Can a Man Be a Vegetarian?

Men and meat — these two concepts seem inseparable in popular belief. After all, what could be more masculine than a juicy steak for dinner or a fragrant barbecue on the weekend?

Men and meat — these two concepts seem inseparable in popular belief. After all, what could be more masculine than a juicy steak for dinner or a fragrant barbecue on the weekend? However, more and more men are considering giving up meat and trying out a vegetarian lifestyle. But the question is: can you do this without losing your "manly" qualities?

Yes, You Can!

Let's start with the good news. Physiologically, we humans are closer to herbivores than predators. Our teeth, the length of our intestines, and even the presence of an appendix all suggest that the human body can handle a plant-based diet. So, if you've decided to become a vegetarian, it’s scientifically justified. And who doesn't want to try something new? You might even end up liking those broccoli patties!

But Wait a Minute…

It sounds tempting, but it's not that simple. Oxford University scientists aren't letting us off easy: their studies show that completely eliminating meat and fish from your diet can negatively impact brain function. And if your brain starts "shrinking," how will you handle manly tasks like choosing the right engine for your car or setting up the perfect soundbar?

Verdict: Yes, But With Caution

So, if you've made this bold decision, it's important to do it wisely. A healthy, adult man can certainly become a vegetarian, but just don’t lose your neurons in the process. The key is to monitor essential nutrients that your body needs to function properly.

Here are some numbers to think about: you need to get 1.5–2g of protein per kilogram of body weight, 15–60mg of iron, about 600mg of calcium, and 0.005mg of vitamin B12 per day. These are exactly the nutrients that are often lacking in a vegetarian diet.

How to know if you're on the right track? Just go and get a blood test for ferritin and vitamin B12. If your results are normal, you can confidently continue your plant-based diet experiments. If not, maybe it's time to go back to the good old steak.

So, be a vegetarian if you want, but don't forget: sometimes the best solution is balance. And yes, nobody canceled alcoholic whiskey!