Is being a vegetarian healthier than a regular meat-eating lifestyle?

Answer 1

for the most part it is. like everything, individual people will have individual results.

on the whole, vegetarians eat less fat than non-vegetarians as well as getting a much greater array of vitamins and minerals as they eat a wider variety of fruits and vegetables.

as far as anemia, it does happen. but it also happens to those who eat meat as well. most vegetarians get adequate iron in their diet without the need for a supplement.

i'm looking for the source, but i remember reading that the average American diet contains far more protein than is actually necessary. it's actually really simple to get protein as a vegetarian. same for calcium, iron, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin K, carbohydrates, and just about anyting else you can think of.

Answer 2

It depends on if you're a good vegetarian or not. I know way too many vegetarians who only eat chips. If you actually try and get a well balance meal with plenty of protein and niacin, and possible take iron supplements, I do believe it's healthier, yes. It's really not hard to get all the stuff you need either (although some people will say it is). Americans eat WAY more meat than most of the rest of the world- and in many countries meat is really rare, and yet they lead healthy lives. Try it for a week and see how it goes. Just be open to new foods and cooking for yourself more often. Vegetarian cooking is actually more enjoyable I think, because it's less messy and less expensive, and you don't have to worry about all the meat-born illness you hear about. After awhile, you won't even have to think about, it just kinda comes naturally.

Answer 3

Honestly it varies.

Genetically and down to the amount and type of enzymes our body's produces we are different. Whether eating a fast food burger or a nice lean piece of chicken breast, it may not make a difference for some of us...

In my family, heart disease is extremely prevalent. My grandfather died from it in his late 30s, my father had his FIRST of 2 heart attacks (and later a stroke) at 31 while being an extremely active and "physically fit" Marine. My uncle had a by-pass surgery as well several months ago. Being moderate isn't enough in my case. Maybe once-a-blue-moon I could possibly get away with eating meat, but in reality my genetics do not allow for that sort of lifestyle. I'd be dead by 50.

Health is very individual and it's a matter of finding out what you can and cannot do. Some of us can handle the crap (plaque etc) in meat better than others, but I cannot. I chose this lifestyle because it is healthier FOR ME. Family history and the numbers (cholesterol etc) tell me so.

Answer 4

That would depend on how you define "regular" meat-eating lifestyle. If you are referring to how Americans eat meat, then it is FAR healthier for most people. We are extreme over-consumers of meat, especially from larger animals.

However, contrary to what most veg folks on this forum will tell you, for MOST people, it is just as healthy to have a diet including some meats, as long as you do it correctly. Meats can be the "base" of a meal, but need to be a fairly small portion of it. The majority of meat that you consume should be fish or white meat, cooked in a healthy way (not fried, for instance). Red meat should not be consumed much more than once a week. As with any diet type, you can treat yourself sometimes and not be worried, as long as you know how much is too much. It goes without saying that you should always have a proper balance of starches, proteins, and the various essential nutrients.

I hope this helps.

Answer 5

On the whole yes, it is.

meat halves the effectiveness of the digestive system, the meat has to actually rot a bit in your stomach.

most meat eaters digestive cycle runs on about 24 hrs, most vegetarians is around 12 hrs. though it does vary depending on what the person eats day to day.

Meat has too much saturated fat and too much protein in it. even lean meats still have saturated fats, which we have no dietary requirement for, and which contribute to heart disease and obesity.

the excess protein in meat puts a constant heavy load on our liver and kidneys and it also leeches nutrients from our body and contributes to osteoporosis.

However, I do know some vegetarians who alive off chocolate and carbs.

theres nothing in meat that cant be found in a plant based source, and i believe yes if a person eats a variety of Vegetables, Fruits, Grains, Legumes, Nuts and Seeds and cuts back on meat consumption they will be healthier.

i certainly feel much healthier after doing it.

Good Luck : )

Answer 6

It depends on what your eating, if you eating deep fried vegetarian chips with very meal then no.... Where abouts if your eating red meat without the fat trimmed with every meal then no...

The question is a balanced diet, meat eaters don't eat meal with every meal nor do vegetarian have deep fried food with every meal. A balance diet whither it is with meat or without is as healthy as each other if such things as proteins, cars and fat etc are in the right regions.

Answer 7

It can be. I'd say a vegetarian junk food diet would be "healthier" (to use the term loosely) than a standard american junk food diet. There are some omnis who eat healthier than some vegans. It varies.

Answer 8

we it actually is you can get enough protein from beans an nuts just like eating meat it is better to include eggs and milk for health reasons but if you don t that s fine you will jut need to eat more nuts grains and breakfast cereal it is high in fiber witch is good for weight control and with exercise you can be fit fast easy and you can be feeling amazing

Answer 9

I don't think so if you mean "regular meat-eating" to mean moderate meat consumption and including lots of "white" meat like poultry, fish and seafood. We don't need as much meat as most people consume in our culture .... actually 4 oz. twice a week suffices not counting activity level or special needs.

I would encourage you to google Flexitarian Diets and check out the websites. Good information on having well balanced moderate meals without the hassle of strict vegetarianism and strictures of the vegan cult.

There are a lot of benefits to eating the full range of food available to us . . . as long as we do it responsibly. For one thing ... NO SUPPLEMENTS are needed.

A "regular" moderate diet keeps you physically, emotionally/mentally, and spiritually healthy without being obsessive about foods, ingredients, etc. like many of the fanatics on this board.

Answer 10

Veg sometimes have to resort to taking supplements to satisfy the essentials that body needs. Sometimes these essentials come from eating meat. Plus veg take a longer time to heal, particularly when they are old. Protein is very important and you have to eat a lot vegs or pop a lot of supplements to match the level of the protein in meat and dairy.