Vegetarianism - How Is It Good For Health?

Research has shown that eating animal fat itself has no health benefits as such, and thus, if removed from the diet, a certain number of detrimental effects will also be removed consequentially. Studies have also proved that body fat and cholesterol levels are much lower for vegetarians than for regular meat-eaters.

Though there are exceptions, it has been found that in general, vegans and vegetarians tend to be much wiser about their choices of food and are less likely to be binging on harmful fat-filled foods, such as meaty junk foods. This goes a long way in reducing chances of stroke and obesity, in both adults and children.

Eating a vegetarian diet has been associated with a lowered risk of diabetes; reducing chances of incidence by almost half. Cataract formation too, is highest for meat-eaters and lowest for vegans and vegetarians. Also, since vegetarian foods are rich in antioxidants, they help fight oxidative stress damage and in turn, reduce chances of being afflicted by cardiovascular disease drastically.

A particular acid, called arachidonic acid, plays a crucial role in triggering mood disturbances. However, vegetarian food contains very low quantities of this particular substance. Thus it improves overall mood and lowers levels of neuroticism (characterized by moodiness, anxiety, etc.) Also, research has suggested that consuming meat, fish, poultry etc may have a negative impact on your mood.