You Decide:The Health Benefits of a Meat Free Diet vs The Scary Truth About Eating Animals

You’ve heard the statistics from one health expert after another.
Your head is almost spinning from the scary warnings in one article after another.
“Eating Buffalo Wings Could Affect Your Unborn’s Penis Size”

You decide: The health benefits of a meat-free diet vs the scary truth about eating animals

This alarming headline refers to PETA’s warnings about phthalate, which is shown to hinder boys’ reproductive development if mothers are exposed to high levels during pregnancy.
Photo source: Salon.com screen shot


You’ve seen the headlines, heard about the studies and read alarming blog posts.
“Is Chicken Killing Black Folks and the World?”
The Health Benefits of a Meat Free Diet Vs The Scary Truth About Eating Animals

I have friends and family members who are literally addicted to chicken.
You’d have to fight them to get that chicken leg out of their hands!
Photo source: Frugivore.com screen shot


Your doctor even made some hints during your last checkup.
So, many of the dangers–as well as the benefts–noted in this article. will come
as no surprise to you.
The question is:  Are these cautions sinking in?
Or are they falling on deaf ears?
Sure that hot dog takes delicious, but is it worth the risk of heart disease?

You Decide:The Health Benefits of a Meat Free Diet vs The Scary Truth About Eating Animals

“In growing numbers,

doctors are recommending

that people cut back on their meat

consumption and eat more vegetables.”

It’s certainly good advice, and those who take significant steps to go meat free and
embrace a vegan diet are finding that not only is their health improving–and we’re talking
about significantly reducing their risks for the top four killers–they’re also finding other
surprising benefits.
Let’s take a look at the benefits in a bit more detail:

#1. Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

You Decide:The Health Benefits of a Meat Free Diet vs The Scary Truth About Eating Animals

Plants do not contain the same type or volume of saturated fats that animal products do.
Dairy and red meat are particularly high in saturated fat.
While some vegetables do contain saturated fat–like avocados and nuts–these particular fats
have been shown to actually be quite beneficial.
When people go on a vegan diet and eliminate animal products from their life, their cholesterol
goes down, their blood pressure often goes down and their cardiovascular health improves.
There is a cumulative effect that reduces a vegan’s risk for cardiovascular disease.
More fruits, nuts, legumes and vegetables means more nutrients and more fiber in a diet.
Combine that with reduced cholesterol and saturated fats and you have a winning combination.

You Decide:The Health Benefits of a Meat Free Diet vs The Scary Truth About Eating Animals

In a study reported on by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,

“Plasma total and LDL cholesterol were 32% and 44% lower among

vegans than among omnivores. Because obesity is a significant risk

factor for CVD, the substantially lower mean BMI observed in vegans

may be an important protective factor for lowering blood lipids and

reducing the risk of heart disease. 

Vegans, compared with omnivores, consume substantially greater

quantities of fruit and vegetables.

A higher consumption of fruit and vegetables, which are rich in fiber,

folic acid, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, is associated with lower

blood cholesterol concentrations a lower incidence of stroke, and a

lower risk of mortality from stroke and ischemic heart disease.

Vegans also have a higher consumption of whole grains, soy, and nuts,

all of which provide significant cardioprotective effects.”

#3. Reduce Risks for Type II Diabetes

You Decide:The Health Benefits of a Meat Free Diet vs The Scary Truth About Eating Animals

Type II Diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, which is a common result from obesity and
a diet that is heavy in starchy carbohydrates and fatty foods.
Conversely, a diet that has a foundation of fruits, vegetables, and plants is low in fat and not
only helps manage blood sugar levels but has been shown to promote weight loss.

#2. Reduced Risk of Cancer

You Decide:The Health Benefits of a Meat Free Diet vs The Scary Truth About Eating Animals

Vegan eating has been shown to not only prevent certain types of cancer but also reverse 
cancer in some patients who are dealing with the disease.
A study published in Medical News Today showed that men who were in the early stages of
prostate cancer were able to stop the progress of the cancer and in some cases were able to
reverse it.
Colon cancer is another cancer that is commonly reduced or eliminated by a diet that is rich
in fiber, fruits, and vegetables.
Additionally, in countries where meat and animal product consumption is low, women have a much lower
rate of breast cancer.

#4. Better Hair, Skin, and Nails

You Decide:The Health Benefits of a Meat Free Diet vs The Scary Truth About Eating Animals

Many new vegans are surprised by how much their complexion improves.
There are, as you might suspect, many reasons for this.
Many people are sensitive to dairy proteins but don’t realize it.
Once they eliminate this food from their diet their immune system and digestive systems
don’t have to struggle.
The result is an improvement in their overall health and your skin is always a good
indicator of your health.
When it looks healthy and radiant you know you’re doing something right.
Your hair and nails are also a sign of vitality.
The nutrients you provide your body with through a vegan diet have a significant impact
on your health and wellbeing.

#5. Better Sleep, More Energy, Reduced Allergies

You Decide:The Health Benefits of a Meat Free Diet vs The Scary Truth About Eating Animals

Studies have shown that not only do vegans enjoy more energy and better sleep, they also live longer.
In fact, several studies have suggested that they live an average of three to six years longer than omnivores.
Additionally, many vegans report a reduction in their allergy symptoms, including less congestion and
fewer runny noses.
This may be due to a decrease in allergens entering their body or it may be that they simply have a stronger
immune system because of their nutrient rich diet.
They also report fewer headaches including migraines.

#6. Improved Eyesight, Focus and Other Benefits

You Decide:The Health Benefits of a Meat Free Diet vs The Scary Truth About Eating Animals

Other benefits of a healthy, balanced vegan diet have included:
• Improved eyesight and a reduced risk of degenerative eye diseases
• Better focus and neurological function
• Reduced risk for arthritis and reduced arthritis pain
• Reduced risk for osteoporosis

The Eye Opening Truth About Eating Animals

You’ve heard the benefits of reduced meat consumption or better yet, transitioning to a vegan diet.
Now let’s dig a little deeper into “the ugly truth about eating animals” –made glaringly clear by the
PETA infographic below–and see what you think.
Knowledge is power.  You decide.

Eating Animals: The Facts

by PETA.
Infographic source – Visually.

 

 What do you think? Share your thoughts and comments about  this provocative topic with us.
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