Andrew Jerzewski
Kayleen Schumacher
Eng 201 (6:30)
22 October 2013
You Are What You Eat; The Benefits of Being a Vegetarian There are only 7.3 million Americans who are vegetarians (“Vegetarian Statistics”). Many people either know a vegetarian or are one themselves. A vegetarian is defined as a person who does not eat or does not believe in eating meat, fish, or fowl (Shravan). Not only does vegetarianism help one’s body become healthier, it actually helps society as a whole as well. Becoming a vegetarian is quite straightforward and the health and social benefits can be extremely positive. The need for vegetarians is becoming increasingly crucial because farmers are going out of business everyday. Meat eaters should start taking action and gradually cut meat out of their diets in order to become financially stable and have overall better health. Many people go as far as saying that eating meat is a fundamental liberty and it must be defended. It may be part of the cycle of life, but many vegetarians will argue that it is unethical to kill animals for food when other options such as vegetarianism and veganism are available ("Should people become," 2013). A meat-eater would contend that this is just how nature works; that it has been part of human evolution for 2.3 million years. Vegetarians will counter by stating all warm-blooded animals can feel pain, fear, and stress ("Should people become," 2013). Animals should not have to be slaughtered to fill an unnecessary diet. Many believe that meat is the only or at least the most convenient protein source available. Alternatives foods that one could consume for protein are nuts, and all dairy products. Almost identical to red meat, soy products, such as tofu (a healthy alternative for vegetarians), have the same amount of vitamin B12 with the same amount of servings (House. In today’s world, where food is readily available to consumers, vegetarianism is the preeminent way to stay healthy and happy.
Switching over to a vegetarian lifestyle can help one manage their budget and save money. The average veggie eater can save up to 25% off of their grocery bill because they do not spend money on expensive meats (Karimi, 2007). If meat is a priority in a family’s life, they can gradually take the steps of cutting meat out of their diets by buying less. G.E. Miller, a writer for Something Finance, affirms that just by making the switch away from meat for four meals a week could save one roughly $600-$800 per year (Miller, 2011). Buying healthier foods for a longer period of time can help increase a family’s savings by even higher margins. According to Miller, a shopper could potentially save $2,200-$3,000 per year by cutting meat entirely out of their diet (Miller, 2011). The best way to find the food one will need is to shop the perimeter of the grocery store. Families can stock up on high-fiber and highly nutritious food rather than expensive meat, but should not purchase overpriced, upscale goods. According to Sabah Karimi, a writer for the Yahoo Contributor Network, “…if a person chooses to buy premium vegetable brands and gourmet ingredients such as V8 products to replace fruits and vegetables, the all around budget could balance back out not saving the shopper any money” (Karimi, 2007). This is because shoppers are purchasing packaged vegetables instead of the fresh produce provided at the grocery store. By buying the fresh produce and avoiding expensive vegetable-replacement drinks, average costs tend to be much lower per trip to the grocery store. The money that is saved from eating less meat can be used to pay bills and other expenses. Saving money prevents unneeded stress from being in debt. The budget of a shopper is always important because it is a major incentive to switch over to vegetarianism.
Figure [ 1 ] Number of U.S. Livestock Farms from 1850 to 2010
Figure [ 1 ] Number of U.S. Livestock Farms from 1850 to 2010 Along with saving money, someone shifting to vegetarianism can help the overall economy. One major social need is the banning of factory farming. Many people believe that meat comes from a farm where the animals graze openly. This assumption is terribly wrong. Many have no idea who grew the vegetables and grains that the animals eat, or where the meat they consume is derived from. Factory farms today are replacing most livestock farms across the United States. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a factory farm is defined as “a farm on which large numbers of livestock are raised indoors in conditions intended to maximize production at minimal cost” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Not only is this animal cruelty an issue here, but also disease increasingly spreads throughout the close quarters. Factory farm companies do this so that they can increase efficiency of production in the fastest and most abundant way possible. The diseases cattle carry range from respiratory disease to cancer (“Factory Farming”). Broiler chickens can carry diseases that increase heart attack rates, bacterial infections, and heart failure (“Factory Farming”). The U.S. Department of Agriculture affirms that the number of livestock farms in the United States has fallen from about 6.8 million in 1935 to only about 2 million as of 2010, as shown in Figure 1 (Wilson). This ultimately results in major economic job loss for the family farmers that produce both livestock and vegetables. Becoming vegetarian and eating more vegetables gives more business to the farmers, resulting in economic stimulus. The more people that eat vegetarian, the more the factory farms will cease to exist and family-owned farms will open. It is a known notion that eating vegetables and fruits help eradicate many health problems. A diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and fiber can help reduce the risk of lung disease and diabetes (Karimi, 2007). These, and other health benefits, could entice even the daily meat eaters to switch over to vegetarianism. Karimi believes that vegan and vegetarian diets are naturally low in fat and sodium, helping reduce blood pressure and improve circulation (Karimi, 2007). Every time red meat is consumed, it progressively clogs the digestive tract. By eliminating meat from their diets, individuals will be able to digest their food much easier. Another major health benefit is mood change. Many nuts, seeds, and vegetables are high in magnesium and help increase the production of serotonin in the brain (Spencer Scott). The healthier foods that are ingested can actually increase one’s energy. Thus, a vegetarian diet can help improve one’s feelings toward coworkers, friends, and family. With the body spending less time digesting animal protein, an energy boost is a positive side effect (Chan, 2013). Research has shown that high intakes of arachidonic acid, found mainly in red meat, poultry, and fish, promotes negative changes in the brain (Chan,2013). Chan also found that a possible solution to this imbalance of omegas in one’s diet could be the addition of several plant sources of omega-3s. Eating foods such as walnuts and flaxseeds can help balance it all out (Chan, 2013). Making healthy choices will undoubtedly result in a healthier lifestyle. Not only does it make one physically healthier, but mentally healthier as well. Becoming a vegetarian can have many positive effects on an individual’s life, family, and friends. Eating healthier can help save money on a personal level, all the way up to aiding in economic stimulation. What people consume has a direct outcome on how they will act. Going vegetarian makes a significant contribution to all parties involved, no matter the motivation. Help out today by signing a petition stating that you will make the gradual change to vegetarianism.

Works Cited
Chan, A. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/05/vegetarians-slimmer-meat-eaters-weight_n_4039441.html
“Factory Farming: The Truth Behind the Barn Doors.” (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.lcanimal.org/index.php/campaigns/other-issues/factory-farming
House, P. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/foods-high-in-vitamin-B12.php
Karimi, S. (2007). 17 benefits of being a vegetarian. In S. Karimi (Ed.), Retrieved from http://voices.yahoo.com/17-benefits-being-vegetarian-589913.html?cat=5
Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/
Miller, G. (2011, February 23). Retrieved from http://20somethingfinance.com/cost-of-vegetarian-diet/
“Should people become vegetarian?”. (2013, 10 15). Retrieved from http://vegetarian.procon.org/
Shravan, G. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/
Spencer Scott, P. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://healthyliving.msn.com/diseases/depression/5-foods-to-eat-when-youre-depressed-18
“Vegetarian Statistics.” (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.statisticbrain.com/vegetarian-statistics/
Wilson, J. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://islandbreath.blogspot.com/2012/09/small-farms-increasing.html