Vegetarianism, the practice of consuming a plant-based diet which may or may not include dairy or eggs, is quickly becoming fashionable among young people and even those in their senior years. This article discusses several benefits of becoming a vegetarian.

One obvious benefit of becoming a vegetarian lies in the fact that doing so will substantially increase a person’s longevity. Research from Loma Linda University and the China Health Project has shown that vegetarians live about seven years longer, and vegans (who eat no animal products) about 15 years longer than meat eaters. Studies also showed that vegetarians and vegans have lesser chances of getting cardiovascular diseases, particularly since vegetables and fruits contain substantial amounts of antioxidants which are good for the heart.

Budget conscious moms and individuals will also appreciate the fact that going vegetarian or vegan will also reduce your food bills, since vegetables tend to cost less than meat products. In fact, you can save up to  $4,000 a year if you do decide to go vegetarian or vegan. Going vegetarian can also reduce your risk of getting certain cancers because vegetables aid in strengthening the body’s immune system, making it more efficient in fighting off and eliminating cancerous cells. Weight conscious individuals will also appreciate the slimmer build and substantial weight loss that vegetarians undergo once they decide to shift to a plant based diet. Vegetarians also tend to have stronger bones than meat eaters.

Apart from the health benefit that becoming a vegan will afford you, consuming a plant-based diet also has other socio-political implications. Becoming a vegetarian will surely express your support for animal rights, since approximately 22 million animals are slaughtered every day for American meat-eaters alone. Refusing to eat meat will not only make you healthier, it will also signify the advancement of the campaign for animal rights and welfare. Environmentalists will also appreciate the fact that vegetarians actually contribute to the reduction of water and air pollution, if taken within the context of the pollution produced by cattle and poultry farms.

Given all these reasons, people are strongly encouraged to try and consider becoming vegetarians or vegans themselves.