Healthy Information

Why Go Vegetarian? Apr 24, 2008
Dr. Carlos Santo

So you’ve decided to take a stand on your health. Maybe you were motivated by your expanding waistline. Perhaps you’re not able to keep up with your kids, grandkids, or nieces and nephews like you’re used to. Or maybe it was a gentle nudge from your lover, who’d like to see a little more excitement in your relationship again. Whatever your motivation, the most crucial place to start is with your diet; and I can’t think of a better approach than going partially, or totally, vegetarian.

First, let’s define vegetarianism. This popular food movement has roots dating back hundreds, even thousands of years. It involves the exclusion of all animal-based food products, with the exception of dairy products and eggs. These latter two groups are called lacto vegetarians, and lacto-ovo vegetarians, respectively, while a purely plant-based diet is referred to as vegan.

Many religious traditions center on vegetarianism as a means to achieve a deeper connection with spirituality.  In such circles, the body is considered the temple of the soul. When not burdened by illness, the spiritual energy flows freely, allowing a greater link to source to be realized. 

Many of us in modern day culture, however, are just looking to catch up – to regain some sense of physical health that we lost due to a variety of crisis-filled situations: no time, not enough money, too difficult. I’ve heard them all, believe me. But a plant-based diet offers a variety of health benefits, many of which include:

1.     Less weight, lower body fat

2.     Reduced risk and even correction of Type II Diabetes and Heart Disease

3.     Improved joint and muscle function, and reduced pain overall

4.     Better, healthier skin

5.     Improved energy

6.     Better sleep

7.     Greater memory, focus, and concentration

8.     Reduced anxiety and depression

9.     Better digestion and elimination

10. Reduced risk of most all types of cancers

11. Lighter on the wallet. Fruits and vegetables cost pennies per pound, while meat, fish, and chicken are measured in dollars per pound

12. Better for the environment: it takes many times more fuel to produce a pound of meat than a pound of vegetables, grains, or fruit

 

Yes, all of these benefits and more have been reported by people who have moved away from an animal-based diet. But what of those who haven’t been successful? Have some actually gotten worse from the changeover? The answer is yes, and next week we will look at the challenges that cause many people to revert back to their meat-based habits. Until then, just keep an open mind, and stock up on the fresh produce!