Perhaps like me, you recently watched “The Game Changers” on Netflix and decided that become a vegan was something that you really should do. However, for many of us, an overnight switch to become a vegan can be challenging simply too much of a radical change.
But that doesn’t mean you should give up on a healthier diet, and trying to realise some of the benefits of veganism. Now we’re not saying pescetarians is an alternative to veganism, not at all, simply that being a pescetarian can have many health benefits over a red meat based diet. And for many people it is an easier transition to make.
Benefits of being pescetarian:
1) Improved heart health
Eating fatty fish, such as salmon which is rich in omega 3 can be beneficial to some people. Pescetarians tend to have lower blood pressure and are at a lower risk of abnormal heart rhythms, as well as having a lower rate of fatal heart attacks.
2) Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
Cutting out red meat and moving to a plant and fish based diet can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance, high blood pressure and obesity).
3) Improved skin
Fatty fish are excellent sources of omega 3 which as well as helping improve heart health, can improve your skin. They help keep your skin think, supple and moisterised, and not enough omega 3 can cause skin dryness.
4) Could reduce your risk of cancer
Dr. Lindsey Elmore states “Processed red meats such as hot dogs, ham, sausages, corned beef, beef jerky, canned meats, and meat-based preparations and sauces are class 1 carcinogens known to cause colorectal cancers”. So cutting out these food sources and replacing them with a fish and plant based diet can have great benefits.
5) Lower inflammation
The topic of red meat and its connection to inflammation has been extensively covered by many medical and nutritional experts, but also possibly more interestingly by Podcast host Joe Rogan. Joe Rogan recently went on an all-meat diet called the carnivore diet, during which he found his body struggled to process red meat, causing inflammation and joint pain.
6) Sustainability of the planet
A pescetarian diet is far more sustainable than farming of mammals and birds, but it obviously does have some impact on the environment. Although fish do not produce greenhouse gases, there is the environmental impact of the trawlers used to catch them.