If you are thinking of becoming a vegetarian you may be debating if it is for health reasons or because you do not like the thought of animals dying to be used as food. Some consider just what difference a single person changing their eating habits can make. Although a single person's sacrifice may be small, you have to multiply that by many millions around the world. This is especially true if you look at Americans who eat meat and the percentage of those that will suffer from heart disease at some point in their lives.

Heart disease and circulation problems generally are mainly the result of cholesterol which is found in eggs, dairy foods and of course, meat. Statistics for heart attacks clearly indicate a dramatic rise in the probability of a heart attack for someone who eats meat compared to a person who is a vegetarian; in fact they are four times as likely. Pure vegans have an even lower likelihood of a heart attack with only a 10 percent chance against a meat eater. A healthy heart is not the only ‘health benefit' to becoming a vegetarian as there are other reasons too.

Preservatives which are used a great deal in meat are reduced and so are the incidences of cancer. Of course vegetarians will not be exposed to the number of additional hormones that are fed to cattle as part of their feed and will not experience some of the hormone problems people have because of this. And you won't consume as much lactose, which most people cannot digest properly and which some dietitians have suggested is a cause of digestive problems. Ok so there are obvious health benefits to becoming a vegetarian but it will also mean that many animals will not be harmed either.

One particular study illustrates this point by claiming that the average American is responsible for the death (for food) of over two thousand seven hundred animals during their life. By giving up meat, it is possible to protect the lives of possibly hundreds of animals in the space of a few years and many more if continued for a few decades. Furthermore, by reducing your intake of dairy products and eggs, many hens and cows will have better living conditions. It is difficult to ignore the impact that eating meat has on the planet and makes the case for becoming a vegetarian stronger. An improvement in your overall health with less chance of cancer or a heart condition and the reduction of animal deaths provide a compelling argument.