Is Veganism Necessary? Although studies on a vegetarian diet had not existed until the 1800’s, veganism dates back all the way to fourth century B.C.E. Veganism refers to the non-consumption of any animal foods or products; a vegetarian diet is plainly the non-consumption of meats. In the article “Background of the Issue” the writer claims: “The philosopher Plato described a vegetarian diet as "divinely ordained.” Although hunting, gathering, and consuming animals has remained since the beginning of human civilization, meat should not be the focal point of meals in modern society. At first, I became vegetarian because I acknowledged the harmful ways industries treat animals, but after changing diets, I was shocked by all of the health issues
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For example, the opposition that a plant-based diet would not provide all of the essential nutrients presents a convincing claim, yet it does not take into consideration that plants provide many essential vitamins, and well-planned meals can meet all nutrient requirements. According to the American Dietetic Association, "Appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases" (“Becoming a Vegetarian”). Not only do vegan diets fulfill the concern of nutrients, they may contribute to an overall healthier body. Some people also argue that humans were born to eat meat, and it is just a natural part of our lives’ cycle. Although the evidence that meat eating has been a part of evolution seems logical, it collapses when one compares the bodies of carnivores to the bodies of herbivores and humans. “The Natural Human Diet” states: “Humans have short, soft fingernails and pathetically small “canine” teeth. In contrast, carnivores all have sharp claws and large canine teeth that are capable of tearing flesh.” The mouths of humans were not designed to tear apart the flesh of other animals. Human mouths are remarkably the opposite of a carnivorous animal’s mouth. Not only are our mouths not perfected for eating meat, our intestines are flawed, as well. An article from PETA helps confirm
For example, the opposition that a plant-based diet would not provide all of the essential nutrients presents a convincing claim, yet it does not take into consideration that plants provide many essential vitamins, and well-planned meals can meet all nutrient requirements. According to the American Dietetic Association, "Appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases" (“Becoming a Vegetarian”). Not only do vegan diets fulfill the concern of nutrients, they may contribute to an overall healthier body. Some people also argue that humans were born to eat meat, and it is just a natural part of our lives’ cycle. Although the evidence that meat eating has been a part of evolution seems logical, it collapses when one compares the bodies of carnivores to the bodies of herbivores and humans. “The Natural Human Diet” states: “Humans have short, soft fingernails and pathetically small “canine” teeth. In contrast, carnivores all have sharp claws and large canine teeth that are capable of tearing flesh.” The mouths of humans were not designed to tear apart the flesh of other animals. Human mouths are remarkably the opposite of a carnivorous animal’s mouth. Not only are our mouths not perfected for eating meat, our intestines are flawed, as well. An article from PETA helps confirm