Vegetarian diets have received an increase in popularity in the recent past, according to Craig (2009). The upsurge in popularity has emanated from the American population becoming more health-conscious, especially in regards to the things they consume. The consumption of vegetarian diets is associated with various benefits. The benefits relate to long-term health conditions that have been on the rise in the United States and globally. There is a secure connection between the consumption of vegetarian diets with the management of conditions such as type-2 diabetes, cancer, and heart diseases. These conditions form part of the conditions leading to the highest number of deaths in the USA.
The American population is continually looking at the health benefits when making decisions on what to consume. According to Trapp & Barnard (2010), the move to being a vegan is significant, but care must be taken to minimize nutritional deficiencies following the move. Craig (2009) argues that the popularity of vegan diets stems from the desire to take care of the earth’s resources, the ethics of animal production, and the benefits that come with plant-based diets. With vegetarian diets, the potential allergies associated with animal-based products are also eliminated (Craig, 2009).
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There is a positive correlation between being vegetarian and the management of type-2 diabetes. Vegan diets provide people with potential advantages in the management of type 2 diabetes, which merits the attention of people with diabetes and those who provide care to such patients. Vegan diets have low-fat and allow people to lower their blood sugar levels effectively. Since weight is associated with type 2 diabetes, being a vegan helps in the management of the disease as vegetarians have leaner bodies and hence as lower body mass index (Trapp & Barnard, 2010). Therefore, vegetarian individuals are at a lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Consumption of vegan diets and becoming a vegetarian can assist one reduce the risk of cancer. As established by Zick, Snyder, and Abrams (2018), omnivores are at a higher risk of some common types of cancer, such as colorectal and prostate cancers. Having a lower BMI index that is associated with vegan diets helps in lowering the risk of cancer. Craig (2019) argues that vegan diets allow the intake of nutrients that are protective against cancer. The protective foods include legumes, vegetables, tomatoes, allium vegetables, fiber, whole fruit, and vitamin C (Zick, Snyder, & Abrams, 2018). For example, the consumption of legumes as a source of proteins as compared to red meat is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. Although further research is needed to ascertain the extent of the relationship between vegan diets and cancer prevention, preliminary studies have shown some correlation that modern societies can learn from.
Being a vegetarian reduces the risk of having cardiovascular diseases. As argued by Craig (2009), vegetarians consume less saturated fats and LDL cholesterol as compared to omnivores. Consequently, having thinner or leaner bodies reduces their risk of blood pressure. Craig (2009) posits that the relationship between vegans and cardiovascular diseases is not only right for whites but also for African Americans as well. Since being overweight is an important factor in the management of cardiovascular diseases, having a lower BMI is essential in lowering blood lipids and hence the risk of heart diseases.
In sum, vegetarians consume nutrients that are beneficial to the body, especially in the management of specific diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Having lower blood pressure and leaner bodies also help in dealing with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Cancer, heart diseases, and diabetes are some of the common conditions affecting the American population and leading to a high number of deaths in the country. Therefore, consuming vegan diets can help in the management of these conditions across the globe.
References
Craig WJ. (2009). Health effects of vegan diets. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89 (5), 1627S–33S.
Trapp, C. B., & Barnard, N. D. (2010). Usefulness of vegetarian and vegan diets for treating type 2 diabetes. Current Diabetes Reports, 10 (2) 152–158.
Zick, S. M., Snyder, D., & Abrams, D. I. (2018). Pros, Cons of Dietary Strategies Popular Among Cancer Patients. Oncology (08909091) , 32 (11); 542–547
