Veganism and Why it Hurts Us

Keeping Animal Products in Your Diet The issue of those who do not eat meat or animal products is highly controversial, but in my years of observing and gathering information, I have come to the conclusion that it is better to eat animal products than to eliminate them completely. For instance, those who do not eat products such as cow meat or drink dairy products miss vital nutrients such as iron or calcium. Also, some animals are specially bred to be eaten; it would disrupt their population if we were to stop. In addition, take into consideration that not all animals are butchered with cruelty. To add to my statement, one quote by an unknown author states, “If animals weren’t meant to be eaten, why are they made of meat” ("Vegetarian Quotes, Sayings about Vegetarianism, Vegan Quotations") I am also against removing animals from the meal plan because jobs that rely on animals such as butchers or animal farmers will be eliminated, leaving thousands without employment. I strongly disagree with vegans because the vegan approach goes against the natural course of life. Regarding those who do not eat animal products, also known as vegans, one example of why I oppose is because the importation of meats and grains feeding the animals make up a good portion of many economies. These sales are mainly from third world countries such as Indonesia or Thailand. Also, vegetable production cost a lot of energy and causes lots of possibly harmful emissions. If people went vegan, the increase in crop production for those who are vegan and the regular amount of beef production for those who aren’t would add up to extreme costs for the United States (“Why Environmentalists are not Vegan”). Also, the meat industry is the largest agricultural industry of the United States, with the total meat production in 2011 soaring more than 92.3 billion pounds. More than 487,000 workers were employed in meat packaging and processing, with their combined salaries adding up to more than