What’s the biggest problem in the world today? There are so many possible answers. Some people would say war, some would say world hunger, and some would say the environment and the endless problems that occur in it. There are answers all across the board when it comes to asking such an open ended question…But what if I could tell you that with one choice, you could lower your risk for heart disease, have the chance to live longer, AND help save the rainforest? Trying vegetarianism is something everyone should do at some point in their life, whether it be trying it for a week, or trying it for 10 years.

When looking at the facts, there doesn’t seem to be any downfalls of being a vegetarian. Making the choice to eat meat free could have numerous health benefits, help contribute to saving the environment, and it is so much easier than a lot of you might think. So, I know what you are thinking in your head… “I could never go without meat!” or “But…What about bacon?”  Whenever I tell people I am vegetarian, they always ask how I do it, or why I do it. Well, I am here to tell you how I do it, how you could do it too, and why you should.

Being a vegetarian comes with many health benefits. According to vegetarian.procon.org, A vegetarian diet reduces the chances of developing kidney stones and gallstones, because animal proteins cause the body to excrete calcium, oxalate, and uric acid—the main components of kidney stones and gallstones. A vegetarian that does not eat meat eliminates higher chances of developing kidney and gallstones. A vegetarian diet also helps build healthy bones because vegetarians absorb more calcium than meat eaters. Meat has high renal acid levels which the body must neutralize by taking calcium from the bones, which is then passed into urine and lost. Not eating meat helps vegetarians keep that calcium in their bones.

A peer-reviewed 2004 study from Harvard researchers found that eating meat increases the risk of getting type 2 diabetes in women, and a 2002 study found that eating processed meat increases the risk in men. A vegetarian diet rich in whole grains, legumes, nuts, and soy proteins helps to improve glycemic control in people who already have diabetes. Being a vegetarian also promotes a healthy body weight. In a peer reviewed study, meat eaters had an average Body Mass Index 8.3% higher than vegetarians. Some people even go as far to say that vegetarians live longer! A 2003 study found that a constant vegetarian diet or diet very low in meat for 20 years or more can increase life expectancy by 3.6 years.

There is a rebuttal to being vegetarian though. Some people think it is a lot harder to get the necessary nutrients that a body needs when meat is completely cut out of one’s diet. It is harder to get the amount of protein recommended, however not impossible. Iron is one of the nutrients that is harder to get when on a vegetarian diet, but Studies have linked heme iron found in red meat with an increased risk of colon and rectal cancer. Vegetarian sources of iron like leafy greens and beans contain non-heme iron, which is not linked to causing any sort of cancer. Overall, the health benefits linked with being a vegetarian seem to have endless possibilities that could help improve your overall health and even possibly give you a longer life expectancy.

Becoming a vegetarian does not only have benefits to oneself, but it also has benefits that affect the world. A vegetarian diet can help alleviate world hunger. According to www.livestrong.com, over 10 pounds of plant proteins are used to produce one pound of beef protein. If these grains were fed to humans instead of animals, more food would be available for the 925 million people in chronic hunger worldwide.

Research from Cornell University found that the grain used to feed US livestock alone could feed 800 million people. Overgrazing livestock hurts the environment through soil compaction, erosion, and harm to native plants and animals. About 70% of the 11 western states are grazed by livestock. Grazing has been a factor in the listing of reasons of why 171 species are endangered. Continually, producing one hamburger destroys 55 square feet of rainforest. Between 1996-2006, 25 million acres of The Amazon rainforest was cleared—80% of which became pasture for beef cattle. Not only does not eating meat help save land, but it also helps save water too. It takes about 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef. In contrast, it only takes 220 gallons of water to make tofu. I know it is unrealistic to ask to entire United States to stop eating meat, but if a couple people choose to eat a salad instead of a hamburger every day, imagine the effects it would have in preserving the rainforest.

Now, we are getting to the point where all my points have been made, and you still aren’t sold on the idea of vegetarianism because meat is such a crucial part of your diet. I am here to tell you it is much easier than you think to stop eating meat. Like I said, you don’t even have to completely stop, but just eating less can help have benefits to you and to the world. Instead of having your parents make chili at home, have them try out a vegetarian chili recipe (one of my personal favorites). Instead of meat. have them throw extra black beans and kidney beans in, as well as noodles. Beans have health benefits such as lowering cholesterol, and helping you lose weight. The carbs in the noodles as well as the proteins in the other ingredients keep you full for a long time. It is a win-win!

It is not hard to make everyday choices that do not involve meat.  I challenge you to try to step out of your comfort zone and take the chances that come with eating less meat. The benefits are endless… to yourself and the world, and who knows…you might actually like it.