PETA has been around since 1980. We have, since, seen a number of people choose to go vegetarian. Moreover, some have even chosen to go vegan, cutting all meat and animal products out of their lives entirely. Although we do know there are certain nutrients we get from these products, scientists have created and found new, healthy alternatives. Countless options such as the “impossible burger” and jackfruit meat replacements allow people to still get some of those nutrients and in turn, a well-balanced diet. To further back this trend, a new video is circulating the internet and inspiring more and more people to go vegetarian.
An Unappetizing Video
The video shows meat after it’s freshly cut, and it looks rather unappetizing. As a result, many have commented their appreciation for already being vegetarians. Meanwhile, others have now vowed to give up eating meat. Unfortunately, like much else in life, there’s so much information regarding a healthy diet. Furthermore, most of the information is conflicting and confusing. Particularly, because all of our bodies are differing and require differing diets in order to thrive.
Health Professionals Weigh in
So, what do medical professionals recommend? Well, according to Medical Daily there are 3 major reasons to eat meat. They published the article in 2010 and explain that meat contains a number of nutritional benefits. Most well-known is that meat is high in protein and iron. These nutrients help the body repair damaged tissue and build muscle, while also improving healthy blood flow. In other words, strengthening the body’s intake of oxygen from the bloodstream.
Benefits of Eating Meat
Lesser known though is the vitamins found in meat. Meat has high levels of Vitamin A, D, and B. These vitamins provide support to the central nervous system, helping to maintain good mental health. Furthermore, they’ve also been shown to improve vision and support stronger bones and teeth. Another and more recent article posted by Healthline, in 2021, discusses whether or not meat can actually be part of a healthy diet.
According to the article, the biggest factors that cause a health concern are how the food is cooked or prepared. Some methods of processing and cooking create higher levels of carcinogens. This, you may have heard, significantly increases the risk of cancer. Furthermore, most medical professionals and nutritionists, say one of the worst things you can put into your body is processed meats. The process adds an alarming number of nitrates into our foods, and adversely impacts overall health. So, meat does provide a number of benefits for our bodies, but we have to monitor their preparation and minimize out intake of certain additives.
Benefits of Giving up Meat
In contrast, a study done by Harvard Health, highlights the benefits of giving up meat and having a vegetarian diet. The article explains that eating more vegetables can reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Studies have also shown that a higher intake of vegetables can improve joint health, memory and brain function, and even help to lower blood sugar.
Environmental studies have also shown that a decreased intake of meat has had a severe impact on water intake. From a farming standpoint, it takes less food and water to sustain a vegetable garden than it does to maintain livestock. Furthermore, greenhouse gas emissions are lower in vegetable gardens than on animal farms.
Be it a question of ethics, or flavor preferences, eating meat is a personal choice. One that everyone should have the right to make for themselves. However, in an effort to change the world for the better many people have spoken out about the harsh treatment of animals as food. Furthermore, people have fought to bring to light the negative health impacts that this treatment has on the animals.
Resulting in an impact on the people who choose to eat meat. Although many animals have become domesticated, we are all part of a working ecosystem and eating other creatures is, in part, part of the circle of life. With all the conflicting messages out there, it’s essential to check in with your medical health provider to better understand how a meat diet vs. a vegetarian diet will impact and benefit your individual health needs.