Warmer weather makes lighter eating more appealing. Why not cut down on meat this summer - or cut it out completely? Check out these five reasons, from the Vegetarian Society, to think veggie:
1: Cut your risk of cancer
It is generally believed that eating a diet rich in plant-derived foods can reduce your risk of contracting cancer, while consuming cooked animal products can increase your risks. Vegetarians are also more likely to get their all-critical five-a-day.
2: Lower your blood pressure
Eating too much meat, especially red and processed meat can increase blood pressure as they are high in saturated fat; even lean meat contains fat and cholesterol. Reducing your meat intake can help reduce the risk of hypertension. The ideal blood pressure measurement is less than 120/80.
Check out these healthy vegetarian recipes
3: Type II diabetes is less common
Veggie diets usually consist of complex carbohydrates and are high in fibre helping lower blood sugar levels.
4: Reduce your carbon footprint
Global warming is partly caused by carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, and raising animals contributes significantly to these gas emissions.BY eating less meat and more vegetables, you are helping reduce the amount of gas emissions, plus contributing to a better use of the planet's resources.
5: Discover new foods
Taking meat out of your diet forces you to explore other types and combinations of foods - think pulses, nuts and soya.
