Pescatarian Vs Vegetarian
What’s the difference between a pescatarian and vegetarian diet? Vegetarians refrain from all meat products, whereas pescatarians refrain from all meat products expect for fish. I chose to be a pescatarian over being a vegetarian because I wanted to have more options for protein in my diet, but adopting the diet of either a pescatarian or vegetarian can be beneficial to your health, and also help curb cruelty in the meat industry.
Benefits to your health
One health benefit of cutting red meat (beef, pork, lamb, veal and more) out of your diet is that it reduces the risk of different health problems. Red meat contains saturated fat, which in excess, can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease, blood pressure increase and diabetes. Chicken, although not considered red meat, can also increase these risks. So, even if you don’t want to become a full pescatarian or vegetarian, even lowering your intake of red meat can be beneficial to your health. On the other hand, fish contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which can, oppositely, reduce the risk of heart disease, raised blood pressure, and diabetes. Additionally, fish contains many vitamins and minerals, and incorporating it in your regular diet can even reduce your chances of developing certain types of cancer. In conclusion, red meat and chicken have the opposite effect on the body than fish does. Cutting out all meat can also be beneficial, but I chose to just cut out some of it because of the health benefits and protein that fish add to my daily diet. Additionally, finding protein alternatives isn’t as difficult as people make it seem. There are many options like beans, lentils, nuts, tofu, and more. These options are healthier and aren’t hurting living animals.
The Meat Industry Tends to be inhumane
This is the main reason of why I chose to be a pescatarian. Most commercial farms keep their animals in tight, confined quarters where they are unable to roam free or sleep comfortably. Their life trajectory is to be killed for humans to eat. Also, female animals are used as birthing machines to produce more and more animals to eventually be slaughtered. Oftentimes, the babies are taken from the mother immediately, and the mother is confined during pregnancy. Both of these things cause extreme distress for the mother. These inhumane practices are brushed over by a lot of people because they don’t see farm animals as of worthy as life. However, animals experience fear, pain, distress and discomfort just as much as we do. Imagine if the roles were reversed? If you were confined in a slaughter factory for your entire life, unable to move or sleep comfortably, and were treated as only worthy for someone else’s dinner? If we think of it this way – we realize just how awful the meat industry is.
Small changes can make a difference
The more people who make changes to their diet, the bigger the effect of change. Even if you don’t want to completely cut meat out of your diet, trying to buy meat at local farms can be effective too, as they tend to give the animal a good life before it is slaughtered and the conditions aren’t as confined and uncomfortable. Being pescatarian or vegetarian isn’t just a choice that benefits your personal health, but also the health of the animals.