Many people believe that becoming a vegetarian is a simple way to live a healthy life. It is true that a vegan diet may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, which in turn will help improve your cardiovascular health. Moreover, vegetarianism may bring higher energy levels and a guilt-free conscience. Unfortunately, there are also drawbacks of being a vegetarian. For instance, many vegans are likely to have nutritional concerns that are not as common in people with a balanced, omnivorous diet.
Cons of Being a Vegetarian
There are certain disadvantages associated with the idea of excluding animal food sources from your diet. Here is what you need to know in this regard:
1. Deficiency of B Vitamins
Your body needs B vitamins to maintain adrenal health. Any problems with adrenal gland would make it difficult for your body to handle stress. The B vitamins are equally important for brain function. You need vitamin B12 for the proper functioning of nerves – it also plays a role in the making of red blood cells.
People can get enough vitamin B12 from the protein in animal products, but vegetarians are likely to experience a vitamin B12 deficiency, especially when they do not have eggs and dairy in their diet. Your body cannot make this vitamin, which is why it is important to get it from food sources, or else you may end up dealing with paranoia, depression, loss of taste, and delusion.
2. Higher Risk of Heart Disease
One of many cons of being a vegetarian is that you do not get complete protein that is only available in animal byproducts. You need this protein because it provides you with more than just the essential amino acids. It also provides you with dietary sulfur, without which the levels of homocysteine increase, causing blood clots to develop and increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
3. Risks of Low Cholesterol
The food you eat can change the levels of both good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol. By including only vegetables and fruits in your diet, you may end up lowering the levels of good cholesterol.
Every cell in your body requires HDL, and the absence of enough HDL increases your risk of developing heart disease. The absence of enough HDL cholesterol may also affect your hormonal system. It can damage your endocrine system and cause all sorts of problems. The HDL levels will surely suffer when you choose to be a vegetarian but do not know how to get enough protein and good fats.
4. Lowered Bone Density
Vegetarians are at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis and other problems due to lower bone density. You are at a greater risk of bone fractures when you have osteoporosis. That usually happens because vegetarians may not get enough calcium and other nutrients required for proper absorption of this mineral.
5. Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer
One of many cons of being a vegetarian is that you will be at a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer. You cannot get all-important nutrients just by including fruits and veggies in your diet, and things become even difficult when you have little information about foods and their nutritional value.
6. Limited Meal Choices
It is sometimes difficult to find what you should include in your diet when you become a vegetarian. New vegetarians find it especially difficult because it can be confusing to confirm if a particular dish really contains meat or not. If you do not give yourself enough time to change to a completely new lifestyle, you may end up making matters worse.
7. Difficulties When Eating Out
You may find it difficult to find hotels where they serve vegetarian dishes only. Most restaurant menus have so many options available for meat eaters but they do not entertain vegetarians in the same manner. It means that if you love eating out, you may take your time and think hard if you really want to be a vegetarian.
8. Problems with Friends and Family
Among many other cons of being a vegetarian, a common issue is to have problems with your friends and family. You will be changing your eating pattern and this may create friction. Some of your friends may actually challenge you about your choice. There will be all sorts of discussions and some of them can really upset you. So, be prepared to deal with people when you make the transition.
9. Cooking the Meal by Yourself
What's more, it is sometimes important for vegetarians to learn how to cook because they are less likely to find vegetarian restaurant and dishes wherever they go. The best option would be to cook your food, and that can be a bit challenging at first.
10. More Time in Reading the Labels
Similarly, if you go out to buy something, you will be spending more time reading the labels to ensure you do not buy anything that contains meat or animal products. This hassle can really make the transition a bit difficult, so you may want to think twice before you make the move.