Debates about the benefits and drawbacks of being a vegetarian seem to be eternal. We do not want to argue or take sides, that is why we discard the moral aspects and discuss giving up meat from a scientific point of view.
Now, we present 10 changes that will happen in your body if you eliminate meat from your diet.
What Happens When We Don’t Eat Meat
1. You Will Lose Weight
People who give up meat can lose around 10 pounds. Plus, they don’t need to count calories and speed up the exercise program. Your vegetable diet will handle everything perfectly.
2. The Number Of Protective Bacteria In Your Gut Will Increase
The gut flora of meat-eating people differs from that of vegetarians. The data shows that people who eat only vegetables have more protective bacteria.
But it takes time for the gut flora to reorganize and improve. First, you may experience bloating and excessive flatulence, because your gut and pancreas also adapt to a plant-based diet and experience enzyme deficiency.
3. Your Skin Will Be Healthier
Many vegetarians find that their skin improves: pimples, blackheads, and acne disappear. Scientists say that if you replace meat with fruits and vegetables, all toxins will be removed. Such a detox affects your skin in a good way.
4. You Will Be More Energetic
One of the most important characteristics that people notice after they stop eating meat is that they feel less tired during the day. “I used to be completely exhausted at night, even if I was in the office all day. Now, I need a good workout to feel tired,” say vegetarians.
It is not surprising, because this diet helps you not only to lose weight and release toxins but also to feel a certain lightness.
5. The Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease Will Be Reduced
The link between red meat and cardiovascular disease was found long ago. American scientists have discovered that the carnitine in red meat triggers chemical reactions that negatively affect the heart.
It is also interesting that vegetarians have a lower risk of hypertension, diabetes, and colorectal and stomach cancer.
6. Your Cholesterol Level Will Be Reduced By One-third
When you don’t eat meat, your blood cholesterol level drops. Such an effect may be compared to the effect of cholesterol treatment. But there are no side effects in this case: you simply become healthier. People with atherosclerosis are highly recommended to try a vegetable diet.
7. Your “Good” Genes Will Work Better
Scientists have discovered that environmental conditions affect the work of our genes. There are “good” and “bad” genes. If your lifestyle is unhealthy, your “bad” genes start to work faster, causing the development of chronic disease and obesity.
If you lead a healthy lifestyle, your gene work changes. It is a change from eating meat to a vegetable diet that changes the “good” genes. It also helps normalize the work of our body.
8. Nutritional Deficiencies May Occur
If you stop eating meat, deficiencies in iodine, iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 can evolve. But scientists say that if your diet contains enough vegetables (beans, lentils), nuts, fruits, dark green vegetables, whole grains products, and cereals, balance will be restored. Additionally, vitamins and supplements can also be used to treat nutritional deficiencies.
9. You May Lose Your Sense Of Taste
Zinc is an essential element responsible for taste sensations. There is a lot of zinc in oysters and red meat, but vegetarians need to find another useful source of this element.
White beans, nuts, whole grain products, and dairy products contain the necessary amount of zinc. On average, vegetarians need up to 50% more zinc with food per day.
10. Muscles May Need More Time To Recover
Proteins are essential for strengthening and restoring the muscular corset after a workout. Plant and animal proteins handle this task well. But keep in mind that plant protein needs more time to start working.
Nutritionists recommend that vegetarian and vegan athletes consume protein right after training, as it is absorbed easier and faster.