1. Reduced risk of obesity
Vegetarian foods are often low in fat and calories, in addition to being rich in fiber and vitamins from a variety of vegetables, grains, fruits, and nuts. This promotes metabolism and burns excess calories, reducing the risk of obesity. Those who understand vegetarianism and exercise moderately can safely lose weight.
2. Lower cholesterol
Most animal-derived foods contain high levels of saturated fats, which can easily accumulate cholesterol in the artery walls. However, a vegetarian diet is rich in fiber, which helps neutralize and eliminate excess cholesterol from the body while effectively stabilizing blood sugar.
3. Good for digestion
Is a vegetarian diet good in terms of digestion? Yes, it provides many useful benefits. Vegetarian foods are made from legumes, vegetables, fruits, grains, etc., which are rich in fiber, promoting bowel movement. Therefore, those who maintain a vegetarian diet regularly are less likely to have digestive problems.
4. Blood pressure control
Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association - Japan shows that vegetarians have more stable blood pressure compared to non-vegetarians. The fiber, starch compounds, minerals, and vitamins found in vegetarian foods are beneficial for maintaining the body's salt balance and stabilizing blood pressure.
5. Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
People with diabetes should consider whether vegetarianism is good. If adopted correctly, a vegetarian diet can help control blood sugar and minimize complications caused by diabetes.
In particular, substituting plant-based calories for animal calories can reduce the risk of this condition by 18% because it minimizes the risk of metabolic syndrome—the primary cause of type 2 diabetes.
6. Enhanced cardiovascular health
Since vegetarian foods help stabilize cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, they reduce the risk of heart disease and improve heart health. Moreover, vegetarianism is a way for the body to obtain omega-3 from plants, which is excellent for heart health. Foods rich in omega-3s include various seeds, legumes, whole grains, etc.
7. Minimized risk of cancer
A vegetarian diet, consisting of grains, vegetables, and fruits, provides essential vitamins and minerals to help the body fight against cancer risks. In this regard, vegetarianism is highly commendable.
A study conducted on 63,000 Americans over 20 years revealed that people who follow a vegetarian diet can reduce their risk of certain cancers, such as throat, lung, liver, etc.