5 benefits of eating less meat

5 benefits of eating less meat
Meat-free Mondays is definitely a thing – and for good reason, other than a hashtag on your Twitter feed.

A plant-based diet, which emphasises fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, legumes and nuts, is rich in fibre, vitamins and other nutrients, and has been proven to offer countless health and lifestyle benefits. Even if practised just one day in a week.

MiNDFOOD looks into some of the main benefits of reducing our consumption of meat.

Improved weight loss: People who don’t eat meat – vegetarians – for the most part eat fewer calories and less fat.

Improves your mood: Research shows that vegetarians may be happier than their meat-eating counterparts. There is an element of freshness to most vegetarian dishes, especially when it comes to featuring organic produce – this is bound to purify our minds and keep our thoughts positive.

Benefits the environment: Not eating meat also has huge benefits for the environment. Meat production is a leading cause of climate change, water depletion, soil erosion and most other environmental problems. According to the United Nations, a global shift towards a vegan diet is vital to save the world from the worst effects of climate change. Read how Leonardo DiCaprio went meat-free for the environment.

Saves you money: Let’s face it, meat can be costly. Substituting a meat protein for vegetables high in protein such as quinoa, buckwheat, soybean and foods such as hummus, will save you in the pocket and around the waist.

It’s good for the heart: Non-meat eaters show a lower risk of heart disease than their meat-eating counterparts. Vegetarian diets are naturally low in saturated fats, and cholesterol, and have been shown to reduce heart disease risk. Data also shows that vegetarians suffer less disease caused by a modern Western diet.

Diving right in and giving up meat altogether might be daunting, so one day a week is a good start and can make you feel like you’re heading towards a healthier lifestyle.

Dinner inspiration: 16 vegetarian recipes for your next meat-free meal

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