Benefits of a Vegetarian Meal Plan

There are several benefits of a vegetarian meal plan. Several scientific studies have show that a diet high in consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, and nuts, along with moderate exercise and avoidance of animal products, is associated with less obesity, heart disease, stroke, and even certain cancers. Simply put, vegetarians tend to live longer, healthier lives than their meat consuming counterparts.

Statistically, vegetarians are 50% less likely to develop heart disease. Vegetarians also have only 40% of the rate of cancer the average meat eating person has, and live an average of 6-10 years longer than meat eaters. Vegetarians also have stronger immune systems, and are less susceptible to colds and other common illnesses.

It is important to realize that simply switching to a vegetarian diet will not automatically make you a healthier person. Care must be taken in developing a well balanced and nutritious vegetarian meal plan. Vegetarian diets do tend to be lower in vitamin D, B-12, calcium, and iron, which are all essential nutrients. Vitamin supplements may need to be taken if you don't incorporate the right foods in your diet.