Many people wonder—if you aren’t eating meat, are you getting enough protein? Protein is easily the most talked about macronutrient, and meat is thought to be the best source for protein. This is where the science, literature and false advertisements have misinformed the majority of people and caused great harm to human health. Adverse effects of eating an animal protein-rich diet have been reported consistently in literature, yet none of this information is reported in dietary guidelines.
While meat is protein-dense, it may not be the best--and certainly not the only-- option to fulfill daily requirements.
Here are three main reasons why a plant-based lifestyle is the route to take:
First, eating a whole food plant-based diet is the healthiest option you can make. A whole food plant-based diet is one that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and eliminates refined carbohydrates and significantly reduces animal protein. When people ate above the recommended value of animal-based protein (the recommended amount is 10-12 percent of total calories), they were shown to have significant increases in cancer and heart disease. Casein, the main protein in cow’s milk, can significantly increase a person’s risk of cancer when taken in levels above the recommended daily amount. It is by no means nutritionally essential for humans to consume animal protein. According to The China Study, eating meat is directly correlated with an increased risk in nearly all chronic diseases.
Second, the push to “go green,” save paper, plastic and recycle are all important measures to protect our environment. But what if I told you that animal agriculture is responsible for 80 to 90 percent of US water consumption? A record 2,500 gallons of water are needed to produce one pound of beef. Animal agriculture is responsible for 20 to 33 percent of all freshwater consumption in the world today. Livestock or livestock feed occupies one-third of the world’s ice-free land and animal agriculture is the leading cause of species extinction, ocean dead zones, water pollution and habitat destruction. The statistics speak for themselves; eating animals is highly unsustainable. Our food choices contribute just as much, if not more, to global warming as our transportation choices.
Third, supporting animal ethics is right, just, virtuous and honorable. Most chickens are farmed in blacked-out chicken “coops” and are pumped full of antibiotics and growth hormones so they can grow to full size in six weeks. Animals are often given so little space that they can’t even turn around. Cows are kept on crowded filthy feedlots, egg-laying hens are kept in small cages and chickens and pigs are kept in crowded sheds. These conditions increase animals’ lethargic and aggressive attitudes, which is unnecessary suffering. Animals have the desire to be happy just as we do, therefore as a society I do not think we should cause unnecessary pain to the animals in factory farms.
Eating a whole food, plant-based diet is healthier, more sustainable and more ethical than one high in animal protein. I encourage you to explore the literature and make the transition to a whole food plant-based lifestyle.
If you are interested in learning more about this lifestyle choice or have questions, contact me: evincent_2016@depauw.edu
Sources:
Health Inspiration: The China Study
Environmental Inspiration: Cowspiracy
Ethical Inspiration: Eating Animals