Health benefits of eating a vegetarian diet

​Today there are many reasons for people choosing a vegetarian diet: religious, ethical, environmental etc. Moreover, more people are now concerned about their health and becoming more aware about the health advantages of a plant-based diet that is rich in unprocessed whole foods. So what are some benefits of following a vegetarian diet for your body and mind?

​1. More energy
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Consuming healthy foods makes you feel good and more energized. Putting processed foods that are full of sugar and white flour into your body, makes you feel de-energized and tired. Rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels result in energy outbursts followed by extreme tiredness. Eating unprocessed foods that are high in fiber lets blood sugar levels increase and decline slowly and steadily. 

2. Clear and healthy skin

While vegetarian diet improves internal health, eating the right kinds of foods also results in external benefits – our skin reflects what is going on inside our bodies. Many vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Fueling your body with colorful plant foods helps stimulate collagen production and reduce wrinkles. Plant-based foods contain loads of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, which all support healthy hair, nails, and skin. 

3. Weight loss and maintenance

Eating meat has been linked to obesity. A vegetarian diet helps to achieve or maintain your goal weight. Plants are high in fiber and water, thereby making you feel full for longer periods of time. Due to the high dietary fiber content, your digestion is likely to improve and cholesterol levels normalize. Further, though plants are low in calories, they are loaded with the important nutrients.

4. Reducing the risk of serious health issues

Plant-based foods also contain many of the essential vitamins and minerals necessary to keep the body functioning optimally. Deficiencies can often leave us exposed to sicknesses that could be easily prevented by eating a healthy diet. Research shows that people who follow a plant-based diet have a lower risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. 

A plant-based diet that is whole foods focused, helps keep blood sugar levels stable is one of the best defenses against diabetes. Maintaining a healthy body weight and fiber-filled, antioxidant-packed diet is also the key to reduce the risk of cancer. Plants are naturally low in “bad” fats. Basing your meals around vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and legumes lowers blood pressure and improves cholesterol thus also reducing the risk for heart attacks. 

In addition to all the health benefits above, reducing your meat consumption or choosing a vegetarian diet allows you to discover and experiment with new and exciting recipes and brings more food diversity into your diet. Plant-based diet can be so much more flavorful and not at all boring - one great way to add variety to your dishes is with spices. However, it is important to eat all kinds of plant-based whole foods from different food groups to get the essential nutrients and vitamins.

There are many interesting documentaries we would recommend watching if you would like to educate yourself on the subject more thoroughly.

Movie recommendations: Forks Over Knives, Food, Inc, What The Health, Vegucated, Food Matters, and Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead.