Being vegetarian is often seen as a cool, hip lifestyle choice. And it’s no wonder why: vegetarianism has been linked with lower rates of heart disease, obesity, cancer, dementia, and diabetes, as well as a reduced environmental impact.

A vegetarian diet has many health benefits. It is naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol. It is also high in fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Furthermore, it can help to reduce the risk of several types of cancer (gastrointestinal tract cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, etc.).

In addition, a vegetarian diet can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Fiber in vegetarian diet helps to reduce cholesterol levels by binding with it in the intestine, while antioxidants help to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is a major contributor to the development of cardiovascular disease. One study found that a vegetarian diet was able to significantly lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. Studies have also shown that people who follow a vegetarian diet have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

But beyond the health benefits, there are plenty of other reasons why vegetarianism is cool. For one, it takes a lot of guts (pun intended) to go against the grain and choose a meat-free diet in a world that is so obsessed with meat. Second, it shows a commitment to animal welfare – after all, if you’re not eating animals, you’re not contributing to their suffering. And finally, it is simply delicious! There are so many amazing vegetarian recipes out there, and with a little creativity, it’s easy to make vegetarian meals that are just as satisfying as their meaty counterparts.

being vegetarian - vegetables placed in a decorative manner

Topping on the health benefits, a vegetarian diet has several environmental benefits. Agriculture is a leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions, and meat production is a particularly intensive form of agriculture. Livestock production accounts for nearly 15% of all human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

A study in the journal Science found that the greenhouse gas emissions from producing a kilogram of beef are equivalent to the emissions from burning nine gallons (40 liters) of gasoline. This is nearly 30 times more than the GHGs emitted in 1 kg of wheat production.

A vegetarian diet requires less land and water to produce than a meat-based diet. It takes about 2,500 gallons of water to produce a pound of beef, but only 180 gallons of water to produce a pound of wheat. And while it takes about 2.5 acres of land for cattle grazing, only 1/6th of an acre is needed to grow enough wheat to make one loaf of bread.

Ethically, many people believe that it is wrong to kill animals for food, especially when there are plant-based options available. Animals raised for food often live in cramped, crowded conditions and are fed antibiotics to prevent disease. They may also be subjected to painful procedures, such as debeaking and castration.

Vegetarianism is becoming more and more popular, with people of all ages and backgrounds choosing to ditch meat and animal products in favor of a plant-based diet. While some people do it for health reasons, others do it for ethical or environmental reasons. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of high-profile vegetarians out there, including,

  1. Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman is one of the most successful actresses of her generation, with an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards to her name. She has also been a vegetarian since she was eight years old, and she is now a vegan. She has spoken out about her reasons for choosing a plant-based diet, saying, “I was thinking about the animals…I saw pictures of chickens crammed into cages, and I thought – I don’t want to eat an animal that’s had such a miserable life.”

  1. Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix is another Academy Award-winning actor who has been a vegetarian since he was three years old. He was raised by parents who were members of the Children of God cult, and they encouraged a plant-based diet. He has said that he became a vegetarian because he “felt sorry for the chickens,” and he has been a vocal advocate for animal rights.

  1. Peter Dinklage

Peter Dinklage is best known for his role as Tyrion Lannister on the HBO series Game of Thrones, for which he has won two Emmy Awards. He has been a vegetarian since he was a teenager. He is now a vegan, and he has spoken out about the health benefits of a plant-based diet.

  1. Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde is an actress, model, and activist who has been a vegetarian since she was twelve years old. She has said that she became a vegetarian after she saw a chicken being slaughtered, and she has been a vocal advocate for animal rights. She is now a vegan, and she has spoken out about the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet.

  1. Elliot Page

Ellen Page is a Canadian actress who is best known for her role as Juno in the film of the same name. She has been a vegetarian since she was a teenager, and she has said that she made the switch because she “didn’t want to contribute to the unnecessary suffering of animals.”

If you are thinking of making the switch to a vegetarian lifestyle, there are many resources available to help you get started. There are cookbooks, websites, and even support groups dedicated to helping people live a healthy and delicious vegetarian life. If you are already following one, feel free to share it in the comments.

Let’s make a difference in the world, one meal at a time.