RESEARCH HAS REVEALED that vegetarians may be happier than their meat-eating counterparts. In fact, it was discovered that vegetarians had lower scores on depression tests and mood profiles when compared to fish and meat-eaters. There is an element of freshness to most vegetarian dishes, especially when it comes to organic produce – so this is bound to purify our minds and keep our thoughts positive.
When done right, vegetarian diets are naturally low in saturated fats, and cholesterol. They have been shown to reduce heart disease risk and, what is more, data shows conclusively that vegetarians suffer less disease caused by a modern Western diet (for example, coronary heart disease, hypertension, obesity, type II diabetes, diet-related cancers, diverticulitis, constipation and gall stones, amongst others!). This is all attributable to a higher intake of fibre, phytonutrients, antioxidants, flavonoids, and carotenoids.
A bonus of sticking to a vegetarian diet is the positive effect it has on our figure. Most weigh less as a result of diet comprised of fewer calories, in the form of grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Vegetarians are also generally more aware of ‘healthy’ foods and so eat better.
“My Plant-based Diet Makes Me More Energetic, More Productive and More Successful” – Lewis Hamilton
Further emphasising what is good about this diet choice, especially if you pick organic produce, is that – being purer – there is far less toxicity. Food-borne illnesses, bacteria, parasites and chemical toxins are more common in large scale commercial meat, poultry, and seafood, when compared with plant foods – particularly organic fruits and vegetables. Vegetarians also tend to eat less processed, mass produced food.
A plant-based diet is better for the planet as it requires less energy and farmland to produce enough food – by a factor of a thousand when compared to meat production.
As well as being likely to keep a slimmer figure, vegetarians tend to have better vision and are less likely to develop macular degeneration. All that extra collagen and antioxidants can lead to better skin too.
Plant foods tend to be less expensive, saving on overall costs. They are also more filling – because they contain more fibre and are more nutrient-dense. So, you eat less and stay full for longer.
While most active individuals focus on protein intake, there is an argument that they should follow a high-carbohydrate, good-fat, vitamin- and mineral-rich vegetarian diet for optimum sports performance. Conflicting studies exist, but the number of world-class and vegetarian or vegan sportsmen continues to rise.
In an interview for Men’s Health UK, Hamilton explains that while he grew up eating meat, and used to go out of his way to eat the chicken, fish and red-meat dishes that most people live on, as he has grown older, he’s become more aware of the impact his diet has on his performances. So when Hamilton was looking for ways to boost his energy levels in order to make him more consistent on the track, he experimented with a plant-based diet, and, in his own words, it has “frickin’ changed my life.”
Vegetarian diets are packed full of essential nutrients, but in the absence of meat, it is important that we make sure we are still consuming all the correct amounts of proteins in other forms. In addition, it is important to research alternative plant-based sources of all the essential vitamins and minerals.
Undoubtedly, the most significant thing about being a vegetarian is longevity. Plant-eaters have been found to enjoy longer and healthier lives when compared to meat-eaters.
Adapted from an article by Geeta Sidhu-Robb, the CEO and founder of Nosh Detox, a home detoxification and weight-loss delivery service.
