is being a vegitarian beating up my body?

Question

im 11 and i have beeen a vegitarian for a year. is this bad for my body? will i live longer if i eat meat.

Answer 1

It's the healthiest way to live....Research has shown that vegetarians suffer less from obesity, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, certain diet related cancers, diverticular disease, appendicitis, constipation and gallstones. Meat is very dirty. Eating meat is not required it is aquired from our upbringing.

Answer 2

No direct answer for this. I've been vegetarian for past year too. Until today. I decided b/c of how different my body was when I did eat meat vs. being vegan, it was a dramatic difference to the point I can't tell which one made me healthier. I actually thing my body is more pissed at me for not eating meat, perhaps it was too adjusted to wanting that kind of protein from previous 19 yrs, or our bodies really do need protein from meat... but of course, you gotta do it right and eat it correctly. I will only eat white meat (chicken breast, tuna, and turkey breast) and stay away from processed meats full of unnecessary shet. So, I started eating meat again as of today, the ones listed above and going to see how it changes me, either for the better or for the worst. A personal experiment and then make the right choice when I figure out the answer.

Answer 3

Yea, I really can't be bothered to give a long and detailed rebuttal to the points given so far, but I'll give you some links which show my points better than I could.
In fairness, if it is carefully planned, it can be as healthy as a normal diet, although at your age it really isn't to be recommended, as you need high quality protein for growth development (yes, protein can be got from plants, but the high quality protein found in meat is much better). If there are any health benefits they come from eating a wide range of fruit and veg, as veggies usually do, not not eating meat. There are studies which say veggies live slightly longer, but they fail to take into account that veggies are also much less likely to smoke, drink, eat junk food or not exercise, which means the results cannot be trusted as a valid argument for vegetarianism.

That not eating meat is good for you, makes you like longer, makes you healthier, prevents disease etc, like PETA claim, are fallacies.

http://www.becomehealthynow.com/article/dietbad/293/
http://www.mercola.com/2002/feb/2/vegetarian.htm
http://www.mercola.com/2001/dec/29/vegetarian.htm
http://www.vanguardonline.f9.co.uk/00509.htm
http://www.healthyweightnetwork.com/zart6.htm
http://www.furcommission.com/resource/perspect991.htm

Answer 4

The common misconception is that vegetarian's don't get enough protein. If you're eating a decent diet, you're getting more than enough. Just because someone eats meat, doesn't mean THEY get enough protein. According to this amazing book I'm reading (The China Study), animal based protein is a main cause of cancer. That's why vegetarians and vegans RARELY get it. Just don't live off potato chips and soda and you'll be fine. Try Morningstar Farm products! They're awesome!

Vegetarians live longer because they're usually healthier! Meat kills you!

Answer 5

I used to be a veggi if you follow it right then it won't just make sure your getting the right nuitrients but since i've started eating meat again i feel alot better.
Not sure about living longer but if you follow the guidlines seriously i don't see why you should live a shorter amount of time

Answer 6

Absolutely, you will live healthier if you avoid meat. As for how long you will live depends on so many variables not relating to your diet, including your gene, the area you live in, the pollutant you are inhaling, et cetera.

Good job on being vegetarian. It is great for you body. Keep it up, but be sure to eat balanced to get all the nutrients your body needs. Read more at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vegetarian-diet/HQ01596

Answer 7

no as long as you are still getting proteins from nuts and other sources you dont need meat. as far as living longer with or with out meat i dont think it really affects longevity. some would argue vegetarianism is more healthy than eating meat but it all depends on the diet itself.

Answer 8

Hmm...I dont know. I always look at it from a natural standpoint. Processed man made tofu or naturally raised farm animals? Although it is not healthy to eat red meat day in day out their are certain proteins that you only get from red meat...and I think they are important.

Answer 9

That depends if you've been too used to eating lots of processed foods for years , but since you started a year ago, I don't think you should have any problem with your body.

Answer 10

It's not bad as long you make sure you eat the proteins and iron you usually get in your meat in other kind of food rich in them.