In recent years, the vegetarian diet has gained extensive popularity.

Some studies estimate that

vegetarians account for up to 18% of the global population. Most people choose vegetarianism as a
lifestyle for personal preferences, health concerns, distaste of meat, or religious beliefs. There are
various benefits and drawbacks to being a vegan. Adopting vegetarianism as a lifestyle can be the
perfect way to live a healthy life however there are possible health issues attached to it. This essay will
discuss the pros and cons of choosing vegetarianism as a lifestyle.

To begin with, a vegetarian diet is linked to the reduction of blood pressure. According to research,
people with a vegetarian diet appear to have lower blood pressure than people with other diets
(Harvard University, 2014). Vegetarians practice the avoidance of meat and mostly eat plant-based food
such as; vegetables, fruits grains, peas, and beans. In a vegetarian meal, more fiber is present and has
lower fat, which explains the reason for slimmer vegetarians than meat-eaters. Fruits and vegetables are
rich in potassium but low in sodium which are contributing factors of lower blood pressure. Thus, good
physical condition helps an individual’s blood pressure remain low.

In addition, vegetarianism also benefits nature as it ensures environmental sustainability. Demand for
animal-based products increases each year as the world population grows, resulting in an accelerated
rate of the global production of meat in order to meet its demand. (Dodd’s, 2018) Considering a
sustainable environment, livestock farming is not a sustainable way forward since it causes most of the
environmental damages such as over-grazing, deforestation, greenhouse emission, and soil. In contrast,
switching to a plant-based meal will reduce greenhouse gas emissions like methane, nitrous oxide, and
carbon, save water and land resources, while also saving more than 100 animals each year from the
horrific cruelty of the meat industry.

Moreover, a factor that attributes to an increased lifetime is adopting a vegetarian diet. According to a
study carried out by Harvard on plant-based diets; a meat-based diet increases 2% of normal mortality
threats and especially an 8% increased rate of dying from the cardiovascular ailment. Conversely, a
nutritious plant-based diet is involving with a 10% discount in standard mortality chance and a 12%
reduction in cardiovascular hazard. (Gene Food, 2019). A vegan diet tends to pack plenty of fiber, plant
protein, and antioxidants. Diets rich in these nutrients are believed to safeguard against obesity, type 2
diabetes, cancer, and heart disease —, which facilitates healthier years and a longer lifespan.

However, while being a vegetarian boost a healthy lifestyle, there are potential pitfalls to meatless
eating. Also, there are several nutrients that vegetarians are at increased risk of having a deficiency in,
such as vitamin B12 and iron. On top of that, there is a difficulty of eating away from home when being a
vegetarian.

Firstly, one of the major health disadvantages of being a vegetarian is the potential iron deficiency. In a
May 2018 study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, researchers found that
vegetarians are more likely to acquire an iron deficiency than non-vegetarians. (LIVESTRONG.COM,
2019) Meat, especially beef, and shellfish are rich sources of iron for omnivores. There are high risks of
increasing your nutrient deficiency when eliminating any of the main food groups.

That being so, there is a need for vegetarians to search for other sources of specific vitamins and
minerals since they restrict meat products.
Secondly, one of the main nutrients to be anxious about a vegetarian diet is vitamin B12. According to
the National Institutes of Health, vitamin B12 mainly comes from animal products like beef and seafood.
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy, it also helps prevent
a type of anemia that makes people tired and weak. The fewer animal products the food contains the
worse the B12 status. Because of this, vegetarians are at increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vegetarians should be informed of the lacking content of B12 of plant products and the hazards of B12
deficiency. They may need to increase their consumption of eggs, milk, fortified foods, or supplements
to meet this.

Finally, another disadvantage of vegetarianism is finding difficulty to eat away from home. Vegetarians
usually find it difficult to stick to a strict vegan diet due to the majority animal product catering. It's often
hard for vegans to eat out since many restaurants don't offer many vegan choices. Parties and family
events can also be difficult, though vegans can minimize this challenge by bringing their own meals if
they know there won't be any choices that conform to their dietary restrictions.

To conclude, vegetarianism is a lifestyle opted for various reasons and benefits health in many ways.
Low blood pressure is one of the health benefits while it also saves the environment in terms of
minimizing livestock productions and increases lifespan as a result of notorious plant-based meals plus
healthy lifestyle practices. In contrast, vegetarianism involves high risks of nutrients deficiency; iron, and
Vitamin B12. Food choices are of great value; hence one should be wise with what they feed their body
as it determines your lifespan.