There are a lot of people who don’t eat meat who say that if we join them, we’ll have clearer skin, reduced blood pressure, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that we’re doing the right thing in our lives. My experience being a vegetarian thus far has provided me with all of these benefits, in addition to many others. However, not all of the claims I heard about vegetarianism before I gave up eating meat turned out to be true, and I also found that I wasn’t given all of the information I required to make an informed decision about being a vegetarian.
When you stop eating meat, certain physiological changes take place in your body, as outlined by WebMD.
1. The health of your digestive tract will improve.
If you believe that gut health is the most important aspect of wellness in today’s environment, you are not incorrect.
Because the bacteria that dwell in your large intestine have been linked to everything from allergies and acne to immune function and mental health, it is crucial to pay attention to the composition of the microbiome that lives in your gut.
Meat, especially red and processed meats, can cause inflammation in the gut, which can disrupt beneficial flora and cause digestive issues such as constipation and bloating. This inflammation can also be caused by eating too much meat overall.
Researchers believe that eliminating meat from your diet will lead to an increase in the consumption of anti-inflammatory plant foods, many of which are rich in prebiotics and probiotics that are beneficial to the gut.
2. You’ll see your weight go down.
A study that was presented in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommended a vegetarian diet, and the participants in the study who followed this recommendation dropped an average of 7.5 pounds. Veganism was found to be superior to 11 other diets for weight loss in a recent study that was published in the Journal of Internal Medicine. If you prepare your meals with a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans, you may find that it is easier to lose weight than if you follow other diets.
3. You’ll see a reduction in your cholesterol levels.
In addition to a decrease in body fat, you will almost certainly observe a substantial drop in cholesterol levels. Exercise and diet both have an effect on cholesterol levels, but genetics have the most significant role in determining an individual’s overall cholesterol profile. According to Healthline, plant-based vegetarian diets are associated with lower levels of total cholesterol, as well as lower levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol. This is in comparison to omnivorous diets, which are associated with higher cholesterol levels.
4. You will reduce the likelihood of contracting a disease.
You will lower your risk of heart disease, cardiometabolic risk factors, and numerous types of cancer if you replace the meat in your diet with healthier alternatives, such as vegetables and nuts, rather than potato chips and ice cream. A study was conducted in 2014 on three different groups of 7th Day Adventists, which is a Christian denomination whose adherents do not consume any form of meat. According to WebMD, the improved health outcomes are partially attributable to the increased consumption of fiber, which reduces cholesterol levels and increases satiety, causing individuals to consume less calories overall.