Vegetarianism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Vegetarianism - Essay Example These goals, alone or in combination, are illustrative of factors that may contribute to or come as a result of the decision to implement a vegetarian lifestyle. Further investigation can illuminate the mechanisms through which vegetarianism may benefit personal health, animal rights, and the environment. The vegetarian diet is associated with several immediate health benefits for humans. For example, the fitness of the heart and lungs is paramount to a healthy lifestyle, and improvements in cardiovascular health have been noted following the adoption of a vegetarian routine. Research suggests that these benefits can be attributed to the lowering of lipids and the normalization of blood pressure linked with vegetarianism, but it is possible that other aspects of the vegetarian diet also contribute to cardiovascular improvements (Ferdowsian & Barnard, 2009). Another generally positive result of vegetarianism that may lead to improved cardiovascular health is weight loss. The loss of weight has many associated benefits and may be achieved (in the case of the vegetarian diet) largely because of the lowered caloric intake of vegetarian diets (Sacks et al., 2009). Despite the reduction in calories, the study by Sacks and colleagues also implies that vegetarians experience a similar amount of satiation from their diets as compared to traditional nourishment regimens, and are not likely to overeat in response to the decrease. Vegetarian diets are also associated with prolonged health benefits.... Research suggests that these benefits can be attributed to the lowering of lipids and the normalization of blood pressure linked with vegetarianism, but it is possible that other aspects of the vegetarian diet also contribute to cardiovascular improvements (Ferdowsian & Barnard, 2009). Another generally positive result of vegetarianism that may lead to improved cardiovascular health is weight loss. The loss of weight has many associated benefits, and may be achieved (in the case of the vegetarian diet) largely because of the lowered caloric intake of vegetarian diets (Sacks et al., 2009). Despite the reduction in calories, the study by Sacks and colleagues also implies that vegetarians experience a similar amount of satiation from their diets as compared to traditional nourishment regimens, and are not likely to overeat in response to the decrease. Vegetarian diets are also associated with prolonged health benefits, such as the sustainment of an optimal weight and a long-term decreas e in the risk of developing certain cancers. The body requires a small amount of various nutrients such as zinc and cobalt. These requirements are more broadly met through vegetarian diets, and these obtained micronutrients are connected with the maintenance of optimal weight as well as decreased risk for cancer. An increase in the consumption of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and folic acids (found in vegetarian diets) is also linked with reduced cancer risks, and vegetarians have a much lower rate of colorectal cancer when compared to people on other diets (Van Duijnhoven et al., 2009). The benefits of vegetarianism reach beyond the individual. The promotion