Vegetarianism has been a topic of great debate and has received considerate support, indifference, or disdain throughout time. Many religions and communities have been practicing a vegetarian lifestyle for hundreds of years for economic or ethical purposes. Apart from religious obligations, or not having the finances in order to purchase animal proteins, some scholars argue that vegetarianism can lead to an overall healthier life, and can also contribute to the sustainability of Earth’s environment. Meanwhile, other critics argue that vegetarianism is only a miniscule contribution to one’s health and environment, and believe that no one should feel compelled to completely eliminate meat from their diet. Reflecting on my research, I contend
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“An analysis of five prospective studies indicated that mortality from ischaemic heart disease was 24% lower in vegetarians than in meat eaters.” (Mann, 525) Research shows that meat-eaters have a higher risk of cancers and heart disease, which are two of the leading contributions to the mortality of the North American public. (Fox, 163) In addition to the already alarming amount of fat in animal protein, because of a higher demand for meat, many producers add hormones and unhealthy chemicals to animals so that they can be bigger, and therefore more cost effective. The human consumption of these hormones and chemicals can result in a number of health problems. There are further studies that indicate a reduction in obesity rates among vegetarians, as well as cholesterol levels. In fact, because vegetarians are ultimately forced to get their nutrients from sources such as nuts, grains, fruits, and vegetables, they are in fact protecting their heart from disease by eliminating saturated fats. Not only are vegetarians reducing the intake of fat, but they are also avoiding any contact with parasites, which automatically cancels the opportunity to become infected with many diseases. “Vegetarians who participate in long term prospective studies have appreciably lower mortality ratios than the general population. Much of this benefit is probably because vegetarians tend to be non-smokers and to have a generally healthy lifestyle.” (Mann, 526) Therefore, the ultimate truth is that most people who choose a vegetarian lifestyle for health reasons and take part in studies relating to that, tend to be healthier in other aspects of their lives, whereas those in the same studies who eat meat, may not be. Thus creating a seemingly inaccurate portrayal of the integrity of which a vegetarian diet consists in regard to one’s health.
“An analysis of five prospective studies indicated that mortality from ischaemic heart disease was 24% lower in vegetarians than in meat eaters.” (Mann, 525) Research shows that meat-eaters have a higher risk of cancers and heart disease, which are two of the leading contributions to the mortality of the North American public. (Fox, 163) In addition to the already alarming amount of fat in animal protein, because of a higher demand for meat, many producers add hormones and unhealthy chemicals to animals so that they can be bigger, and therefore more cost effective. The human consumption of these hormones and chemicals can result in a number of health problems. There are further studies that indicate a reduction in obesity rates among vegetarians, as well as cholesterol levels. In fact, because vegetarians are ultimately forced to get their nutrients from sources such as nuts, grains, fruits, and vegetables, they are in fact protecting their heart from disease by eliminating saturated fats. Not only are vegetarians reducing the intake of fat, but they are also avoiding any contact with parasites, which automatically cancels the opportunity to become infected with many diseases. “Vegetarians who participate in long term prospective studies have appreciably lower mortality ratios than the general population. Much of this benefit is probably because vegetarians tend to be non-smokers and to have a generally healthy lifestyle.” (Mann, 526) Therefore, the ultimate truth is that most people who choose a vegetarian lifestyle for health reasons and take part in studies relating to that, tend to be healthier in other aspects of their lives, whereas those in the same studies who eat meat, may not be. Thus creating a seemingly inaccurate portrayal of the integrity of which a vegetarian diet consists in regard to one’s health.