Three Benefits of Going Vegetarian
by KERRI FERNSWORTH FEAZELL, Contributing Writer
For those of us still pushing peas around our plates, going veggie may seem unlikely. But there’s good news for all: these ain’t your mother’s wrinkled peas. Vegetarian food can be tasty. More importantly, vegetarianism is beneficial for your own longevity, the environment, and, arguably, the continuation of the human race.
Some major benefits of going veggie:
1) It’s better for your health — To name just a few health benefits: reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, control your weight, live longer, and build stronger bones. Seventh-day Adventists are one of several groups that enjoy especially long life and fewer health problems than most. One of their secrets? A vegetarian diet rich in nuts and beans.
2) It’s MUCH better for the environment — David Brubaker, PhD of The Center for a Livable Future at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health put it simply: "The way that we breed animals for food is a threat to the planet. It pollutes our environment while consuming huge amounts of water, grain, petroleum, pesticides and drugs. The results are disastrous."
Pop Quiz: What generates 18% of greenhouse-gas emissions? (Hint, you might have just eaten it and it had a face.)
3) It makes you feel good — Vegetarians have more energy. Balanced vegetarian diets are high in complex carbohydrates and low in fat—both important factors that boost your energy.
Vegetarianism reduces famine. Americans eat five times less grain than livestock consume in the U.S. If humans eat lower on the food chain, there’s more to go around for everyone. It feels good to be considerate of your 36.2 million neighbors in the U.S. who are "food insecure" and the many more millions around the world.
So, what can you do to integrate or adopt a veggie lifestyle? (And do you still get points if you don’t go completely green-plated yet?)
—OK, start slow and try a vegetarian entree—c’mon, at least one. You may be surprised by an Avocado Reuben, Vegetarian Tacos, or for the adventurous: Garlic-Toasted Quinoa with Vegetables.
—Go for it! This guide can help you get started.
—If you’re already serious about vegetarianism and want a fully veggie household, consider finding a "veggie roommate."
Still not totally convinced? Cutting out beef and pork is a good step if you just can’t make the leap. There’s even a term for those of us who half-ass it and still eat chicken and (sustainable, of course) fish: white meat vegetarian. (Fair warning: if you use this term, be prepared for an insulted look from your real vegetarian friends and maybe even a thrown tomato from vegans.)
Photo by avlxyz, flickr
- Posted by Causecast
Related causes: Environment, Health
Related Articles
-
Seafood For The Future Teaches Causecast How To Cook With Sustainable Seafood (VIDEO)
Seafood For The Future visited Causecast headquarters to talk about cooking with sustainable seaf...
- 02.08.10
- |
- 02:50pm
-
International Violence Against Women Act Re-Introduced In U.S. Congress
The International Violence Against Women Act would make the U.S. a global leader in eliminating v...
- 02.08.10
- |
- 01:52pm
-
The Boy Scouts Celebrate One Hundred Years Of Service
For one hundred years, the Boy Scouts have inspired community service, leadership and other value...
- 02.08.10
- |
- 12:47pm
-
Ten Things You Should Know About Organic Farming
Increased awareness about the benefits and concerns surrounding organic farming can help consumer...
- 02.08.10
- |
- 10:44am
-
Take Action To Improve Public School Lunch Programs
Take action to change school lunches in your city's public schools. Healthy food means healthy ki...
- 02.06.10
- |
- 01:24pm
Of course, any step towards being more vegetarian is a step in the right direction, but don't underestimate the power of going fully vegan, for the environment, your health, world hunger and of course, for the animals.
Eating chicken actually does more to contribute to cruelty than eating beef. As well as that, chickens eat a lot of the soy that is grown on ex-Amazon land.
As far as ethical considerations go, you're better off giving up chicken first.
And as for fish... Not only is overfishing one of the worst environmental crimes, fish are also one of the most toxic forms of flesh food. Don't think you're doing your health a favor by eating fish. All of the toxic run-off from the land ends up washing into the ocean, and now they're finding that a lot of plastic ends up in the fish as well, in tiny particles, which ends up inside the people who eat them.
Taking one step at a time is understandable, but you'd be wise to be open to letting those steps lead you to the logical conclusion of veganism, sooner or later. You'll be glad you did.
Smartest decision of my life was to stop eating meat. It's been over a year now.
I'm a "pescetarian," a term that indeed draws the ire of a hardcore vegetarian, which I could easily become, but the omegas and protein in fish is a great supplement. I've noticed that my hair is growing faster and stronger and white blemishes on my fingernails have gone away since going veggie and fishy. Kudos, Ryan for giving it a shot! We could all do ourselves the benefit of eating less meat (read: not three meals a day) and more veggies and alternative sources of protein and all-around good stuff.
I'm trying to go veggie! I believe its the single best thing you can do for the environment.