Why does anyone become a vegetarian? A vegetarian is someone who does not consume any animal products or anything that is manufactured from an animal, such as: meat, eggs, milk, fish, honey, and gelatin. “Approximately six to eight million adults in the United States eat no meat, fish, or poultry, according to a Harris Interactive poll commissioned by the Vegetarian Resource Group, a nonprofit organization that disseminates information about vegetarianism” ( “Becoming a Vegetarian”, 2018). Many vegetarians insist that veganism is the healthier lifestyle for the human body and for the environment. Converting to be a vegetarian has became more temping and attainable throughout the years.
Multiple people transition to veganism due to better health, environmental purposes, and the saving of wildlife. There are many statistics representing how a vegan lifestyle is better for your health. “ In one of the largest studies — a combined analysis of data from five prospective studies involving more than 76,000 participants published several years ago — vegetarians were, on average, 25% less likely to die of heart disease” (“Becoming a Vegetarian”, 2018). There are many studies stating that vegetarians are at a lower risk from developing cancer due to how many vegetables and fruits vegetarians eat.
Studies have shown that exterminating red meat from entering your body reduces your chances from getting colon cancer. Not only does it lower the risks for cancer and heart disease, but also being a vegetarian reduces your chances of getting type II diabetes. “In studies of Seventh-day Adventists, vegetarians’ risk of developing diabetes was half that of nonvegetarians, even after taking BMI into account” ( “Becoming a Vegetarian”, 2018). Some people worry about how a vegetarian diet can affect their bones. They are afraid that not eating calcium-rich dairy products will cause osteoporosis. “In the EPIC-Oxford study, 75% of vegans got less than the recommended daily amount of calcium, and vegans in general had a relatively high rate of fractures. But vegans who consumed at least 525 milligrams of calcium per day were not especially vulnerable to fractures” ( “Becoming a Vegetarian”, 2018).
127 our experts are availableright now
Many vegetables transmits you the calcium you need. Being a vegetarian also aids the environment. “ About 12% of respondents said that they reduced meat consumption because of concerns about animals or the environment” ( ‘Some in the U.S. Are Reducing or Eliminating Meat. Why Aren’t the Numbers Higher?’, 2018). Being vegan helps maintain water, cleanses the soil, and refines the air. Due to people around the world not having enough water, the more people who restore animal products with plants, the more water will be available. Additionally, the way animal products are being used also affect the soil. It affects the soil because when you increase animal products it causes deforestation which causes a large variety of open land.
When there is open land and no more trees or plants it can be a concerning issue considering that the nutrients needed belong to those plants. A large variety of people convert to veganism in order to reduce livestock. “ ‘My sole purpose in this universe is to save every possible creature from pain and suffering,’ Johnny Diablo, owner of the Casa Diablo Gentlemen’s Club, said” ( “Flaunting Flesh to save the animals”, 2008). Many people who have a sensitive reaction to animal cruelty choose to become vegan. Some religions do not allow a person to eat any animal products due to the fact some religions worship animals. For example, the Hindus, Buddhist, and Jains religions do not allow their followers to eat meat because of how strongly they respect animals. “ Jains are vegetarian and don’t eat any kind of meat, fish or eggs because they believe in not hurting any living soul” ( “My religion: Jainism: understanding different faiths“, 2012).
Many vegetarians cannot stand the idea of consuming animal products because they are emotionally connected to certain animals. Usually, the love for the animals are what encourage people to be vegans and to not return to their previous eating lifestyle. A very wide range of people convert to veganism due to better health, helping the environment, and animal love. Many research has proven how veganism is better for your body and state of mind. It’s a choice people are glad they made in order to live a better life. A large part of the world are vegetarians and have no regrets on their decision. A vegetarian diet or lifestyle decreases the odds of illnesses and medical conditions. Veganism helps people with weak immune systems. Veganism also helps the environment to grow and blossom as well. Animal lovers feel at peace with being vegan knowing they are not harming animals. A simple change in eating habits can go a long way for bettering your life.
Works Cited
- Baker, Sue. ‘Veganism proves popular among the latest haul of health and diet titles, which cover conventional medicine, fresh air and recycling.’ The Bookseller, 23 Nov. 2018, p. 24+. Student Resources in Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A563683421/ GPS?u=ft58823&sid=GPS&xid=da9adb1e. Accessed 10 Jan. 2019
- Brown, Casey, et al. ‘What Does ‘Plant-based’ Actually Mean?’ Vegetarian Journal, Oct.- Dec. 2018, p. 24+. Student Resources in Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/ doc/A559356257/GPS?u=ft58823&sid=GPS&xid=e08e2328. Accessed 10 Jan.2019.
- ‘Flaunting flesh to save the animals.’ Globe & Mail [Toronto, Canada], 31 Mar. 2008, p. L5. Opposing Viewpoints in Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A177263016/GPS?u=ft58823&sid=GPS&xid=caac5baf. Accessed 10 Jan. 2019.
- Harvard Health Publishing. “Becoming a Vegetarian.” Harvard Health Blog, Harvard Health Publishing, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/becoming-a-vegetarian. Accessed 11 Jan. 2019
- Mangels, Reed. ‘Some in the U.S. Are Reducing or Eliminating Meat. Why Aren’t the Numbers Higher?’ Vegetarian Journal, Oct.-Dec. 2018, p. 13. Student Resources in Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A559356253/GPS?u=ft58823&sid=GPS&xid=bc25e2a7. Accessed 11 Jan. 2019.
- Mehta, Amay. ‘My religion: Jainism: understanding different faiths.’ Skipping Stones, May-Aug. 2012, p. 7. Student Resources in Context, http://link.galegroup.com/
- http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A563683421/
- http://link.galegroup.com/apps/
- http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A177263016/GPS?
- http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/becoming-a-vegetarian
- http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A559356253/GPS?
- http://link.galegroup.com/ apps/doc/A289833710/GPS?u=ft58823&sid=GPS&xid=d5584188. Accessed 11 Jan. 2019.
