Health & Life

10 Changes That Happen to Your Body When You Ditch Meat for Good

Scientific studies demonstrate that meat and meat products are a rich source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals vital for a healthy body's development. On the other hand, meat can also cause a lot of trouble in the body.

Administrator

23 April, 2024

What Happens When You Stop Eating Meat? Here Are 10 Changes That Will Occur In Your Body If You Cut Meat Out Of Your Diet:

1. Weight Loss

A meatless diet can do wonders for your waistline. According to research conducted by Dr. Neal Barnard at George Washington University, individuals who switched to a no-meat diet lost an average of 10 pounds over a 44-week period.

Plus, there’s no need to count calories and embark on strenuous exercise programs. Your vegetarian diet will take care of everything effectively.

Skipping meat can help slim down your waistline

2. Increased Levels of Gut-Friendly Bacteria

The gut microbiome of meat-eaters is different from that of vegetarians. Data shows that a vegetarian diet promotes the growth of healthy bacteria, preventing digestive problems. On the other hand, a meat-heavy diet can harm your gut due to preservatives and stimulants used in animal products.

However, it takes time for the gut to reorganize and improve itself. Initially, you may experience bloating and gas as your gut and pancreas also need time to adapt to a plant-based diet and catch up on enzyme production. Following a meatless diet the right way will indeed benefit your digestive system.

3. Radiant Skin

Many vegetarians notice that their skin improves significantly—blemishes, blackheads, and pimples disappear.

Scientists say that if you replace meat with fruits and vegetables, all the toxins are flushed out. Cutting down or eliminating meat from your diet will reward you with better skin.

4. Enhanced Energy Levels

One of the most significant changes people often observe after giving up meat is that they feel less tired. “I used to be exhausted by the evening, even if I’d done nothing more strenuous than sit at a desk all day.”

However, cutting meat out helps your body get rid of many toxic elements or fat deposits, and your body will appear more energetic.

5. Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

According to scientific research, people who eat more meat are more likely to develop heart disease than those who eat less. It can be said that meat is a “silent killer” because eating a lot of meat sharply increases the cholesterol level in the blood, which is the leading cause of atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Therefore, the American Heart Association recommends that a vegetarian diet can prevent 90-97% of cardiovascular diseases.

Moreover, the link between red meat and heart disease has long been established. Scientists in the United States have found that carnitine in red meat triggers a chemical reaction that negatively affects our hearts. It is also interesting to know that vegetarians have a lower risk of hypertension, diabetes, colon and stomach cancer.

6. Lower Cholesterol Levels by a Third

Meat products contain high amounts of saturated fat, which increases cholesterol levels in the blood. When you eliminate meat from your diet, your blood cholesterol levels will drop. This effect is comparable to taking cholesterol medication.

But in this case, there are no side effects, and you will become healthier. People with atherosclerosis are encouraged to adopt a meatless diet.

A meatless diet will lower your cholesterol

7. Your “Good” Genes Get Activated

Scientists have found that environmental conditions affect the work of genes in the body. There are both “good” and “bad” genes. If your lifestyle is unhealthy, your “bad” genes will start to work faster, leading to chronic diseases and obesity.

When you have a healthy lifestyle, the expression of genes changes. Namely, switching from a meat-based to a plant-based diet turns on your “good” genes. It also helps normalize the functioning of the body.

8. Nutrient Deficiencies May Occur

Many may think that if you stop eating meat, you will likely develop a deficiency in iodine, iron, vitamin D, and B12.

But scientists claim that if your diet has enough legumes (beans, lentils), nuts, fruits, dark green vegetables, whole grains, and fortified cereals, the nutritional balance will be restored.

Moreover, vitamins and supplements can also be used to address any nutritional deficiencies.

9. You May Lose Your Sense of Taste

Zinc is an essential element responsible for the sense of taste. There is a high amount of zinc in oysters and red meat, but vegetarians have to find other useful sources of this element.

Legumes, nuts, whole grains, and dairy products contain the necessary amount of zinc. On average, vegetarians need 50% more zinc in their daily diet.

10. Muscles May Take Longer to Recover

Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle after a workout. Both animal and plant-based proteins do the job well. However, note that plant-based protein takes longer to kick in.

Nutritionists advise vegetarian athletes to consume protein immediately after training because it’s absorbed more easily and quickly.

Frequently asked questions

Eliminating meat improves energy levels, and people often feel less tired. Additionally, scientific research links lower meat consumption to a reduced risk of heart disease. High meat intake is considered a “silent killer” due to its impact on cholesterol levels, leading to atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.

A vegetarian diet promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut, preventing digestive issues. It may initially cause bloating and gas as the body adapts, but long-term benefits include a healthier gut and radiant skin. Many vegetarians report significant skin improvements, with blemishes, blackheads, and pimples disappearing as toxins are flushed out.

While quitting meat has numerous benefits, there can be some initial challenges. Nutrient deficiencies may occur, but these can be addressed by including legumes, nuts, fruits, dark green vegetables, whole grains, and fortified cereals in your diet. Additionally, vegetarians may need to pay extra attention to their zinc intake, as it’s essential for the sense of taste and muscle recovery.

Quitting meat may require extra attention to nutrient intake, especially zinc and protein. Legumes, nuts, whole grains, and dairy products can provide sufficient zinc. Regarding protein, both animal and plant-based sources are effective for muscle building and repair, but plant-based proteins may take longer to kick in. Vegetarian athletes are advised to consume protein immediately after training for better absorption.