Today, we’re seeing a huge hype around being a vegetarian or even a vegan. There’s a lot of buzz around plant-based diets and getting rid of meat completely. People are participating in this dietary trend because of health reasons or just because it’s the popular thing to do.

But for those who are just trying to join in on the trend, there are actually a lot of health benefits for people who get rid of meat altogether. Not eating your favorite juicy steak will have a huge health benefit to you and your future.

The longer you do it the more you start noticing positive changes in your body. Whether it’s weight loss, more energy or reducing the risk of heart disease, here are a few things that happen to your body when you stop eating meat.

#1 If you are a meat eater, cheese lover or enjoy highly processed foods, chances are you have high levels of inflammation.

Short-term inflammation is completely normal and necessary, while inflammation that lasts for months or years is not.
Plant-based diets are naturally anti-inflammatory, being high in fiber and other phytonutrients. People can dramatically lower the inflammation in their bodies by eating more fruits and vegetables.

#2 High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and strokes. The saturated fat that’s primarily found in meat is a driving force for our cholesterol levels.

When you stop eating meat, good things happen to your cholesterol levels. According to Forks Over Knives, science has shown that when people go plant based, their blood cholesterol levels drop by up to 35%.

It has been noted that the decrease is equivalent to taking medications with a number of positive side effects. Speak to your doctor about doing a plant-based diet along with your medication.

#3 The microorganisms living in our bodies are crucial to our overall health. By eating meat, you ruin the condition of your microorganisms, creating a higher risk for cancer.

The microorganisms not only help digest our food but produce critical nutrients, train our immune systems, turn our genes on and off and protect us from cancer.

Plant foods actually help shape a healthy intestinal microbiome. The fiber in fruits and vegetables helps the growth of “good” bacteria in our guts.

#4 By cutting out meat, you will also change the way your genes work. According to Forks Over Knives, scientists have discovered that environmental and lifestyle factors can turn genes on and off.

Through lifestyle changes, such as a plant-based diet, the expression of cancer genes can decrease specifically for those who have prostate cancer in their genes.

#5 According to Forks Over Knives, an estimated 38% of Americans have prediabetes. Animal protein, especially red meat, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

They continue to note that omnivores have double the rate of diabetes compared to vegans.

#6 People usually believe that they need the protein found in meat. But in fact, this excess protein actually hurts your body, and it turns into waste that can damage your health.

The protein found in whole plant foods actually protects us from various chronic diseases. You don’t even need to take supplements with a plant-based diet.

#7 Generally, not eating meat can have a huge impact on the health of our planet and its inhabitants. It has been reported that animal agriculture is destructive to the planet. So by not eating meat, you’re also helping the environment, which in turn helps you.