You might have heard of the many benefits of adopting a vegetarian diet. Of course, there are various reasons a person may choose a vegetarian diet, one of which is to improve their health. However, some others do it for ethical reasons.
Maybe you’re even thinking of switching over to the vegetarian lifestyle, and you are wondering if it will aid longevity. Well, if this is you, then you’re in the right place. In this article, you’ll learn more about the diet, the vegetarian lifespan, and ways to live a longer life. So, ensure to read to the end for the many eye-opening information we will discuss.
Who is a Vegetarian?
A vegetarian is a person who does not consume any form of animal flesh, such as meat, chicken, or fish. Of course, there are different reasons a person may decide to be a vegetarian. Some people do it for religious reasons. Some do it as a part of their advocacy for animal rights and the environment, while others do it because they have values and ethics distinct from the norm.
There is a misconception that vegan is another word for vegetarian, but that’s not true. But before we address this, you need to know the different kinds of vegetarians there are:
- Lacto-Ovo vegetarians
These are a group of people who do not consume animal flesh but are open to eating eggs and dairy products, like milk and cheese.
- Lacto vegetarians
These vegetarians do not consume eggs but eat other sources of common foods like fruits and may consume milk.
- Ovo vegetarians
These do not consume any animal products like meat or milk, but they consume eggs.
- Vegans
Vegans avoid all animal sources of food completely—both animal and animal-derived foods.
Surely this classification should clear up the misconceptions about vegans and vegetarians. There are also many other lesser-known classes of vegetarians, such as the pescatarians, who avoid meat and other poultry sources but consume fish.
Flexitarians are another class of vegetarians who only eat this diet part-time. Flexitarians and pescatarians are not considered true vegetarians because they still eat animal flesh.
How Do They Fave a Balanced Diet?
Perhaps, you are already wondering how vegans get all their nutrients if they don’t consume animal sources. The truth is that a well-balanced vegetarian diet contains a variety of solely plant foods such as whole grains, vegetables, nuts, and legumes.
Depending on the class of vegetarians, they may consume eggs or milk. They get their protein from soy products, legumes, seeds, milk, and whole grains.
Do Vegans Live Longer than Non-vegetarians?
Studies show that vegetarians live a few years longer than their non-vegetarian counterparts for different reasons. However, the improved longevity of these people is not solely due to their diet.
Indeed, plant-based foods are super nutritious since they are diet-packed with nutrients from fruits, vegetables, and other non-animal-based foods. Considering that they don’t consume processed meat and tend to eat more fiber and protein sources from plants, vegetarians have a lower risk of having a chronic disease, which in turn aids longevity since they’d have a healthier life.
Another habit common to most vegetarians is that they tend to take their health seriously. As a result, they are less likely to engage in behaviors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Plus, they are more likely to engage in regular physical activity. Their increased awareness of their healthier habits gives them an edge over their non-vegetarian counterparts, who might not care so much about their health and fitness.
Vegetarian Lifespan: Do Vegetarians Live Longer?
Well, the answer to this question is no. But then, you might also want to know why it is so.
Like every other person, vegetarians also crave processed foods with high sugar content, which can cause obesity and other chronic diseases related to high levels of low-density cholesterol. When this is the case, they also expose themselves to the risks of shortening their life span.
A healthy vegetarian diet is one rich in fruits, vegetables, and other whole plant foods with a minimal intake of processed foods.
The Benefits of Being a Vegetarian
If you’re thinking of going the natural way, here are some benefits you’d be getting.
- It improves heart health
Consuming fruits rich in high fiber, legumes, and nuts will help reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart attack. This is what most veteran food options offer you.
- It prevents type 2 diabetes.
Vegetarians who consume foods with a low glycemic index, such as fresh carrots, lentils, chickpeas, and chicken beans, help to stabilize the blood sugar levels and increase the sensitivity of the body’s cells to insulin.
- It lowers blood pressure.
Plant-based foods contain low amounts of sodium and fat, which is ideal for avoiding the risk of hypertension. Plant sources of foods also tend to have a healthy amount of potassium, which also contributes to lowering blood pressure.
- It reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
Plant food sources are enriched with various vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and potassium. People whose diets include high sources of plant-based foods are less likely to have diseases like osteoporosis.
Starting a Vegetarian Diet
It’s undoubtedly highly beneficial to get on a plant-based diet, but it can be hard to start, especially when you’re used to eating meat or other protein sources such as poultry, fish, and processed foods like sweets and carbonated drinks. Here are some tips to help you transition easily.
- Slowly increase plant-based foods.
If your go-to food item is noodles, find creative ways to incorporate fruits or vegetables into your meal.
- Replace meat
If your favorite recipes contain meat, you can substitute meat for beans or any other plant-based protein.
- Make Google your friend.
Sometimes, it may feel like you never know what to eat, especially on a diet. In such cases, you can search for vegetarian menus online or subscribe to your favorite cookbook blog to get more creative ideas so food doesn’t get boring.
Give Up These Habits To Increase Your Lifespan
It’s not enough to be a vegetarian. People who adopt healthier habits tend to live longer.
- Avoid smoking
If you’re an active smoker, take steps to reduce your consumption of cigarettes. Heavy tobacco use makes your skin look older and increases your risk of respiratory diseases, which does not contribute to aiding longevity.
- Avoid sedentary lifestyles
People who regularly engage in physical activities look better and feel better. Not working out can lead to an accumulation of fat in unwanted areas such as the abdomen.
- Practice gratitude
Wherever you are, find something you’re grateful for. It’s easy to get carried away by shiny things, and we often forget to appreciate what we have. Having peace of mind will do wonders to aid longevity.
- Have a sleep schedule.
Pulling all-nighters isn’t good for your health. The body has to rest after a busy day to repair itself and rejuvenate. If you have less than the required amount of sleep for your body to function, it tends to affect the appearance of your skin and can make you feel older.
Final Note
Various reports have shown that vegetarians live a few years longer than non-vegetarians, which rarely has anything to do with food. Adopting a healthier lifestyle will do more to aid longevity than solely depending on your diet.
If you wish to go on a vegetarian diet, contact your doctor first to find out if you can. Give up bad habits, and you’re sure to live a life of high value and quality, which aids longevity. Good luck!
