It’s no secret that eating less meat and more plant-based food is good for you. You may want to give it a try for the environment, cultural reasons, or health.
Despite the many health benefits, there are downsides to eating a meatless diet. One of the most common is iron deficiency. This can cause fatigue, dizziness, and pale skin. To remedy this, you should include foods rich in non-heme iron.
For example, you can add tofu to stir-fries, or you can add beans to soups or salads. However, if you are not sure which foods to include, it’s better to consult a nutritionist or a local health food store.
The most important part of a plant-based diet is knowing the right kinds of food to eat. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to focus on meals that contain a high percentage of fresh, whole, plant-based foods.
Vegetarians who consume plenty of fruits and vegetables have been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. According to researchers, this could be because they eat more fiber and fewer calories than non-vegetarians.
On the other hand, vegetarians are more likely to suffer from mental health problems. That’s because the brain needs nutrients that are hard to find in animal products.
Having a meat-free diet may help reduce your risk of cancer. Researchers have found that people who don’t eat meat or dairy have a lower risk of developing cancer than those who do. Also, vegetarians tend to weigh less than omnivores.