We are not saying that meat is bad for your health but what we can't argue is the amazing health benefits that come along following a vegetarian lifestyle. And while health surely comes first, there are several other reasons why eating vegetarian food makes complete sense. We understand that it is difficult to say no to a juicy chicken burger forever, there are reasons to switch to a plant-based diet that go beyond the normal ethical reasons. If you've been contemplating making the big leap, these reasons will convince you to go meat-free.

1. To Reduce Global Warming

Did you know that livestock generates more greenhouse gases than all the cars and trucks in the world combined? Most of the toxins come from carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide gases generated by manure. Therefore, if you can take one step to reduce global warming, try going vegetarian. The Difference Between Vegetarianism and Veganism?

2. To Save Water

It takes over 2,500 gallons of water to produce a kilo of lamb, as compared to 49 gallons to produce a kilogram apples. Just to refresh your IQ, we take 13 trillion gallons of water per year from the Ogallala aquifer, the largest body of fresh water on earth which comes from the melted glaciers of the last Ice Age. We surely cannot imagine a world without water, so let us do our bit.

3. To Help End World Hunger

Every 3.6 seconds a person dies of starvation and children under the age of five are often the victim. On average, 40 percent of global grain production is used to feed livestock. So if all food crops grown globally were fed directly to humans instead of animals, around 70 percent more food would be added to the world’s supply, which would be enough to feed four billion additional people. So go vegetarian and save lives.

4. To Avoid Toxic Food Contaminants

Meat and poultry can harbour contaminants such as hormones, herbicides, pesticides, and antibiotics. These toxins are fat-soluble and they concentrate in the fatty flesh of animals. Let us not forget the viruses, bacteria, and parasites such as salmonella, trichinella, and other worms, and toxoplasmosis parasites that contaminate non-vegetarian food. Isn't plant-based diet a better choice?

5. To Stay In Skinny Jeans

Sure, downing a chicken salad for a hamburger is a no-brainer way to save a lot of calories, but the meat you consume can show on your waistline. A study performed by Imperial College London found that those who ate about 250 g  of red meat, poultry, or processed meat a day gained more weight over five years than those who ate less meat, even if they consumed the same amount of calories overall. Want to Lose Weight this Season? Try Some Yummy High-Protein Vegetarian Indian Snacks.

6. To Prevent Cancer

Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants which are linked to the reduced risk of cancer. So vegetarian people automatically have a lower risk of cancer as compared to the general population. Red meat and processed meat consumption is consistently associated with an increase in the risk of colorectal cancer. So don't think twice before giving the vegetarian diet a go.

 

7. To Up Your Energy Levels

If you often feel sluggish or battle with an afternoon slump, a vegetarian diet can be good enough to up your energy levels. When you consume plant-based foods, your body will require less energy to break down and digest heavy non-vegetarian foods. This means, that your energy levels will be at the prime throughout the day.

8. To Save Your Heart

One of the reasons why your cholesterol levels are skyrocketing at the moment could be due to the over-consumption of meats and other fats. Take these away and you could easily be happy with your healthy cholesterol level. Healthy cholesterol levels would lower your risk of suffering from heart disease. World Vegetarian Day 2019: Funny Vegetarian Memes and Jokes That Are Better than Butter Chicken. 

9. To Add More Colour to Your Plate

Meat, chicken, and fish come in boring shades of brown and beige, so by eating fruits and vegetables, you will add more colour to a late. The phytochemicals which are responsible for giving produce their rich, varied hues can also protect you from diseases. So cooking by colour is a good way to ensure you are eating a variety of naturally occurring compounds that boost immunity and prevent a range of illnesses.

10. To Stand Up For Animals

You may not be an animal lover but if you give a thought at how your lamb chop or grilled chicken was made, you will get chills. The animals you eat often suffer greatly in tiny cages, crates, and pens, before enduring frequently cruel slaughter practices, which then comes to your plate. So instead of eating meat every day, eat meat just once a week to spare billions of animals. It can be a good starting point to turn vegetarian.

If you are a meat lover, there is no reason to panic. You don't need to go completely meat-free if you don't want to. Flexitarians enjoy just as many benefits as vegetarians. If you can’t forego meat, try limiting your meat intake to a kilo a week.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2019 11:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).