A Global Virtual Classroom Project : GVC1210

Vegetarians vs. Meat-Eaters

Marcus L. of PJMS

Until recently, due to the lack of quality relating to studies, too great of a role in the great debate between vegetarians and meat eaters was played by a rhetorical component. A large-scale study by the Harvard School of Medical Health involving 120,000 people showed that consumption of red meat gradually reduces life expectancy (Kirllov).

According to a large study conducted by a group of doctors from the Harvard School of Public Health, who worked under the guidance of Doctor of Medicine An Pan, revealed that fears of vegetarians are absolutely justified. Consumption of red meat is clearly related with a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and metabolic diseases, while the replacement of meat from mammals with fish and poultry greatly reduces this risk.

The meat eaters recognized the proven harm of pre-processed (smoked, canned, freeze dried, etc.) meat and large amounts of animal fats. However, they stood their ground, indicating that the nutrient properties of freshly prepared meats (also unproven scientifically) are more important than hypothetical long-term risk of meat diet.

I found that higher consumption of red meat is associated with a significant increase in mortality from these diseases, and this relationship can be traced in the case of pre-processed and freshly prepared meats, with higher correlations for the pre-processed. When replacing red meat with fish, vegetables and poultry, there was an inverse relationship - reduced mortality.

As apposed to most carnivores, Vegetarians normally have low cholesterol levels, lower occurrence of heart and vascular disorders and disease, lower occurrence of cancers associated with the digestive track, lower occurrence of stones (such as bladder and kidney), lower blood pressure, and overall less health problems (Moore). But does this mean that being a vegetarian is the best option? Not necessarily.

In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle it is actually recommended that you eat a balanced diet. The truth of the matter is sticking to only meat or only vegetable is not going to leave you feeling well. According to Psychology Today, “roughly 75% of vegetarians eventually return to eating meat with 9 years being the average length of time of abstinence” (qtd by Barnes) The reason for this most often is that many vegetarians become anemic. Another big reason that vegetarians return to meat was due to irresistible cravings. This occurred even among long-term vegetarians. Respondents talked about their protein cravings or how the smell their protein cravings or how the smell of cooking bacon drove them crazy.

Since meat contains a large amount of protein, this could be beneficial to the body as the need for protein is an important one for the body. There are other benefits such as the repair and building of body tissues as well as the production of antibodies that will protect the body from infections. Meat is also known for the amount of vitamins it provides. The vitamins in mean “promote good vision, stronger teeth and bones but also support the central nervous system thus promoting mental health as well” (Neer).

As we can see both meat and vegetables have their roles in providing for a well balanced diet. In the end the really is no one winner and it is important that our bodies are getting the nutrients from both types of foods.

Works Cited

Barnes, Millie. "Most Vegetarians Return to Eating Meat." Beyond Paleo. Beyond Paleo, 17 Apr. 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. <http://beyond-paleo.com/2012/04/17/most-vegetarians-return-to-eating-meat/>.

Kirillov, Vadim. "Vegetarians vs. Meat-eaters: Standoff Is over." English Pravda.ru. Pravda.ru, 19 Mar. 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. <http://english.pravda.ru/society/stories/19-03-2012/120821-vegetarians-0/>.

Moore, Shelley. "What Are the Advantages of Being a Vegetarian?" EHow. Demand Media, 28 Oct. 2008. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. <http://www.ehow.com/about_4570538_what-advantages-being-vegetarian.html>.

Neer, Ron. "Reasons Not to Eat Meat?" ENCOGNITIVE.COM. ENCOGNITIVE.COM, 2013. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. <http://www.encognitive.com/node/19199>.

Vegan Society. "Why Vegan?" Vegan Society. Vegan Society, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. <http://www.vegansociety.com/become-a-vegan/why.aspx>.

Vegetarian Times. "Why Go Vegetarian? | Vegetarian Times." Vegetarian Times. Cruz Bay Publishing, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. <http://www.vegetariantimes.com/article/why-go-veg-learn-about-becoming-a-vegetarian/>.

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