is it healthy to be a vegetarian?

Question

i no i will get all the protien i need its just is there any thing in meat that will stop me from growing or something im only 12

Answer 1

Numerous studies from around the world have shown that plant-based diets not only extend life spans but also protect people from a number of diseases that plague heavy meat-eaters. The longest-lived peoples in the world all consume a mostly vegetarian diet, with a small percentage of protein derived from meat.
Research has shown that vegetarians are healthier than those who consume a lot of animal protein. Vegetarians are at lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and dying of ischemic heart disease. They have lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels of LDL or “bad cholesterol.” They are less likely to be overweight or obese and have lower rates of type-2 diabetes, diverticular disease, gallstones, as well as some cancers including prostate and colorectal cancer. It may also be beneficial in the early stages of renal disease, protect against dementia, and slow the rate of bone loss women experience after menopause.
And we’re not talking a few percentage point differences, but 25 percent to 35 percent less risk.

Answer 2

http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/
www.veganhealth.org
http://www.chooseveg.com/vegan-health.asp
http://www.vegansociety.com/html/food/nutrition/
http://www.vegansociety.com/html/people/lifestyle/families/parenting/vegan_children/
http://www.vegsource.com/

Billie brought up some very good points. One does not need to be healthy to be a vegetarian. My husband, who eats meat and dairy and eggs has cholestoral that is a bit too high. His parents, live on meat and processed food has had more problems than my parents who eat meat, dairy and processed foods, just in smaller quanitites; Also, my parents eat more fruits, veggies and whole grains. It is from my parents that I learned to like vegetables. (Somedays, I just wanna bop my husband on the forehead, mimicking the V8 commercials.) Anyway, my paernts are about five years older than my in-laws and they have had more health problems.

One can be healthy and eat meat, but I don't think it's necessary. I'm almost eight months pregnant and neither my husband nor I are concerned about the health of my baby.

Anyway, I hope this helps. There is a Vegetarian and Vegan section under the Food and Drinks category. You'll get some good answers there (and also some answers from ignormouses who come on and just try and annoy people.)

Answer 3

its perfectly healthy. usually healthier then eating meat. also, dont listen to people who say humans are designed to eat meat. there is tons of evidence that goes against that. im glad to see so many young kids turning to vegetarianism and veganism. good luck

Answer 4

many foods besides meat and fish have the right amount of protien, fat, and nutrients that your body needs to survive.

Go ahead and be a veg-head, just don't try to convince us meat eaters to follow in your footsteps :).

Answer 5

no but meat is good 4 u. and i think thats better than peanut butter and whatever else is protein cause meat isnt fattening, but whatever u feel like doing u can do.

Answer 6

no meat is good for you, your body was not designed to be vegetarian

Answer 7

It is very healthy.