The perception that consuming meat is crucial to a good state of health is a myth that continues to persist in popular culture. However, our perception on it begins to change, as new studies prove the fact that our ancestors didn’t have a diet based exclusively or even predominantly on meat.
According to Harvard Medical School, new studies confirm the health benefits of a diet without meat. Apparently, a diet based on plants and vegetables brings a sufficient amount of nutrients, and also reduces the risks of various chronical diseases.
This argument has been also backed by the American Dietetic Association, which concluded that diets which exclude meat, such as vegetarian or vegan diets, if done properly, can bring benefits to our organisms while treating or preventing some diseases. Amongst these diseases are diabetes, cancer and heart conditions.
Here are some of the most important reasons why you should take in consideration giving up on eating meat.
The chances of developing diabetes are significantly reduced
In the United States, at least 40% of the population is prediabetic. Many studies have shown that consuming red meats, or animal protein, generally speaking, can lead to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Apparently, this risk is 2 times higher in the omnivore population compared to the vegan side.
Another study has shown that consuming red meat more than once a week increases the risk of diabetes by as much as 74%.
You will assimilate the right amount of protein
It’s true that a diet weak in protein can be damaging for the body, but also, consuming a very high amount of protein can also come with certain risks. In the US, an omnivore person eats with as much as 50% more protein than their body needs, and most of this are animal proteins. The protein excess is turned into fat, which leads to overweight, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, internal inflammation and cancer.
Lower cholesterol levels in your blood
One of the leading risk factors for heart condition is an increased level of cholesterol. Saturate fats, which are often found in meats, cheese and other animal foods, contribute a lot to an increased cholesterol.
When we switch on to a diet based on fruits and vegetables, cholesterol levels lower significantly. Studies have shown that a vegan diet has the same results as the medicine recommended for reducing blood cholesterol levels.
Reduced inflammation in our bodies
Many people consume processed food regularly, even though it is one of the leading causes of cancer.
Meat consumption usually contribute to an increase in the inflammation levels of our bodies, which can have both long-term and short-term negative effects. Chronic inflammation can cause atherosclerosis, heart attacks, diabetes and autoimmune diseases. A diet based on vegetal aliments is known to have an anti-inflammatory effect.
You will live longer
Valter Longo, Professor of Gerontology and Biological Sciences at the USC, has shown that fasting (if done correctly) can get our organisms to produce less 1GF1 hormones, stimulating our cells to auto-repair instead of divide. His studies have shown that fasting regenerates stem cells, kills cancerous cells and can lead to a longer life.
With so many benefits of entirely renouncing meat, we really believe that people should begin considering this more.
However, with so many delicacies around us nowadays, we know this can be hard to achieve! That’s why everyone should know that even reducing the amount of meat we consume can have positive effects and lead to a better life. You don’t necessarily have to be a convinced vegan to enjoy the benefits of eating healthy.
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