Heart Disease

Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. Cardiovascular disease is one of those broad umbrella terms that covers a longer list of conditions.

A new European study found that people who followed a pro-vegetarian diet had 20% lower risk of cardiovascular disease (American Heart Association).

There are 3 Main Types of Heart Disease.

• Atherosclerosis: This condition causes fatty plaque to build up in your blood vessels, which leads to heart attack and stroke.
• Arrhythmia: Also known as an “irregular heartbeat,” is caused by structural changes or damage in the heart.
• Heart Failure: This occurs when your heart muscles weaken and don’t supply enough blood throughout the body.

It is quintessential for you and your family to know the signs and symptoms related to a heart condition. This knowledge helps you react faster, and you will get medical help right away. Also, be aware that different people will experience different symptoms. In fact, some people may have no symptoms at all.

Common Symptoms of a Heart Attack

• Cold sweat
• Light headedness or dizzy
• Nausea, indigestion, heartburn
• Tightness or pain in the chest

Common Symptoms of a Stroke

• Confusion
• Difficulty walking
• Paralysis on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking, slurred speech
• Stiff muscles
• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg

The stroke treatments that work best are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms. Stroke patients may not be eligible for these if they don’t arrive at the hospital in time (cdc.gov). If you think someone is having a stroke act F.A.S.T. and do the following test:

F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms.

S – Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?

T – Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-11 right away. Note time when any symptoms first appear. This information is critical for health care providers. It helps them determine the best treatment for each person.

Do not drive to the hospital.

Let someone else drive. Call 9-1-1 for an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room – American Stroke Association (ASA).

The Benefit of Excess Weight Loss

Vegetarian diets promote weight lose because they focus on nutrient-dense, low-caloric foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and soy. Vegan diets go further and cut out calorie-rich foods like cheese. However, if done correctly, vegetarians can lose a significant amount of weight.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, it is possible to lose twice as much weight on a vegetarian diet. Researchers found that a vegetarian diet resulted in an average loss of 6.2 kilograms (kg) compared to 3.3 kg for a conventional diet. This means that a vegetarian diet increases longevity.

The Benefit of Longevity

Recent studies in the UK shows that vegetarians improve their mortality rates by 12%. In addition, their life span increases and so does their risks of chronic illnesses. Another bonus is that a vegetarian lifestyle decreases chance of consuming toxic food contaminants.

Avoid Toxic Food Contaminants

Flesh foods are loaded with dangerous poisons and contaminants such as hormones, pesticides, herbicides, and antibiotics. These toxins are all fat-soluble. They concentrate in the fatty flesh of animals. To add insult to injury, they also harbor viruses, bacteria, and parasites such as salmonella. Trichinella, and other worms.

Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

A vegetarian diet can not only improve your health but can also help slash greenhouse gas emissions. Current research shows that by 2050, emissions could increase by 80% if diets continue to involve eating animal products. Livestock raised for food contributes to 14.5% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Following a vegetarian diet help cut the environmental impact.

Help End World Hunger

Every day forty thousand children on this planet needlessly starve to death. According to the Department of Agricultural statistics, one acre of land can grow 20,000 pounds of potatoes. That same acre of land, when used to grow cattlefeed, can produce less than 165 pounds of edible cow flesh.

The way vegetarianism can feed the hungry is by freeing up resources for plant-based crops. Switching to plant-based foods could recover 70% of calories that frequently go toward animal protein. Vegetarians have a genuine compassion for animals.

Compassion for Animals

Animals are God’s property and have a right to live. These living creatures are not here for us to harm and exploit. They have feelings and a soul too. We are supposed to take care of and protect them. Many world religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, and Jainists all teach that eating animal flesh is wrong.

Conclusion

Although vegetarians tend to be healthier, live longer and are less likely to become obese than non-vegetarians, unlike their non-vegetarian counterparts. However, you still need to moderate highly processed foods packed with fat, sugar, and calories to maintain a healthy diet.

Being a vegetarian is not a slam-dunk diet. You still have monitor foods that go into your body. At end of the day, being a true vegetarian is a win-win situation. It equates to a healthier body, love for animals, protection of the environment, and longer lifestyle. What are your thoughts related to the vegetarian way of life?

Thank You

Thank you for showing up to read my blog. Please feel to voice your thoughts or opinions in the comment section below. I will do my best to answer your questions and I will give the links where you can find additional information. I always look forward to hearing from you.

Rachele, Founder

Web: mybluegenes.com

Email: rachele@mybluegenes.com