More and more people are advocating vegetarianism. Some people adopt vegetarianism for religious reasons, some for health, and some for both, achieving the best of both worlds. In fact, vegetarianism offers numerous benefits. It has at least the following ten advantages:
1. Longer lifespan. According to nutritionists' research, vegetarians tend to live longer than non-vegetarians. The Hunza people of northern Pakistan and the Indians of central Mexico are both primitive vegetarian peoples with exceptionally high average lifespans, which is truly admirable. Buddhist monks and members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church also enjoy long lives due to their vegetarian diets.
2. Lighter body weight. Vegetarians weigh less than meat-eaters because they have less unnecessary body fat.
3. Lowers cholesterol levels. The cholesterol in the blood of vegetarians is always lower than that of meat-eaters. High cholesterol levels in the blood can often lead to blocked blood vessels, becoming a major cause of diseases such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
4. Reduces the risk of cancer. Some studies indicate a close relationship between meat consumption and colon cancer.
5. Fewer parasites. Tapeworms and several other parasites are transmitted to the human body through infected meat.
6. Reduces the burden on the kidneys. Waste from higher animals and the human body is carried to the kidneys through the blood. When meat contains animal blood, it further加重 the burden on the kidneys for meat-eaters.
7. Easier to store. Plant-based protein is generally easier to store than animal-based protein.
8. Lower cost. Plant-based protein is cheaper than meat.
9. In line with ecological principles. The land required to produce one pound of beef can produce ten pounds of plant-based protein. Many ecologists predict that the population explosion will force the world to go vegetarian.
10. Rich in variety. Vegetarian housewives often find that using plant-based protein allows them to cook more delicious and varied dishes compared to using regular meat, and the preparation methods are also more diverse, which can better stimulate the appetite.