It’s Meatless Monday again. Enjoy a hearty vegetarian meal today and let that tempting meat sit in your fridge. Going meatless on the first day of the week gives a healthy kick start to the entire week. And why wouldn’t you go meatless once a week. It is good for your health and gives you a longer life. We bring you 6 reasons why going meatless once a week is beneficial for your health.
Reduction in Heart Disease and Stroke
Fruits, vegetables as well as whole grains protect the body against cardiovascular disease. According to research, a daily serving of fruits and vegetables result in a 4% decline in coronary heart disease. Also, there is 5% lower risk of stroke. If you consume 2.5 or more servings of whole grain every day, you have a 21% less chance of being a victim to heart diseases, stroke or any fatal cardiovascular disease.
Reduces Cancer Risk
The consumption of processed and red meat results in the increase of colorectal cancer. Evidence also suggests that red meat increases the risk of pancreas, lung, esophagus, and endometrium cancer. On the other hand, a rich fruit and vegetable diet decreases the development of several types of cancer including esophagus, mouth, larynx, pharynx and stomach.
Lower Risk Of Diabetes
According to research, plant-based diets can result in the reduction of the risk of type 2 diabetes. Also, a plant-based diet may result in the decrease of total calorie consumption. This in turn helps you in maintaining a healthy weight. A balanced weight is one of the key components in preventing and treating diabetes.
No More Obesity
Many studies suggest that people who are on vegetarian diets have a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) and body weight as compared to the ones on a non-vegetarian diet. The reason is plant-based diets are very rich in fiber, this is not usually found in animal products. Consuming fiber results in fullness, leading to a lower calorie intake. Also, you do not over eat.
Longer Life
Research suggests that a healthy diet full of vegetables and fruits and a very limited amount of processed and red meat may give you a longer life. Too much consumption of meats is related to an increase in deaths due to cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Improvement in the Nutritional Quality of Diet
If you go meatless at least once a week, your consumption of plant based proteins including beans and peas increases. This also results in a higher intake of protein, fiber, zinc, folate, magnesium and iron. When you consume proteins you tend to eat fatty foods very less.
Go meatless at least once a week. Your body needs it. It’s time to make that switch.
