The Health Benefits of Vegetarianism

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“Each year, more and more studies confirm the fact that eating meat…can greatly increase…chances of developing conditions such as high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.” (“Nutrition and Staying Healthy” 2) Diets that include meat are linked to higher risk of diseases. Studies have shown that by being a vegetarian, a healthier life can be attained. In order to live a healthy life, people must be vegetarian.

Many people think that to get all essential nutrients, eating meat is necessary. Eliminating meat from a diet does cause a large source of nutrients to be unavailable but by eating the right foods and planning a diet, it is possible to “be as healthy as, or healthier than, most meat eaters.” (“Nutrition and Staying Healthy” 2) The most common concerns of nutrient deficiencies in vegetarians are with protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12. “All of the protein you need can be found in beans, nuts, grains, and soy products.” (“Nutrition and Staying Healthy” 1) To combat insufficiencies in calcium and iron a vegetarian must make sure to include “dark green, leafy vegetables” (“Nutrition and Staying Healthy” 1) in their diet. For those vegetarians who keep dairy in their diet can also obtain calcium from drinking milk lower in fat. Vitamin B12 is also essential, and to reach proper amounts of it, it is necessary to “eat cereals fortified with B12” (“Nutrition and Staying Healthy” 2) or simply take a “B12 supplement”. (“Nutrition and Staying Healthy” 2)

“Vegetarians are less likely to suffer from heart disease, cancer, obesity, …type 2 diabetes, [and] gallstones.” (Hoy 1) Because of the specific diet that requires healthier food and good habits, a vegetarian is more likely to have a lower fat intake. Veg...

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...s Cited

Hoy, Daniel. "No Meat for Me." SIRS. Herald Sun, 19 Sept 2011. Web. 5 Feb 2012. .

Krane Derr, Mary. "PROS & CONS OF A VEGETARIAN DIET." Livestrong. N.p., 31 Mar 2011. Web. 5 Feb 2012. .

“Nutrition and Staying Healthy.” Teen Health and Wellness. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 2012. Web. 30 Jan 2012

ProCon.org. "Vegetarian ProCon.org." vegetarian.procon.org. ProCon.org, 11 Jan. 2012. Web. 5 Feb. 2012.

“Why Be a Vegetarian or Vegan?.” Teen Health and Wellness. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 2012. Web. 30 Jan 2012

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