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Aside from weight loss, you'll probably see a marked drop in your cholesterol. To a large extent, our genes determine our cholesterol level; however, exercise and your diet will also affect cholesterol levels. The gut of a non-meat-eater will be cleaner than that of a person who digests meat on a daily basis, says Susan Tucker, holistic nutritionist and founder of Green Beat Life. Most meat comes from animals that are given hormones and antibiotics. Then it's treated with preservatives.

1. It can boost weight loss.

Under normal circumstances, meat starts to decompose very quickly. She cites a study published in the journal Nutrition , in which researchers compared the gut health of vegetarians, vegans and omnivores. Vegetarians were found to have lower rates of improper insulin signaling, which results in metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Glassman says it's theorized that lower inflammation enables an internal housecleaning: Fiber acts like a broom to sweep out pathogens in the gut. Chim Chim Cher-ee! Beauty may only be skin deep, but it reflects how happy our digestive situation is, says Tucker. She claims that plant eaters have a certain glow. You may find that the people applauding your lifestyle change are doing so from a safe distance.

Suddenly increasing your fiber intake via fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains may cause you to experience gas and bloating.


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To offset this unwanted side effect, Glassman recommends that you ease into the diet, phasing out meat and steadily increasing foods that are especially high in fiber. Assuming you swap meat with healthier alternatives — and not potato chips and ice cream — you'll protect yourself from various heart diseases , cardio-metabolic risk factors, and some cancers.

This was the conclusion of a study which looked at three groups of 7th Day Adventists, a Christian denomination whose members abstain from meat eating. According to Glassman, these improved health outcomes are, in part, another result of eating more fiber, which lowers cholesterol and increases satiety, causing people to eat fewer calories. The antioxidants that abound in fruits and vegetables protect against heart disease, she says.

Vegetables and fruits should cover half your plate. Whole grains make up the rest. The term "flexitarian" has been coined to describe someone who eats mostly plant-based foods, but occasionally eats meat, poultry and fish. That kind of healthy eating is central to the Mediterranean diet — which limits red meat and emphasizes fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and healthy fats — and has been shown to reduce your risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Why not work on your flexibility and start reaping some healthy benefits? Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

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How to Lose Weight by Not Eating Meat

This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Healthy Lifestyle Nutrition and healthy eating. Products and services. Free E-newsletter Subscribe to Housecall Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. Sign up now. Meatless meals: The benefits of eating less meat You can eat healthfully without spending a lot. By Mayo Clinic Staff.

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Show references Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Department of Health and Human Services and U. Department of Agriculture.


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Accessed May 2, Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Vegetarian Diets. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Vary your protein routine. Micha R, et al. Association between dietary factors and mortality from heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes in the United States.

What happens when you cut out meat? - Insider

Going meatless once a week. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Accessed May 16, Food and Drug Administration. Accessed May 13, Meat, poultry, and fish: Picking healthy proteins.

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American Heart Association. Zeratsky KA expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 16, See also 5 tasty ways to tweak recipes for healthier eating A healthier take on a breakfast favorite A new way to enjoy fresh fruit A spoonful of sugar helps the veggies go down Add kick to fresh fruit Secrets of low-fat cooking An easy way to add omega-3 Bake with less sugar Batch cooking for 1 Beans and other legumes: Cooking tips Canned pumpkin: Better than fresh?

Benefits of cooking at home Cooking dinner?