Vegetarian Diet: Top 5 Reasons Why Vegetarian Diet Is Healthier Than Non-Vegetarian Diet

A vegetarian diet is high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and low in saturated fats

Vegetarian diets are boring, they have absolutely no variety,' and with this non-vegetarians continued to make excuses to feast on more meat. And it's not just variety, for years a vegetarian diet has been considered inferior to a non-vegetarian one. But, to be honest, there are a plethora of reasons to promote vegetarianism; and this is in every possible context. In terms of health, for years non-vegetarians have believed that they are healthier than the vegetarians, but this article shall put an end to all those beliefs. Turns out, a vegetarian diet is healthier than a non-vegetarian diet. Wait, what? This may come by surprise for most people out there but it is in fact true. Vegetarians end up being healthier than the non-vegetarian group of people in the long run and there are a plethora of reasons to support this argument. In this article, we shall get you acquainted with 5 such reasons.

Also read:  Top 5 Health Reasons To Go Vegetarian

Here are 5 major reasons why a vegetarian diet is healthier than a non-vegetarian diet. Take a look.

1. A more balanced diet

Most of the non-vegetarian foods that you would opt for would give you high levels of protein, fats and omega 3 fatty acids, but does that make up for your nutritional requirements? Absolutely not! The human body needs a plethora of nutrients for a healthy survival. Plant-based foods comprise of grains, fruits, vegetables and pulses which are packed with nutrition and are free from saturated fats. Following a vegetarian diet helps you get all the essential nutrients in place and you follow a more
balanced diet.

 

Following a vegetarian diet helps you get all the essential nutrients
 

2. Lower risk of heart diseases

A vegetarian diet is high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and low in saturated fats. This keeps your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check. Over-time, regular consumption of such a diet can lower your risk of heart diseases and stroke. To lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, aim for a diet high in fiber, potassium, and low in sodium and fats.

 

Vegetarians are at a lower risk of heart diseases
 

Also read: Heart Disease: Will I Get It If I Have A Family History? Expert Explains

3. Lower risk of weight gain

Research shows that vegetarians happen to be leaner than non-vegetarians. They have a healthier BMI, controlled blood pressure and low cholesterol levels as well. Experts recommend a vegetarian diet for a leaner body and weight maintenance in the long run. However, this is subject to the kind of food a person eats. If a vegetarian person is eats more of unhealthy junk foods, it is not quite likely for him or her to be leaner in the long run. So it depends on the kind of foods you eat and how you meet your nutritional requirements.

 

Experts recommend a vegetarian diet for a leaner body and weight maintenance
 

Also read: Weight Loss: Vegetarian Diet Vs Mediterranean Diet: Which One Works Better?

4. Longevity

Vegetarians are less likely to have high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, and other diseases which stem from the consumption of saturated fats. This way, they have a higher chance of living a longer life than non-vegetarians. This one, again, is subject to a number of factors. To be specific, the risk of early death due to heart diseases is lower in vegetarians as compared to non-vegetarians.

 

Vegetarians are less likely to have high blood pressure, cholesterol
 

5. Good for digestion

A vegetarian diet is high in fiber; a non-vegetarian diet, on the other hand, is low in terms of fiber. Therefore, the risk of digestive distress is higher if a person who consumes a meat-based diet. A plant-based diet, consisting of grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes, is rich in dietary fiber. This keeps your digestive system functioning normally.

 

Non-vegetarians are more likely to suffer from digestive distress
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Also read: 11 Foods That Are Great For Digestion

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.