Buffet Beef

Do you roll your eyes at the girl who chooses a leafy salad over a hefty hamburger?

'Live a little.' 'But it’s delicious!'

'Not like it’s going to hurt her.'

Or shake your head at the c​razy a​nimal­rights activist telling you to give up your own hamburger? Yeah right!

Well, it’s time for an eye­opener. No! Not for them, for you!

Years dedicated to research prove that in today’s society with the growing obesity epidemic, going vegan could save your life.

Did you know that vegans on average are 30 pounds leaner than those that indulge in meat?

But I love my body just the way it is.

Yes! You're beautiful... But are you healthy?

Obesity is linked to:

● Heart disease and stroke

● High blood pressure

● Diabetes

● Some cancers

● Gallbladder disease and gallstones

● Osteoarthritis

● Gout

● Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea (when a person stops breathing for short

episodes during sleep) and asthma

So the moment you convert to veganism you are saving yourself from high medical debt and a short­life full of health complications.

However, if you're without imagination and the threats of the future don't motivate you to make the change, perhaps these facts about what is in meat will.

Kathy Grant, health expert and Sandwich High school nurse, explains living off a plant based diet is ideal because of the various health benefits that result, and in contrast the negative effects that eating meat can have.

For example, the processed meats found at the grocery store are full of nitrates which are cancer­causing. Also, meat may be high in protein, but so are many plant based foods. The important difference, however, is that meat is high in unnecessary fat.

Grant goes on to explain how veganism supports a fresh, well­functioning GI track, which supports your health in many ways:

"Having a clean GI track is important because that is what regulates hormones and mood," and although many people do not realize it, the natural seratonin intake is by the gut, therefore poor eating habits can lead to depression and other mood­related disorders.

Also, Ms. Grant stresses the fact that a plant based diet rules toxins out of the GI track helping all organs function properly, including the human's largest organ of all: skin. This means that going vegan supports clean, clear, healthy skin.

Now although veganism has it's advantages, that does not mean there are not any possible negative outcomes.

It is important, Kathy Grant tells, for "adolescent boys in particular to make sure they're getting the protein piece because the amino acids are essential for cell growth."

As long as one does research on how to eat right when going vegan, or consults with a dietician about the changes in their lifestyle, then veganism really can save your life. So go make a change for the better, and stick with it. You may find more positives you were aware of. And if not, don't look down upon those that do choose health over hamburgers.