There are many reasons you may become vegetarian, and there are several types of vegetarians. While a vegetarian diet can be very healthy, it is important to be conscious of the foods you choose and the nutrients you consume. Consulting with a health care professional or a nutritionist can help you with a balanced vegetarian diet.
Environmental Benefits
Some individuals decide to become vegetarian because of environmental concerns. According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, the meat industry is a major contributor to global warming because of the energy used in producing tons of grain and water to farm animals and then killing them and processing, storing and transporting their meat. Destruction of forests to provide pastureland and to grow crops for the animals also releases carbon dioxide into the environment. Carbon dioxide is the main gas that causes global warming, says PETA. The animals in factory farms in the United States release methane into the environment during digestion and from their feces in cesspools. This gas adds to the global warming problem.
Health Benefits
Going vegetarian can also provide numerous health benefits when compared to meat-filled diets. According to an article in the journal "Forum of Nutrition," lower intakes of saturated fat, cholesterol and animal protein, along with increased intake of dietary fiber, folic acid and other vitamins and minerals found in non-meat products, provided a healthier diet. When a vegetarian diet is well-planned and accounts for nutritional needs, it is very healthy and can provide all the necessary nutrients. Vegetarian diets may also help reduce the risk of obesity and of developing cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer and gallstones, says the article. The Vegetarian Society adds that vegetarians are more likely than non-vegetarians to actually consume the recommended five daily portions of fruits and vegetables.
Animal Rights Concerns
Animals on factory farms used for feeding and housing animals for future slaughter are often kept in poor conditions. According to PETA, these animals may be kept in cages by the thousands, crammed into small spaces because individual cages are too expensive. The sheds may be dirty and the animals usually cannot roam freely, which stresses the animals. These animals may also be fed drugs to fatten them up or genetically altered to produce more milk or eggs than they normally would. Once at the slaughterhouse, the animals may remain conscious while their throats are slit, their hair is scalded off or they are skinned, says PETA. The cruelty these animals experience is a major reason many individuals decide to become vegetarian.
Considerations
Becoming a vegetarian may sound easy, but it involves more than simply cutting out meat products. A healthy vegetarian diet is balanced and varied, and contains foods that have the necessary nutrients for health. A non-meat diet that is high in sugars and processed foods may be vegetarian, but may not provide the proper nutrients. It is important to ensure you are consuming enough protein, vitamins and minerals with a vegetarian diet to avoid any deficiencies.
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