It has already been established that vegetarians tend to be healthier than their meat eating counterparts. The percentage of vegetarians who suffer from diseases, such as high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, colon cancer, diabetes and cardiac disorders are less than their meat eating counterparts.
Even when a vegetarian eats the same amount of salt as a meat eater and/or does less exercise, their blood pressure still remains lower. A lot of studies have shown that vegetarians don't tend to get colon cancer, due to differences in the bacterial flora that exists in their colon.
A lot of factors in a vegetarian diet are responsible for better health. Vegetarians tend to consume three
times as much fiber as meat eaters, which has effectively been shown to decrease blood glucose, cholesterol levels and shield the body against colon cancer.
Antioxidants, found primarily in plants, form an integral part of the vegetarian diet. They protect the cells from damage caused due to oxidation, and hence reduce the risk of arthritis, heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
A vegetarian diet includes a lot of isoflavones, which are good anti-oxidants. These are a type of phytochemical, and are found mostly in soy-based foods. Research has shown that isoflavones improve bone health and reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Vegetarians eat less cholesterol and saturated fat than meat eaters, resulting in better heart health and reducing the risk of cancer and diabetes. Heme Iron in meat increases the risk of cancer and heart disease. Since vegetarians don't eat meat, they are never exposed to this.
And lastly, vegetarianism not only insures optimal body health for you, but also that of the environment and animals. You will live more in tune with the environment, which has a positive effect on you, both mentally and emotionally.
Jerry Knox is a vegetarian enthusiast who writes the Great Vegetarian Blog. Visit the blog for more Great Vegetarian Recipes, Facts, Tips, And Information.
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