Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet: What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Eating Meat?

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified healthcare practitioner before engaging in physical activity or making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle.

Many people started committing to plant-only eating during the month of January, otherwise known as Veganuary. Some are motivated to adopt these diets because of the mistreatment of animals and the environmental impacts of meat consumption, but health is also a notable aspect.

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

Is eating meat good for you or is it 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

Although you may not realize it, your body changes in the first few hours after cutting meat.

After a few hours to a day without meat

A meatless diet often includes higher amounts of other essential food groups, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes. These foods are high 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 high in dietary fiber immediately begin to support healthy digestion by slowing the amount of sugar absorbed into your blood. Therefore, your body may not need to produce as much insulin to regulate blood sugar levels as would have been necessary with a high diet. in meat but low in fibre. This is important if you live with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and cannot produce insulin or do not produce enough of it.

After a few days without meat

People who change their diet by introducing meat substitutes or other new food groups are likely to experience digestive consequences. This dietary fiber that helps maintain blood sugar levels has another benefit that you’ll likely notice after a few days of quitting meat: more regular bowel movements.

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An increase in dietary fiber, whether soluble or insoluble, from a vegetarian or vegan diet produces positive changes in the quality and frequency of your bowel movements. Soluble fiber promotes easier defecation with healthy stool formation and texture, while insoluble fiber helps you “go” more regularly.

After a week without meat

One of the most significant benefits of giving up meat occurs after just one week without meat: lower cholesterol. High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are associated with negative health benefits, perhaps the most important of which is increased risk of heart disease.

While not all meats are known to cause high cholesterol, red meat is one of the worst offenders, as it typically contains high levels of saturated fat. By switching to a meatless diet, you can reduce your intake of cholesterol and saturated fat.

A diet heavily dependent on plants naturally avoids the introduction of elements such as cholesterol and saturated fats because they are less present in these foods. Soluble fiber in plants also helps lower high cholesterol levels by slowing the rate at which our bodies absorb cholesterol, the same way fiber slows the rate at which we absorb sugar.

Long-term effects of giving up meat

While there are short-term benefits to giving up meat, don’t worry if you don’t see or feel other positive changes as soon as you want. Be patient, as it can usually take one to several months before you begin to notice more favorable results.

After a month and beyond without meat

After a month of quitting meat, you may begin to see and feel differences due to your new diet. However, these benefits will likely solidify and become more apparent if you continue this diet for months or even years.

Here are some of the main benefits you can observe at this time:

• A healthier gut: While meat is associated with the growth of harmful bacteria in your gut, a meatless diet is associated with positive bacterial growth. In short, a healthier gut can lead to a better immune system and may even prevent certain cancers.

• Improved skin: People who depend on a plant-based diet generally eat more fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins C, E and A. These vitamins help fight free radicals on your skin which, if not left unchecked can lead to acne and other unsightly blemishes. .

• Weightloss: There is a link between vegan or vegetarian diets and weight loss. When you stop eating meat, you may notice your waistline shrink after a month or more. However, a regular, well-balanced diet and regular physical activity can also contribute to weight loss.

• Reduced levels of inflammation: A meatless diet has been observed to reduce inflammation in the body, which may be particularly beneficial for people with autoimmune diseases.

Although you may feel and see positive changes to your health after a month without meat, you’ll likely reap the most benefits when you eat a healthy, balanced diet.

The benefits of giving up meat

If you participate in Veganuary this year or switch to a longer-term diet with less or no meat consumption, you could experience several significant health benefits within hours. Following your new eating routine can lead to even more promising results.

However, it should be noted that if you stop eating meat and switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet, you will likely have to work harder to get some essential nutrients, including calcium, protein, iron, vitamin B12, iodine and vitamin D from other food sources or supplements. It may mean thinking more critically about what you eat.

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