In a single day, more than 200 million animals are killed for the meat products that the greater part of the population enjoys in their diets, according to sentientmedia.org. In one year, over 72 billion animals in the United States die to satisfy the desire to eat meat.
According to the yearly food availability estimates by the US Department of Agriculture, red meat and poultry consumption in America reached an all-time high of 222 pounds per person in 2018. A modern style diet for the average human consists of about 2.4 burgers a day, which is good news to the meat farming industry that relies on this demand.
It is common knowledge that animals have a wide range of feelings similar to ours; they feel love and sadness, as well as fear and loneliness. Cows form friendships and bonds with other cows and find a comfortable familiarity in a herd. At a slaughterhouse, all of the animals are deprived of basic companionship.
Because of all of these facts, it is hard to understand why people still consume large amounts of meat every year. While meat is a staple in many diets and is known to be a great source of protein and nutrients, they have the potential to be extremely harmful to one’s health. A United States study, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, found a strong link between the long-term consumption of red meat and the development of cancer in the lower colon and rectum. Long term consumption of red meat increased the risk of cancer by 28%, while high consumption of any processed meat increased the risk by 20%. Past research has also tied a meat-based diet to an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, in addition to liver and kidney disease.
Having access to vegetarian-based foods is not possible for everyone. It is more expensive, and would often need to be combined with supplements to ensure that you are getting essential nutrients. While this kind of lifestyle is demanding and requires a lot of discipline, it is rewarding for your body and mind. Rowan Doherty, a dietary technician at South Nassau Community Hospital, stated that “following a vegetarian inclined diet is the best thing you can do for yourself. Not only does it improve your appearance, such as changes in your hair and skin, but it also completely transforms your physical health.” When asked if there’s any truth in the notion that vegetarians live longer, he agreed: “studies have shown that they actually live an average of eight years longer, as long as they supplement properly and get the right nutrients.”
Those that can’t or don’t want to switch to a vegetarian lifestyle due to health conditions or their love of meat can choose alternative routes. It is understandably a hard vice to give up, and the majority of individuals rely on meat products in their diets.
However, if it is at all possible, organic and farm-based products can make you feel better about what you are putting into your body.
