In recent years, more and more people are deciding to abandon the pleasures of meat to follow a diet based on fruits, vegetables and, in some cases, products such as eggs, milk and cheese. THE Vegetarians e vegans they are in fact increasing all over the world, even in our country. According to the data collected Eurispes more and more Italians are committed to following a meat-free diet. But how many exactly?
Vegetarians and vegans in Italy
According to the sample analyzed by Eurispes, the Italians who gave up meat in 2016 were about8% of the population. A little less than 5 million people then, which are then divided between vegetarians and vegans. Of this 8%, in fact, 60% declared to be vegetarian while 40% follow a totally vegan diet. The report confirms the increase recorded last year, projecting us, together with Germany, as the people most inclined to a vegetarian-vegan diet.
But what are the reasons that push Italians to follow a meat-free diet? Almost 50% do it for health reasons. According to some studies, in fact, eliminating meat and animal products from one's diet would bring various benefits to our body. 30% are driven instead by ethical issues related to the intensive exploitation of animals. Finally, the remaining 20% attribute their choice to reasons relating to the environment and the pollution of farms.
The Mediterranean diet
Being vegetarian or vegan can be a very difficult choice, but fortunately Italy has a valid ally: the Mediterranean diet. Just think of the study carried out by Bloomberg Global Health on the 163 nations where people live best: Italy is first. This is due, according to experts, above all to the diet characterized by different portions of fruit and vegetables throughout the day. This allows us to have one of the highest life expectancies in the world, that is About 84 years old. But Italians don't just live long, they also live well. According to Bloomberg, in fact, we are the ones who suffer the least from heart problems or other cardiovascular diseases. In short, our psychophysical well-being is superior to that of many other countries far richer and more noble than us. A sign that we are what we eat and in Italy, despite the crisis and unemployment, we eat really well.
