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Living Without Meat: Is It Really Healthier?
Why more and more people are ditching animal products
Editorial Assistant at Kitchen Stories
Is a life without meat better for you?
Have you ever thought about cutting meat from your plate? In Germany alone, over 8 million people already live vegetarian or vegan. The reasons are as varied as the dishes themselves: ethics, the environment, or, indeed, health. And that is precisely what we are focusing on today.
Experts agree: A balanced meat-free diet can bring genuine benefits for many people. But hey, we understand the doubts! After all, meat is a power source for iron, high-quality protein, and the important Vitamin B12. The good news: Your body can manage perfectly well without meat – as long as you know how to properly feed it. Keywords are nuts, legumes, and seeds, which provide you with plant-based iron, zinc, and calcium. Only vegans should supplement Vitamin B12.
Your body will thank you for it
Research provides clear evidence that less meat on your menu can lower the risk of several serious diseases. The risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes rises dramatically when you regularly reach for processed meat like salami. Studies show that just 50 grams daily can increase the risk of heart disease by 42 percent!
But that's not all: The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies processed meat as "carcinogenic," and red meat is also considered "probably carcinogenic." Especially colon cancer, but also pancreatic and prostate cancer, are linked to high meat consumption. By abstaining from meat, you actively reduce the risk of these serious illnesses – and simultaneously reduce the danger of suffering a stroke.
Be smart about it!
Living meat-free thus offers numerous health gains. Your weight often benefits because animal products tend to be more caloric. The key lies in balance. Make sure you have a colorful mix of whole grains, vegetables, nuts, and legumes to be perfectly nourished. Avoid processed products as much as possible – that goes for meat, but also for everything else! Your body will love the change.
Published on December 1, 2025