Vegetarianism: What it is and why you should be a vegetarian





Everyone loves a hot, juicy, burger fresh off the grill in mid July; but its only one traditional American burger that will cause world suffering. The average American eats nearly 200lbs of meat per year (U.S. Census Bureau, Statistical study in 2012), I used to be one of those people. I’ve eaten meat ever since I was little, dads’ sloppy Joes and moms’ homemade crusted chicken, little did I know what had to occur for that meal. Eating meat has been around since the beginning of time, it’s natural and nothing is wrong with it; or so you believe.


According to a 2006 meta-study, researchers found that vegetarian diets are associated with reduced body weight. Also, a peer reviewed 1999 study of 76,000 people proves that vegetarians had 24% lower chance of getting heart disease than meat eaters, and this number has most likely increased fifteen years later in 2014. In 2013, a Cancer Council study proves that high meat consumption, especially red meat, is associated with an increased risk of bowel cancer. Processed meat seems to be of most concern; which is what most of America eats. Meat may easily affect cancer risk because of the sizeable amount of fat in it. The way it is cooked is unhealthy, and big meat eaters often consume less of protective foods such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Furthermore, According to the American Dietetic Association, a vegetarian diet delivers all necessary proteins as well. These proteins include: nuts, beans, eggs, peanut butter, cheese and other dairy products.


On the other hand, Most of us are aware that meat is the most convenient source of protein available and does provide essential nutrients for your body. Meat eaters are known to have an overall healthy weight, and eating organic meat especially is associated with less body fat. Also, eating fish meat can help reduce the risk of getting bowel cancer, breast and prostate cancer. Red meat is also important because it is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Raising meat is the best way to produce food because most of the original American prairie lands are gone anyway. Animal rights and health groups are constantly attempting to control personal behavior. Most vegetarians would like to see meat consumption severely restricted, if not outlawed. What people eat should be a protected personal choice.


Nevertheless, the Humane Methods of Slaughter (HMSA) enforces that livestock be stunned unconscious prior to slaughter to minimize suffering. It is true that birds such as chicken and turkey are exempted from this enforcement and most U.S. slaughterhouses ignore the HMSA (Joby Warrick, "They Die Piece by Piece, Washington Post). As for fish and seafood, some farmed fish, especially salmon, has been show to have high levels of dioxins and PCBs. These are chemical by-products of industrial processes that can cause liver damage and developmental problems in children (2013 CNN iReport). In addition, species are in danger of being over fished, and other things like habitat destruction is leading to a loss of a number of aquatic animals.
Despite this, some slaughterhouses are slowly trying to enforce the HMSA, and make slaughter more humane. Also, there is a growing movement to raise “cruelty free” organic meat. In the U.S., animals raised for certified organic meat must have access to the outdoors, clean air, and water. They cannot be given hormones or antibiotics and must be fed organic feed. By the end of 2012, “natural and organic” beef accounted for 4% of total beef sales (National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service). Provided that some red meat can be an important part of your diet, fish is also in general is a very healthy kind of food, many healthy fishes have been found to be a good source of a number of important nutrients. Lastly, Vegetarians mistakenly elevate the value of animal life over plant life. Research shows that plants respond electrochemically to threats and may feel some amount of fear, Every organism dies or is killed at some point. There is nothing wrong with this cycle; it is how nature works



Above all, Confined Animal Feeding operations are used in about 50% of slaughterhouses in the U.S. In CAFOs animals live in filthy, overcrowded, and unhealthy spaces. Pigs have their tails cut off, chickens have their toenails and beaks clipped off, and cows have their horns removed and tails cut off with no painkillers. Pregnant pigs are kept in metal crates barely bigger than they are. Baby cows raised for veal are tied up and confined in tiny stalls their entire short lives (3-18 weeks). Animals are sensitive creatures that have emotions and social connections. Scientific studies show that cows, pigs, chickens, and other warm blooded animals can experience stress, pain, and fear. In the U.S. about 35 million cows, 115 million pigs and 9 billion birds are killed for food each year. These animals should not have to die to satisfy and unnecessary dietary preference.


Vegetarianism is valid alternative to meat that should very well be taken into consideration. Becoming a vegetarian will be better for multiple things in the long run. Also, it is understandable that meat has a desirable taste everyone enjoys, but many vegetarian products are made to taste like meat and are much healthier for you. Although, most Americans believe eating meat is natural and okay, it is actually true that eating meat can be harmful because it causes damage to the environment, animals, as well as ourselves.