3 Incredible Health Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet

Have you ever tried eating vegetarian for a day? How about a week? Studies show that 10 percent of the world’s population follows some form of a vegetarian diet.

That equates to about 780,000,000 people. With this number continuing to grow, what is all the hype about? Not only can eating a plant-based diet be delicious, but it also comes with a plethora of health benefits. 

Here are the top three vegetarian health benefits that you should know. 

1. Reduces Risk of Heart Issues

Studies show that plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease. This is one of the top health benefits of becoming vegetarian. 

By replacing red meats with plant-based foods, you’ll take in more antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients. While many red meats have high amounts of preservatives and fat, vegetarian diets rich in fruits and vegetables can cut these out of your diet.

When following a vegetarian diet, be sure to eat enough protein and track your vitamin intake. This can ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients you need without eating meat. 

2. Helps Balance Hormones

With animal products, there will always be a prevalence of both natural and synthetic hormones. As many meat and dairy products contain steroids and antibiotics, this can contribute to a hormonal imbalance. With a plant-based diet, you can reduce the amount of hormones you consume.

To help animals gain more weight and produce more food, steroids like estrogen are often injected into the animals. Hormonal imbalances in humans can often have side effects of weight fluctuation, hair loss, and even infertility. 

If you’re looking to balance your hormones, consider avoiding eggs, dairy, and red meat.

3. Helps Manage Weight

Studies show that to promote a healthier lifestyle, physicians should recommend plant-based diets. Plant-based diets can be cost-effective and low-risk for those with health issues. For those who reduce their intake of red meat and dairy, they often experience lower rates of obesity.   

With delicious vegetarian fare, you can find the versatility and satisfaction without the high calories and fat. While vegetarian diets typically have a lower amount of saturated fat, this allows for more nutrients. With low-calorie fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, vegetarians may experience lower body weight. 

If you’re looking to lose weight or sustain a healthy weight, consider following a vegetarian diet. Some nutritious vegetarian snacks are lentils, nuts, quinoa, apples, and bananas. 

Go Vegetarian for Better Health 

While going vegetarian may seem difficult at first, over time your eating habits will develop. There are also many meat replacements that can help aid you in the transition process.

To reap the benefits of being vegan or vegetarian, find delicious plant-based foods that you enjoy today. You may experience a healthier weight, balanced hormones, and reduced risk of heart issues. 

Did you enjoy learning about the top health benefits of following a vegetarian diet? Leave a comment down below and let us know your favorite vegetarian dish. Also, be sure to check out our other articles for content on health, lifestyle, beauty, and more.