A vegetarian diet is often considered the healthiest form of diet, and probably that is why the world is embracing it. From celebrities to enthusiasts, everyone is turning vegetarian to support the environment and the body.A recent report from the World Atlas has compiled a list of countries with the highest rates of vegetarianism. According to the report, India claims the top spot, with 38 percent of its total population identifying as vegetarians.Also, it is said that India boasts one of the lowest meat consumption rates worldwide. The report suggests that there might be more reasons behind the inclination towards vegetarianism than just health and environmental concerns.Also Read:What is Veganism? Things you need to knowAs per experts, other reasons for the rise in vegetarianism could be religion, ethical motivations, economic considerations, distaste for meat, and cultural influences.India is followed by Israel, where 13 percent of the population identifies as vegetarian. Judaism is credited with introducing the concept of vegetarianism in Israel. The report notes that in Israel, vegetarianism is progressively evolving into a lifestyle choice, even for individuals who don’t identify with any religious affiliation. The third and fourth positions were occupied by Taiwan and Italy, respectively. The report details that in Taiwan, practices such as Hokkien, Hakka, and Buddhism have contributed to the cultivation of a plant-based culture in the nation.
Austria, Germany, and the United Kingdom secure the fifth, sixth, and seventh positions on the list, each with a 9 percent vegetarian population. Brazil holds the eighth spot with 8 percent, Ireland is in ninth place with 6 percent, and Australia concludes the list with a 5 percent vegetarian population.Take a look at the benefits of a vegetarian diet.Boost heart healthIt is said that a vegetarian diet helps boost your heart health in a number of different ways. It lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart disease, and lowers cholesterol too.Help the environmentA vegetarian diet also helps the environment. It is said that a meat-based diet increases carbon emissions 2.5 times more than a plant-based diet.
Prevent type 2 diabetesA vegetarian diet may also help you avoid type 2 diabetes. As per studies, sticking to a vegetarian diet is associated with a 35% to 53% lower risk of developing diabetes.Manage weightA vegetarian diet also helps manage weight. A vegetarian diet could cause you to gain weight if your portion sizes are too large or if you eat more high-calorie or high-fat foods.Boost brain healthStudies have shown that consuming more plant-based foods could be linked to lower rates of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and cognitive impairments.
