This is exactly what happens to your body when you stop eating meat

We've all heard conflicting information on whether eating meat is good for you or not.

Some sources will say red meat can give you bowel cancer, while others say the opposite and argue that it's a great source of protein, which is vital for muscle growth and bone health.

Although, with an estimated one per cent of the global population (79 million people) being vegan, it makes you think about what a life without meat would look like.

As well as not having to kill animals, which is always great, the idea of eating more sustainable foods does make sense.

Having to say 'no' to a hot BBQ on a summer's day, however, is another thing altogether.

But without simply saying 'meat is bad for you', a number of researchers have focused on the supposed benefits of cutting it out of your diet.

Weight loss and heart benefits

It feels like more and more people are lessening their meat intake (Getty Stock Images)(Getty Stock Images)

Whether you're a believer in calorie counting or not, a widely accepted method of weight loss is to burn more calories than you consume.

When in a calorie deficit, fitness pros say you are very likely to lose weight.

By eating more vegetables, legumes and whole grains high in fibre, you're meant to feel fuller for longer, therefore you eat less.

Some studies have also shown that veggie or vegan diets can lead to lower blood pressure, which decreases your risk of a heart attack.

Gut changes

More plant-based alternatives seem to be popping up in restaurants (Getty Stock Images)

A Stanford study has suggested that people who eat meat will possess a gut bacteria known as bilophila wadsworthia.

This bacteria has been linked to 'disease-driving inflammation,' which 'can be very problematic to have in your gut microbiota at high abundance,' study co-author, Matthew Carter, said.

Preliminary data suggests that 'one way to help get rid of this microbe is to switch to a vegan diet'.

Healthy habits

An estimated one percent (79 million people) of the global population is vegan, as of 2021 (Getty Stock Images)

Becoming a vegan could lead to other 'healthier habits', such as swapping out ultra-processed foods like hot dogs, sweets, instant noodles, energy drinks, for minimally processed 'whole foods' like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and healthy fats.

Immune health

According to a 2024 study, people who went on a two-week vegan diet developed higher activity in parts of the immune system, which helps fight off viruses.

"Collectively, this work demonstrates that in diverse participants, two weeks of controlled dietary intervention is sufficient to significantly and divergently impact host immunity, which could have implications for precision nutritional interventions," the authors said.

Downsides of giving up meat

Healthline reports that removing meat from your diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies if not properly managed.

For example, vitamin B12, which is predominantly found in animal products, is crucial for nerve function and red blood cell formation.

There's also a chance of developing an inadequate intake of iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin D, potentially affecting bone health and immune function.