More and more people are turning to plant-based diets recently. People stop eating meat for a variety of reasons, including the welfare of the animals, environmental reasons, and health reasons. It is natural to wonder what will happen to your body if you choose this lifestyle. For example, what are the health benefits of a plant-based diet? Let’s take a look at the effects on your health when you stop eating meat.
Less Chance of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
Research has shown that eating a plant-based diet can assist in lowering your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, people who eat fewer meat-based meals tend to have lower blood sugar levels and better insulin sensitivity. This can partly be attributed to the fact that plant-based foods are typically high in fiber content, which assists in improving gut health and regulating blood sugar levels. However, overly processed vegan products can also be high in sugars and refined carbs and can contribute to your risk of developing diabetes if not eaten in moderation.
Improved Cellular Health
Gene expression can be influenced by modifying certain lifestyle factors, such as your diet. A study led by Dr Dean Ornish revealed that men diagnosed with prostate cancer who adopted healthy lifestyle changes and switched to a plant-based diet showed a reduction in gene activity associated with cancer progression. Eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains and other foods rich in antioxidants can assist in reducing oxidative stress and promoting optimal cellular function.
A Healthy Gut Microbiome
Your gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria and assists with digestion, your immune system, and other functions that promote overall health. A plant-based diet is rich in fiber which helps stimulate the growth of bacteria that is beneficial to the gut. This helps improve digestion and reduce inflammation. In contrast meat-heavy diets (especially processed meats, have been linked to an increase in trimethylamine-N-oxide. Also known as (TMAO), this compound is associated with a higher risk of developing heart disease. Keep in mind that highly processed plant-based products won’t necessarily offer the same benefits.
Balanced Cholesterol Levels
Consuming less processed and red meat products can reduce bad cholesterol levels, otherwise known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, adopting a plant-based diet can reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease by a significant 15 – 30%. Because of their high fiber and healthy fat content, whole plant foods such as seeds, nuts, legumes, and whole grains help to improve cholesterol balance.
Read More: 7 Vegan Foods High In Protein That Make Meat Obsolete
Reduction in Inflammation
According to the National Library of Medicine, chronic inflammation is typically associated with a range of different diseases, such as arthritis, heart disease, and certain kinds of cancer. Short-term inflammation is a normal immunological response, but chronic inflammation can be damaging to your body. Diets that are that contain processed meats and saturated fats cause inflammation, while plant-based meals offer anti-inflammatory benefits from the antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients. However, you need to make sure that you also stay away from plant-based products that contain too many refined sugars.
Protein Intake
One common concern that arises when people want to stop eating meat, is where their protein will come from. While animal proteins include all of the required amino acids, plant-based proteins can also offer adequate protein if consumed from a variety of sources. This protein can be found in tofu, seeds, nuts, lentils, and quinoa. Contrary to commonly held beliefs, too much protein, particularly from animal sources, does not always result in improved muscle development; in fact, if not balanced with other nutrients, it can actually result in weight gain.
Good For the Environment
The more people stop eating meat, the better it is for the environment. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, approximately 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions are caused by livestock farming. The production of meat requires large amounts of feed, land, and water, which contributes to the continuing destruction of habitats through deforestation. This is not to say that all plant-based agriculture is without its issues – for example, there are sustainability concerns with products that use soy, palm oil, and almond milk. A study published in Science in 2018 found that a vegan diet has the lowest environmental impact.
Will You Stop Eating Meat?
Eating a vegan or vegetarian diet definitely comes with its health benefits, however, you need to make sure that you are eating from a range of sources to ensure you get all the proteins you require. It all comes down to moderation and balance at the end of the day. Even if you stop eating meat for a few days per week, you will feel a difference in your health.