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People are turning to plant-based lifestyles for veganism in January, but what are the real benefits of a meatless diet?  (stock image)

People are turning to plant-based lifestyles for veganism in January, but what are the real benefits of a meatless diet? (stock image)

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified medical professional before engaging in any exercise, or making any changes to your diet, medication, or lifestyle.

Many people begin a plant-based diet, otherwise known as veganism, in January. Some are motivated to adopt these diets because of animal cruelty and the environmental impact of eating meat, but health is also an aspect.

From breakfast to dinner, meat is often the centerpiece of many meals. But if you’re not paying attention, you might end up eating more meat than recommended.

Is eating meat good for you or bad for your health? While eating meat in moderation can be healthy, the short- and long-term health benefits of giving up meat should also be considered.

Short-term effects of giving up meat

Even if you don’t know it, your body changes in the first few hours after cutting out meat.

Plant-based diets tend to be high in foods like whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes, all of which are rich in fiber.  (Photo by Getty Images)

Plant-based diets tend to be high in foods like whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes, all of which are rich in fiber. (Photo by Getty Images)

A day after a few hours without meat

A meatless diet is often rich in other important food groups, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes. These foods are rich in fiber.

As soon as you eat, your body signals your pancreas to release insulin. The purpose of insulin is to maintain healthy blood sugar levels during digestion.

Foods rich in dietary fiber start to help with healthy digestion by lowering your blood sugar levels, so your body may not need to produce as much insulin to control blood sugar as it should on a high diet. But low in fiber in meat. This is important if you live with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and cannot produce insulin or cannot produce enough.

After a few days without meat

People who make changes to their diet by introducing meat alternatives or other new food groups may experience some digestive consequences. Dietary fiber, which helps maintain blood sugar, has another benefit you’ll notice after a few days of giving up meat: more regular stools.

Adding dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble, to a vegetarian or vegan diet can lead to positive changes in the quality and frequency of your bowel movements. Soluble fiber promotes easier bowel movements through healthy stool formation and texture, while insoluble fiber helps you “go” more regularly.

Red meat is one of the worst for high cholesterol.  (Photo by Getty Images)

Red meat is one of the worst for high cholesterol. (Photo by Getty Images)

After a week without meat

One of the most important benefits of giving up meat happens only after a week without it: a decrease in cholesterol. Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels are associated with negative health outcomes, perhaps the most important of which is an increased risk of heart disease.

While not all meats are known to cause high cholesterol levels, red meat is typically one of the worst offenders due to its high fat content. By switching to a meatless diet, you can lower both cholesterol and saturated fat.

A diet heavily dependent on plants naturally avoids introducing nutrients like cholesterol and saturated fat because they are found in abundance in these foods. Soluble fiber in plants also helps lower high cholesterol by slowing the rate at which the body absorbs cholesterol—just as fiber lowers blood sugar.

Long-term effects of giving up meat

While there are some short-term benefits to giving up meat, don’t worry if you don’t see or feel other positive changes as soon as you’d like. Be patient as it usually takes one to several months before you start to notice better results.

Fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients like vitamins C, E and A (Photo by Getty Images)

Fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients like vitamins C, E and A (Photo by Getty Images)

After a month and then without meat

After a month of giving up meat, you can see and feel the difference in your new diet. However, if you continue this diet for months or even years, these benefits will become stronger and more pronounced.

Here are some of the major benefits that you can expect to see at this time:

  • A healthy gut While meat is associated with the growth of harmful bacteria in your gut, a meat-free diet is associated with the growth of positive bacteria. In short, a healthy gut can lead to a better immune system and even prevent some cancers.

  • improved skin Individuals who follow a plant-based diet eat more fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins C, E, and A. .

  • weight loss There is a link between a vegan or vegetarian diet and weight loss. When you stop eating meat, you may notice your waistline shrinking within a month or so. However, a balanced, consistent diet along with regular exercise can contribute to weight loss.

  • Reduced inflammation levels; A meatless diet has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which may be especially beneficial for individuals with autoimmune disorders.

While you may feel and see positive health changes after a month without meat, you can get the most of these benefits when eating a healthy, well-rounded diet.

If you're considering switching to a plant-based diet, it might be a good idea to talk to a health care professional about getting all the nutrients you need.  (Photo by Getty Images)

If you are considering switching to a plant-based diet, it may be a good idea to talk to a health care professional about getting all the necessary nutrients. (Photo by Getty Images)

Benefits of giving up meat

If you’re participating in veganism this year, or transitioning to a long-term diet of less or no meat consumption, you can reap a number of important health benefits in just a few hours. Following your new diet may yield more promising results.

But it’s important to note that if you stop eating meat and switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet, you’ll need to work harder to get other important nutrients, including calcium, protein, iron, vitamin B12, iodine, and vitamin D. Food sources or supplements. This may mean thinking more carefully about what you eat.

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