When you hear the word “vegetarianism,” no doubt, a host of words and phrases pop into your mind. An example of such phrases is “people who don’t eat meat.” While that’s not far from the truth, the term goes far beyond this meaning. Further, human need for food is well-documented against the backdrop of other desires.

There are many people spanning the length and breadth of the globe that eat only vegetables as a way of life. They leave out the fish, poultry or meat and are fixated on other ‘sultrier’ options that are of a plant-based and healthy nature. This dietary choice has lasted for quite a while, and with this article, you’ll learn more about this term, and what makes it so unique and appealing.

1. Vegans Live Longer

If you’re about to grab a sliced cabbage and somehow stuff it down your throat, you’re not alone! This fact has many truths to it given that most vegans eat what? Only vegetables! The fact is plant-based foods, fruits, pulses, nuts, and even seeds, contain so many important natural nutrients and vitamins that make up for the ones vegans lose by not eating meat. It only gets better. Fruits and vegetables possess a lot of bioactive compounds that offer the body a lot of protection. This includes a vast number of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and polyphenols that go on to maintain a healthy blood level, weight and cholesterol.

Furthermore, vegetarianism means you’re less likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, a good number of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, etc. What’s more, there are whole grains vegans consume which are equally rich in antioxidants, vitamins, phytochemicals, and nutrients. They all help with reduced risk of heart disease, help to control weight gain and reduces the risk of high blood pressure. With more remote chances of falling ill, it’s no wonder that vegans live longer.

2. Some Vegetarians Still Eat Meat

Feel this statement should be made after a long drumroll? Well, no one can begrudge you that because it does sound freaky to hear. For one, it’s generally accepted that vegans don’t eat meat, and then hearing they do makes you begin to wonder what the point was in the first place. There are different types of vegetarians. Some eat particular meat like that of a Kangaroo while others go for more.

There are vegans in the strict sense of the word who practice vegetarianism. They have absolutely nothing to do with anything from animals. This includes turning a blind eye to the eggs, meat, fur and milk animals produce. These vegans do not consume any particular meat. In the same vein, there are Lacto-vegetarians who might have some milk and cheese but still maintain their plant-based diet.

Other classifications like ovo-vegetarians, pollotarian, and flexitarian eat some degree of animal produce. The main point here is that not all vegans stick to just vegetables and the like.

3. Vegetarianism and Vitamin B12 Deficiency are Commonplace

A strict vegan diet will most likely lead to a great vitamin B12 deficiency. This could be harmful in so many ways, not least because it could lead to heart disease. What’s more, this vitamin is only present in meat. Ditto – vegans (some of them), don’t eat meat.

With a lot of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from plant-based diets, vegans get to enjoy a lot but lack (in some cases) the presence of B12 in their system. Even though there are some options such as supplements, they won’t do half of the job meat, fish, eggs and dairy would do to produce this important vitamin. Also, a severe lack of vitamin B12 can lead to cases of depression, nausea, anemia, stroke, and general weakness of the body.

Like the classifications above, there are strict vegans who stand more risk as a result of vitamin B12 deficiency. If you’re a vegan, always be on the lookout so it doesn’t affect so much!

4. Vegetarianism = Reduced Carbon Footprint

Having a plant-based vegan diet reduces your carbon footprint by half. Not bad for a world struggling with the reality of climate change. Food is very important and its production is responsible for a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions currently affecting the world. Further, with meat being a bigger contributor to this phenomenon, vegans play a major role by sticking to fruits and vegetables.

Leaving meat off your menu does help but research has also shown that simply cutting down on one’s meat intake can improve the environment. Anything with less of an impact on the environment is welcome in light of the challenges on climate humanity faces.

5. Vegetarian was Initially Known as Pythagorean

You’re not about to solve an equation even though it involves a famous mathematician called Pythagoras. People who didn’t eat meat were referred to as ‘Pythagoreans’ after this name. He believed that dead humans were reincarnated as animals, hence his decision to strike meat off his menu since killing them might amount to killing a person.

While Pythagoras is famous for a host of discoveries and innovations, it’s a bit mind-blowing that he was totally convinced in his theory of reincarnation. Well, if you’re a vegan and never heard this, you’re probably thinking aloud now.

It’s worth knowing though, that Pythagoras wouldn’t have stuck only to eating bread and vegetables since he was Greek and had to live according to their culture. Perhaps he reduced his intake of meat and like his followers, did well to conceal his desire to be more protective of the animals around him.

6. Vegetarianism Helps Save 1,100 Gallons of Water Every Day

That there is a global water crisis is an understatement. Much of the freshwater available is used by animals. This is because they have to drink, while a lot also goes into cleaning them. The numbers keep rising with more people taking up livestock farming. What’s more, freshwater is also used to grow the feed such animals eat. On the flip side, it takes far less to cultivate plants like grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables – typical vegan foods.

With all the water animals consume, you’d imagine that was enough. Well, not quite. Animals still pollute a good part of freshwater. This they do through their wastes which get into waterways every year. Also, untreated manure sips into drinkable water. All these without mentioning other harmful substances like herbicides, pesticides, and other harmful products. Vegetarianism presents a solution by helping the world save on its supply of freshwater.

7. More Than 80% Go Back to Eating Meat Within a Year

Wow! Read that again and you’d know vegetarianism isn’t for the weak-hearted. Many vegans did away with their plant-based diets inside a year, a study has shown. Further, the research pointed to the fact that only one in five vegans remained that way with others going on to grab a steak or barbecue.

There are many reasons for this including being with a partner that doesn’t have a great aptitude to vegetarianism, the financial aspect, health, and a lot more. But on the whole, almost all former vegetarians cut down on their meat intake. Not bad right? You’ll need to lookup more on essay writing service reviews.

Conclusion

Vegetarianism is great but you can’t help but feel it takes a lot of sacrifices. Whatever you decide to do with your dietary intake, keep these facts in mind. Also, be confident in what you want and hope to accomplish with the food you eat.