Amanda Roth Opinion Piece

Meat-Eaters No More: The Rise of

Becoming a vegetarian is gaining popularity, and for good reason; it can improve your health, overall well-being and wallet.

“I’ve been a vegetarian for 48 years and have seen the benefits with my own health,” said

Stanley Davis, general manager of Eats Natural Foods. “I feel much healthier, energetic and don’t have as many health issues because of my decision.”

Following a vegetarian diet has proven to be healthier than a traditional diet, which includes the consumption of meat.

According to the American Dietetic Association, “Appropriately planned vegetarian ​ diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.”

Cutting meat out of an everyday diet and focusing primarily on eating -based foods can also help decrease the risk of acquiring major chronic diseases.

As stated in the article “Becoming a vegetarian” in Harvard Women’s Health Watch,

“Compared with meat eaters, vegetarians tend to consume less saturated fat and cholesterol and ​ more vitamins C and E, dietary fiber, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, and phytochemicals

(plant chemicals), such as carotenoids and flavonoids.”

Since vegetarians ingest fewer harmful substances, they are more likely to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol and Body Mass Index. All of these reduced health dangers directly relate to a longer life expectancy and a decreased risk for diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. Along with cutting back the risk of potential health issues and illnesses, following a vegetarian diet can also increase your life expectancy. This is most likely due to the exemption of animal proteins and avoiding the health concerns related to consuming meat. Since vegetarians are less likely to develop chronic diseases, they are typically healthier overall than non-vegetarians who have a higher risk of becoming ill.

In Ilissa M. Palmer’s article “The Statistics of Vegetarians Vs. Meat-Eaters” on

Livestrong.com, she wrote that “Vegetarian men live an average of 9.5 years longer than their ​ meat-eating counterparts and vegetarian women an average of 6.1 years longer.”

Not only can vegetarianism lead to a longer life, it often contributes to feeling more energetic in everyday life. This is not just a made-up feeling all in your head, there is science behind it.

“Animal protein is hard to digest. Since your body has to work extra hard to digest meat, your energy can be drained. Your stomach uses stronger acids to break down that protein,” Davis said. “Our bodies were not designed to accommodate meat since humans have longer digestive tracts than most animals. This can cause intestinal distress when your body has to regularly work harder to digest animal protein. Plant proteins are much easier to digest.”

The common myth of not getting enough protein while following a vegetarian diet is simply that -- a myth. Many different forms of protein exist to fulfill the suggested daily serving other than meat. Plant proteins, such as lentils, nuts, quinoa, chia and hemp seeds, and soy products, like edamame and , are all just as sufficient for vegetarians to get enough protein.

Combining foods, like rice and beans, produces complete proteins since a person consumes a whole and together. “When I first became a vegetarian, my parents were really hesitant about it,” said

Rebecca Sutton, vegetarian of two years and Virginia Tech junior. “They thought I wouldn’t eat enough protein, but honestly, it hasn’t been hard at all. It’s really easy to get protein from beans and plant-based products. I’ve never felt like I’m lacking any nutrients.”

One of the most noticeable pros of not eating meat is the economic benefit. Being a vegetarian is cheaper than consuming meat. Animal protein is considered a luxury. Let’s face it, meat can be expensive. Instead of spending excessive amounts of money on meat, fresh produce is readily available at grocery stores throughout the year. Farmers markets also offer local produce alternatives, often organic, and discounted prices to stock up and purchase and in bulk. Following a vegetarian diet is appealing not only to your health, but also your wallet.

Many decide to become a vegetarian from an ethical standpoint. The killing of defenseless animals is not fair. On the news when humans have been shot and killed, there is a horrific universal response. The same is being done to animals, without the publicity or horror.

Disregarding the welfare of animals in order to consider only the well-being of humans is cruel.

Animals are suffering due to the blindness of humans who are not aware of the process an animal goes through to make it on their dinner plate.

“I decided to become a vegetarian mostly for moral reasons,” Sutton said. “I’ve always been a huge person. It felt wrong to preach about treating animals well and then eat them when there was absolutely no reason to.”

Personally, I became a vegetarian due to the documentary on Netflix, What the Health. ​ ​ The documentary is about the and its corruption. The detrimental health impacts of consuming meat products is also discussed. What truly convinced me to become vegetarian was the footage of the treatment of animals. That tugged on my heart strings the most. The thought occurred to me that getting upset over the mistreatment of domesticated animals, such as dogs, was biased. I felt just as upset, guilty even, about the injustice of animals that are traditionally eaten, such as pigs and cows.

I have been a vegetarian for three months now and do not find it difficult at all. Meat can be easily substituted with ample replacements. I focus on primarily eating fruits and vegetables and have never felt better. I can attest to having more energy since becoming a vegetarian. I no longer feel sluggish and tired after meals as I did when I ate meat. I cannot imagine ever eating meat again.

One may believe that becoming a vegetarian would be a challenge due to the common misconception that it would limit one’s nutritional intake, but those individuals are wrong. The vegetarian lifestyle is on the rise. Its growing popularity should not come as any surprise due to all of its benefits. Vegetarianism is convenient, healthy and makes one feel better about themselves. Trying vegetarianism would not hurt and this simple change may foster a new and happier lifestyle.