The Benefits of Going Vegetarian

Most of us are non-veg. The Americans love their burgers and beef stakes, the Indians like their biriyanis and the Japanese and Dutch love their sea food. We love to gorge in those mouth watering dishes made of meat and fish. But we should also understand the ill effects of over indulgence of non-veg diet upon our body. We should all consider going vegetarian at least once in a while in order to reap the benefits of vegetarian diet. Let us have a look into some of the benefits of vegetarianism. Here are a few reasons why vegetarian diet is beneficial to us. 

Go Veg – Image Credit

Source of dietary fiber – Helps in bowel movement : Vegetables are very good sources of dietary fiber or roughage. Dietary fiber is the indigestible part of food which helps in bowel movement by pushing food down the alimentary canal. This is very necessary since this detoxifies the body by helping in defecation. Legumes (peas, soybeans etc) are very good sources of fiber. Broccoli, carrot, cauliflower etc are also good sources of fiber. Non-veg food like meat, fish etc does not contain fiber since this fiber is essentially of vegetable source.

Soybeans are rich sources of fibers - Image Credit

Rich in carbohydrates – Basic building block of the body : Carbohydrates are the basic building components of the body. They also play vital role in the workings of the immune system and fertilization. Non-veg food is not a very good source of carbohydrates. Cereals like rice, wheat and food products made from cereals like bread, pasta etc are the most important sources of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are not necessary sources of energy, the body can derive its energy from fats and proteins but due to the higher risks of neurological and heart diseases from fat rich diet, doctors recommend carbohydrates as the principle source of boy energy. Carbohydrate deficiency can lead to ketosis due to which the body starts to burn body fats. 

Cereals are rich sources of carbohydrates - Image Credit

Less Fats – Weight Manager : Vegetarian diet is the best way of maintaining your fitness. Avoiding meat and fish as much as you can may go a long way in keeping your waistline in check. Obesity is not only about a fat body but it also brings with it several other diseases like heart problems, diabetes etc. A diet based on cereals, vegetables, fruits, legumes etc is the best way of controlling obesity and blood cholesterol levels. 

What is your Waistline? – Image Credit

Avoid protein overload and have stronger bones : Over dependence on meat can lead to a condition called protein overload. This interferes with calcium absorption and hence the body extracts the necessary calcium from the bones making the bones weaker. Similar calcium deficiency as a result of protein overdose is rare among vegetarians.

Do you want stronger bones?

Source of Vitamins – Be Healthy : Vitamins are very necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Vitamins help the body fight against several diseases and their deficiency can result into several diseases. Vitamin deficiency can lead to night blindness, beriberi, scurvy, rickets and many other deficiency syndromes. Fruits and vegetables are very good sources of vitamins.

Eat fruits and Vegetables 

While I am preaching a veg diet, I must admit that I myself am a very much non-veg person. I think we cannot and should not completely change our eating habits and quit having non-veg food which has sort of become a part of our body system. What is required, I guess, is striking a middle path where we go primarily veg and at the same time have some good non veg food to go with it. 

Another good article about the benefits of veg diet is Benefits of Vegetarianism to Our Health.