Every day we hear the news talk about the latest miracle drug that cures all or the new diet pill that will help you shed pounds without doing anything. We know in our minds that these things can't really be true like the ads say, but there is something we can do that will help our health and help keep us fit and trim. It's simple! Become a vegetarian!

Several top-doctors and healthcare experts have come out and spoken about the benefits of leading a vegetarian lifestyle. Let's look at a few of the reasons why becoming a vegetarian can be a positive for your health.

A diet without meat and dairy products helps cut down on the increased risk of contracting illnesses such as: obesity, heart disease, asthma, diabetes and osteoporosis. These are serious health issues that not only affect a person's physical health, but also their quality of life. It has been proven in tests that vegetarians have stronger immune systems, than those that are not vegetarians. Having a strong, healthy immune system helps your body to fight colds and the flu virus, thus letting you escape the sickness that others catch.

Medical research has shown the following statistics as they relate to being a vegetarian:
- There is a 50% less chance that vegetarians will develop heart disease.
- Those following a vegan lifestyle are nine times less likely to become obese.
- Being a vegan reduces the risk of ending up with cancer.
- Vegans have the lowest rate of coronary diseases of any group.
- Vegan kids' IQs are higher than their classmates.
- Older people can prevent or even possibly reverse health conditions by switching to a plant-based diet.

The majority of vegans also tend to be slimmer and fitter than others not following this lifestyle. Plant-based foods do not carry the cholesterol and saturated/trans fat that is found in so many "convenience foods" and meat products. Plants have the necessary nutrients that the human body needs to be strong and healthy, such as vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. This means we can eat more plants than we could meat products and still not gain as much weight or store as much fat. This alone is worth its weight in gold for those of us that like to eat a lot.

Manufacturers have taken notice of those that would like to be vegan and have come up with some creative solutions. Veggie Burgers look just like real hamburger patties, but they are made of wheat, oats, assorted vegetables, etc. There are sausages made of soy that look just like a real sausage. These are great substitutes if you were previously on a heavy meat-based diet and are facing meat withdrawal. If you want to go totally vegan, you can also find dairy substitutes, such as soy milk and soy cheese.

It looks like the vegetarian diet solves a lot of the health problems in the Unites States today. It helps with reducing cancer risk, obesity and protection against strokes. It would certainly seem worth giving up that hamburger for so many benefits in return.