Cutting off meat from one’s diet comes with many benefits. For example, energy matters: eating meat is “far less energy efficient than relying on a vegetarian diet (and leaves a far greater ecological footprint),” because in the trophic levels, only 10% of energy moves with each level when an animal consumes another (Withgott PAGE NUMBER). By the time a human consumes meat, they only gain about 30% of optimal energy, versus 90% energy in a vegetarian diet (Withgott). Other benefits include lower cholesterol, lower blood sugar, and lower body mass index than meat eaters (Sifferlin). Likewise, there is a reduced risk of heart disease and colon, stomach, and prostate cancer (Beezhold, Le). In a cross-sectional study in Nutrition Journal, Vegetarians have been found to have less negative emotions than omnivores (Beezhold). With a vegetarian diet, there is less negative impact on physically and mentally. A few “drawbacks” to vegetarianism are a lack of protein, iron, and vitamin B12. Despite popular belief, these can all be found in plant-based foods. There are amino acids in various greens, nuts, and fruits: sprouts, broccoli, almonds, pecans, bananas, dates, etc. (Freedman). Not to mention, protein from animals can actually cause health issues for humans such as, osteoporosis and diabetes and cancer (Freedman). Beans and legumes, an assortment of fresh and dried fruit, almonds, peas, spinach, etc. all have iron (Getting). Then, vitamin B12 can be found in foods like,
Some people choose a vegetarian diet for ethical and environmental reasons and some choose to be vegetarian because of food safety issues.
Vegetarianism is more efficient from production to consumption because there is less waste and the ratio of energy intake compared to gross production is much greater for plants than animals. Meat prices more drastically compared to those of fruits and veggies. You can grow your own fruits and veggies in your backyard with relatively little space and resources compared to trying to raise your own livestock. Vegetarianism may lead to a deficinacy of vitamins and minerals including iron, B-12, and protein. You can also be lacking in calories in general and may be more tired because many vegetarian foods are not as calorie dense. Eating vegetarian can also be difficult depending on where you live.
Vegetarianism has been around since as early as the seventh century B.C.E.. The civilization was the Indus Valley Civilization, they practiced tolerance towards all living things. Several Indian cultures and various religions (such as a ahimsā) also practice non-violence towards animals (“Vegetarianism”, Wikipedia.com). This used to be the sole purpose for being vegetarian, but nowadays people are becoming vegetarian for several more reasons. The ethical aspect is still a big reason in the decision. Health benefits and environmental aspects have now also become big reasons for the controversy over vegetarianism. People say that killing animals for food is not morally wrong and, is in fact, a crucial part of our lives. Another aspect is that, while in some ways vegetarianism is beneficial to the environment, it can also hurts the environment. Also, despite all of the health benefits involved with vegetarianism, there are also several health concerns connected with it.
Antioxidants and thousands of phytochemicals that protect the body and support good health. Overall vegetarians have a longer life expectancy and lower rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and the list goes on. But don’t just take my word for it, supports for vegetarian diets comes from numerous organizations including the American cancer society, American College of Cardiology, the Mayo Clinic, Harvard School of public and, the national institutes of Health which says, “Vegetarians may be missing out on grilled hamburgers at picnics, but they tend to also miss out on the major health problems that plagued many Americans”. Just look at the difference in heart disease the number one killer of American, which is twice its size, between those who eat meat and those who are vegetarian. The progression of some of the diseases can not only be halted but reversed in as little as just two to three weeks by switching to a plant based diet. Reducing and eliminating the consumption of meat and meat products with a greener diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts seed and whole grains will lead to a healthier world.
There are many reasons why people become vegetarians, but is it really as healthy as it seems. Can simply eating veggies supply you with all the vitamins and proteins your body needs to survive. An estimated 6-8 million people do not eat meat, poultry, or fish. Harris Interactive poll commissioned by the Vegetarian Resource Group (Journal of the American Dietetic Association, July 2009).Having your diet mainly consist of fruits and vegetables allows you to consume less saturated fats and cholesterol. Also since you be consuming more plants you will be taking in mote vitamins like vitamins C and E, More fiber, potassium and magnesium. Resulting in a stronger immune system, as well as, lower cholesterol and blood pressure. “Traditionally, vegetarianism focused mainly on potential nutritional deficiencies, but in recent years, the pendulum has swung the other way, and studies are confirming the health benefits of meat-free eating. Nowadays, plant-based eating is recognized as not only nutritionally sufficient but also as a way to reduce the risk for many chronic illnesses”.
“3.2 percent of U.S. adults, or 7.3 million people, follow a vegetarian-based diet. . . [and] 0.5 percent, or 1 million, of those are vegans, who consume no animal products at all” (Vegetarian Times). Viewing these numbers in retrospect, the number of people taking this course of lifestyle are not a lot. Having a plant based diet is not quite what most people might think. Most people will argue this diet does not provide the essential proteins a person might typically receive from a diet involving meat. They might also add the diet will provide natural vitamin B12 which is only found in meat and poultry. Though these arguments are not fully true, there is always alternatives to receive proteins and vitamin B12. People can always eat other foods to get the proteins their bodies need. However, not receiving vitamin B12 is not a bad thing. A person will just have to pay more attention on their protein intake. If they do not that is when complication arise. Switching to a plant based diet is better for anyone’s life
In the article ¨Should People Become Vegetarian” by ProCon.org, it states that two in three vegetarians are vitamin B12 deficient, compared to one in twenty people who eat meat. This proves that people do not need to be vegetarian.
The mere thought of abstaining from meat makes some revolt, an instinctive reaction to giving up something they enjoy so regularly, but lots of folks do it because they believe it is the healthier option. Though, when thoroughly looked at, that isn’t always the case.
Due to the rise in popularity of professional begging these days I’ve decided to examine the unfortunate social interaction of asking a stranger for money, more specifically, asking for a small $2 parking fee. Asking a stranger for money, for most people, is not a social norm. It a demeaning situation and I do not recommend it to anyone. Yet some people in our society have chosen to live a life entirely dependent on the charitable offerings of others. Some even go as far as to explicitly write on their signs that they “Need a cold beer”. I do not agree or support this lifestyle, I prefer a more structured support system that holds those receiving the aid accountable. Nevertheless I’ve always wondered what makes people donate to these people? What strategies are these people using to convince others to part with their hard earned cash?
As someone who 's grown up with meat, the first idea of having no meat in a diet sounds almost barbaric. Since meat has become such a part of our culture, whether it 's the turkey on the Thanksgiving table, the ham at Christmas dinner, or even just the steak and burgers at a Saturday barbeque, living without them can scare pretty much any meat-eater. As one myself, I must admit the thought of it made me turn my nose, considering I would have to live without pork, which includes bacon and hotdogs. But, when I actually looked into the benefits of being a vegetarian or even a vegan, I saw that the benefits outweighed the downsides. There are many ways can becoming a vegetarian benefit not only you, but the world around you.
According to a recent poll 6 to 8 million American’s do not eat meat, fish, or poultry. From these studies, they have been researching about the effects of a vegetarian diet on the body. Compared to most meat based diets, vegetarians consume less saturated fat and cholesterol from not eating meat. Choosing this route will have a person what would be considered a better quality of life and overall good health. Research so far has shown that a vegetarian diet reduces the risk of heart disease. In recent years a study was done using different participants and the results showed that vegetarians were 25% less likely to die from heart related problem. “This is because vegetarians tend to consume more high-fiber, whole grains, and legumes which have a low glycemic index and the body digests slowly. This keeps blood sugar levels steady. Another food item that helps reduce the risk of heart disease is walnuts” (Sixwise). This is because the omega-3s in walnuts help reduce total cholesterol. There is some controversy over this specific topic, thus, are they really that healthy? What does it mean to be a vegetarian, and what do professionals have to say about being a vegetarian?
Learning about basic nutrition can help a vegetarian achieve maximum health. According to the American Dietary Association, "Vegetarians, especially vegans, should be careful to get enough omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium, and vitamins D and B-12," (cited by Hobson, 2009). It is
Vegans are deficient in some nutrients like Vitamin B12 and Creatine. Humans are omnivorous and functions best eating both animals and plants. There are some nutrients that can only be gotten from plants and others that can only be gotten from animals and vegetarians having varieties like the semi vegetarians provide you with both plants and animals as it include poultry or fish. Thus getting proper saturated fat as well as cholesterol which is an essential nutrient for our body
I believe that becoming vegetarian is a good life choice to make, this is due to the reason that animals are being slaughtered daily just for your enjoyment. Everyday about half a million chickens are being slaughtered every 5 minutes. Scientist stated, “By the year 2020 the chicken population will be about extinct.” Out of every animal the chicken is the most slaughtered animal, then there is cows and calves, then ducks, sheep, etc… Would you rather eat meat and know an animal has been brutally killed for that meal on your plate, or become vegetarian and know that with that salad that you are eating you just saved a life of an animal. When you switch to becoming vegetarian every year you save about 100 animals, but the average meat eater eats up to and kills about double how many animals you save. Like my mother always says, “At least something is better than nothing at
The consumption of meat has always been the most common form of receiving the needed nutrition, of an average body, in order to acquire and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although packed with an abundance of proteins, iron, and amino-acids, meat has recently received a negative reputation of becoming detrimental to your health; titled a leading source of heart disease, obesity, cancer, diabetes, and even impotence. In result, countless individuals have sought a solution reserving to methods such as vegetarianism to obtain such needed nutrient with little to no health risks. Similar to meat eaters, vegetarians seek an equal nutritional diet without the consumption of any meat or animal products with the belief of avoiding health diseases prevalent in meat eaters. Becoming a vegetarian does not necessarily mean an individual follows a healthier diet, but then again, neither does being a meat-eater; so what benefits are linked with each diet, is there a difference in cost, and how is one distinguishable from the other in the long run?