What are the benefits of being a vegetarian?

[andieh]

I am always asked why I am a vegitarian, and I don't always have the best answers. What are the reasons that you became/are a vegitarian?

[Mrrple]

I'm sorry, did you really have to use such a large font? It's rather obnoxious..

Anyway, I became a vegetarian for the animals. But it also has a considerable amount of health benefits. Usually when I'm asked this question I pick a few facts from my mind that I know from here:

http://www.flex.com/~jai/articles/101.html

[sybaritik]

Before I answer, I may need a little longer to consider the enormity of your question. :D

[IamJen]

andieh..I edited the size of the font in your post above so that it's easier to read.

[BendingRiver]

I guess for me, a few reasons:

1) I believe that the slaughterhouse industry has karmic repercussions I want limited associations with.

2) Generally, I think the mistreatment and creation of suffering for sentient life is a bad thing.

3) I have a family history of heart disease and cholestorol problems, and vegetarianism/veganism has been proven to help with that.

4) My skin is better when I avoid milk products.

5) I want to enjoy good, tasty food and maintain a healthy body weight while feeling energized. Vegetarianism does that for me.

[Doktormartini]

I talk about the health and environmental aspects of veganism a lot. Most of the time I say I'm vegan people automatically assume it's just because of animals, and while that is one of the reasons, there are tons more.

[Delano]

You become a lot more gassy when you make the switch, but that's a benefit because it means you'll always have a comeback to the stupid arguements some people come out with. ;)

[sleepydvdr]

You have to peace of mind that you are not contributing to the pain & suffering of other creatures on this planet.

[Wayne_D]

'Most vegetarian diets are low in animal products. They’re also usually lower than nonvegetarian diets in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Many studies have shown that vegetarians seem to have a lower risk of obesity, coronary heart disease (which causes heart attacks), high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and some forms of cancer.'

Not to mention you're also lowering the number of innocent animals raised for slaughter.

[Bof]

You have to peace of mind that you are not contributing to the pain & suffering of other creatures on this planet.

I agree :yes:
Unfortunately, being aware of the pain and suffering of other creatures is very painful.

[Bios]

Meat eating isn't good for the planet, it isn't good for me, and it sure as anything isn't good for the animals.

[penny79]

assuming you're full veg/vegan, not intentionally causing or contributing money to causing the death and suffering of nonhuman animals.

aligning your ethics with your food choices.

becoming at peace with nature.

looking healthier as you age (assuming you eat well and exercise).

[Hebecarrot]

Its tastes good, keeps you regular, and isn't as gross to prepare.

[Cyrillia]

Hello,

I'm new but thought I'd chip in with my two-penneth worth!

I very much did it for ethical and health reasons. I'm not ill, but I was sick and tired of reading packaging and finding 'reformed' this, and 'preservative X' - that can't be good for you. When you're omni you think 'I'm healthy' by eating fish, chicken, etc... but when you look at the stuff they add to it, it just isn't true. Which brings me to ethics - I just don't agree with factory farming, hormone and antibiotic drugged animals, abuse, mutilation (de-beaking, etc...), and so on. Animals sure as hell aren't meant to live like that!

:down:

Cyr.