Veganism Research Paper
¨Meat consumption causes cancer,¨ is a typical statement said by people who may practice a vegan lifestyle. Veganism is a way of life that is practiced by many people today. The lifestyle minimizes the use of animal products. However, humans are omnivores, meaning that humans are made to eat both plants, and animals. Most of the health accusations made by non-meat eaters are all false. The vegan diet is actually more unhealthy than a regular meat-eating diet, due to our bodies needing animal products to provide the nutrition it brings to the body. Like most vegetarian diets, vegans avoid eating meat. However, there are some vegetarians that do include white meat such as chicken or fish in their diet; that is called pescetarianism. Regardless, there are no vegans that make any exceptions to eating certain types of meat. Vegans avoid consuming all meats. They also exclude any kind of animal products from their diet such as eggs, and dairy products. Not only that, but vegans also avoid things such as clothing, cosmetics, or any other products
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that involve anything with animals (Lin).
Veganism was not commonly used until the 1980s; it all started when a book was released called ¨Diet for a New America¨, written by John Robbins. The book had three parts. The first part talks revealed the savagery of factory farming. The second part displayed how meat-based diets are ¨deadly¨, and the final part talked about the consequences of animal agriculture. Due to this book being published, people started became more concerned about the meat industry. Because of that, more people switched to veganism (¨History of Vegetarianism¨).
The great reason that people decide to become vegan is because it saves animals such as cows, chickens, and pigs. Animal slaughter houses are very cruel to these certain animals and vegans show much empathy towards them. John Robbins states that “Animals do not ‘give’ their life to us, as the sugar-coated lie would have it. No, we take their lives. They struggle and fight to the last breath, just as we would do if we were in their place”. People want to do whatever they can to help these animals suffering; that is why they might choose the vegan lifestyle. Vegans save about ninety-five animals per year, these animals are saved from being killed in such gruesome ways for people's enjoyment. Animals tend to suffer in these slaughter houses. The foods that are provided are unnatural and processed. Animals who are also raised to slaughter are given many growth hormones. The hormones’ purpose are to help the animals grow, but it actually becomes harmful to the animals and the people that consume their meat. Also, these animals are raised in closed spaces; they do not have much room to live which can cause many health issues. Their bodies will start to grow in peculiar and unnatural ways if they are not given the proper room to live and roam around. With these conditions, animals clearly do not live their lives to the fullest (King).
Vegans tend to be thinner than meat-eaters; that typically attracts people to convert to veganism as well. On average, vegans weigh about 20 pounds less than meat-eaters. The reason being is that meat has more saturated fat and trans fat. That does not typically mean that saturated/trans fat is is damaging to the human body, but it does tend to raise one's body mass index (“Top 10 Reasons”). In reality, veganism will not necessarily make you lose weight. In fact, dietitians suggest high protein diets for patients who wish to lose weight in a short amount of time. High protein diets help the body shed mass due to the protein making the stomach feel fuller; therefore, making one eat less. These high protein diets cannot be used if one does not eat animal products. Meat provides more protein than any other food. The vegan diet does not provide enough protein for a high protein diet. The reason vegans tend to be smaller is because vegans tend to eat less fat that are included in some meats. This can sometimes cause malnutrition, which causes the body to become skinnier (Welland). Vegans have beliefs that meat is unhealthy and can cause many health problems. A well-known claim is that meat causes cancer. Particularly red meat such as steaks, and hamburger meat. This can be true when relating to processed meat. There have been studies that claim to prove the link between red meat and cancer. Despite this link, there have been arguments that those particular studies may or may not be accurate. They seem to lack the information on whether those people involved in the studies smoke, drink large amounts of alcohol, or any other thing that have been proven to cause a type of cancer. Those particular details can affect those studies making it highly unlikely that the meat caused the cancer the test subjects. However, there is some sort of link between red meat and cancer, but it is not the meat that causes it, it is the way it is prepared. Unprocessed red meat that is cooked in a certain way can release substances that can affect one's health. As long as it is prepared properly, unprocessed red meat is perfectly safe and healthy (Gunners). Processed meat does indeed cause health issues, but so does any kind of processed foods, including foods that vegans consume. John H. Tobe states that “Any food that requires enhancing by chemical substances should in no way be considered food”. Soy is a common processed food in the vegan diet. It is used to make tofu, soy milk, and most meat substitutes. It is said to be healthy, but that is a false representation. Soy does have some health benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels, and reducing risk of heart disease. Most of the soy today is put through a lot of process for it to be consumed, which can make it unhealthy. Typically, many soy crops are genetically modified with many chemicals, chemicals that can be toxic to the body. It has also been proven that soy can affect the endocrine system. Soy contains a compound called isoflavones. Isoflavones are known to disrupt the endocrine system and it mostly affects the levels of estrogen in one's body. Estrogen is a reproductive hormone mostly found in women. Isoflavones lower estrogen activity which actually raises estrogen levels. In women, it affects the menstrual cycle tremendously, and raise the risk of breast cancer. Soy isoflavones stimulates the overproduction of the cells found in the mammary glands, causing the breasts to develop a tumor. In men, too much estrogen creates loss of energy, lower sperm count, and it may allow men develop breasts. The overload of estrogen can also affect the physical development in newborns, and children. In addition to that, isoflavones also behave as goitrogens in soy which obstructs the thyroid. Many people exposed to this substance experience hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism causes one to feel cold constantly, low energy, loss of appetite. Because of this, soy is more harmful to the body than beneficial. Do not be fooled by what is commonly said about soy. It is not healthy, it is the opposite (“The Dangers of Soy”).
Thinner does not mean healthier. Malnutrition can cause serious problems to the human body. Sadly, Veganism can cause many deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. For example, the diet does not provide enough calcium. Calcium assists with keeping your bones strong, and is found in dairy products. However, it cannot do its job without vitamin K2. This vitamin is usually deficient as well with the vegan diet. Without vitamin K2, the body cannot transport calcium properly which can lead to clogged arteries (Geertson).
Stern vegan diets can also lead to the scarcity of fat solubles such as vitamin D. The absence of vitamin D can become very serious. It is mostly found in foods that come from animals such as dairy products, eggs, and fish. Like vitamin K2, vitamin D strengthens bones by promoting calcium absorption. It also can reduce inflammation in wounds. Deficiency of this vitamin can cause soft, or malformed bones which can cause them to break frequently. Low levels of vitamin D found in the blood can also cause confusion, cardiovascular disease, severe asthma, and cancer. There is another way to absorb vitamin D, and that is through sunshine. Unfortunately, that does not provide enough for the human body. Humans clearly need to eat at least some animal products to get the proper amount of this vitamin (“Vitamin D deficiency”). The energy vitamin, B12, is known as a powerhouse to the human body. It aids in the production of healthy DNA. It also is critical for the human brain, and immune system. Just like the sunshine vitamin, B12 is found in the same animal products as well as meat, and shellfish. The most common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency includes fatigue, and headaches. People with this deficiency typically have an increased amount of energy loss in a short amount of time. Those are usually the first set of symptoms. If the deficiency continues to be disregarded, symptoms can become serious. Those symptoms include rapid heart rate, vision loss, nerve damage, and memory loss. This memory loss can be mistaken for dementia in adults; that is how extreme the memory loss can get. It is critical for the human body to get enough vitamin B12. There are no plants that can provide this vitamin for the human body. There are supplements and fortified foods that can replace the natural resources of B12, however, that does not give enough supply that the body needs, for most people. The easiest, healthiest, and most natural way to achieve that is to consume the specific animal products that provide the most for the body. For most people, that cannot be achieved by processed, unnatural supplements (“Vitamin B12 Deficiency”).
Omnivorism supports a healthy planet.
There has to be a food chain or else there would be an over population in animals. Vegans do not seem to care about animals such as tigers, wolves killing other animals for food because it is part of their way of life. They have to kill in order to live. If that does not make those animals immoral for eating prey, then it should not make humans immoral for eating other animals in order to get the proper nutrition (Geertson).
A well-rounded meat eating diet is not unhealthy or unethical. Humans were created to be omnivores, the body cannot get all of its nutrients without vegetables, fruit, grains, and meat. Veganism is becoming more popular everyday. Before becoming vegan, one should do their own research. There are surprising facts that go against what many vegans say. The body needs every bit of nutrients that meat is designed to have. Meat consumption supports a very healthy
lifestyle.
that involve anything with animals (Lin).
Veganism was not commonly used until the 1980s; it all started when a book was released called ¨Diet for a New America¨, written by John Robbins. The book had three parts. The first part talks revealed the savagery of factory farming. The second part displayed how meat-based diets are ¨deadly¨, and the final part talked about the consequences of animal agriculture. Due to this book being published, people started became more concerned about the meat industry. Because of that, more people switched to veganism (¨History of Vegetarianism¨).
The great reason that people decide to become vegan is because it saves animals such as cows, chickens, and pigs. Animal slaughter houses are very cruel to these certain animals and vegans show much empathy towards them. John Robbins states that “Animals do not ‘give’ their life to us, as the sugar-coated lie would have it. No, we take their lives. They struggle and fight to the last breath, just as we would do if we were in their place”. People want to do whatever they can to help these animals suffering; that is why they might choose the vegan lifestyle. Vegans save about ninety-five animals per year, these animals are saved from being killed in such gruesome ways for people's enjoyment. Animals tend to suffer in these slaughter houses. The foods that are provided are unnatural and processed. Animals who are also raised to slaughter are given many growth hormones. The hormones’ purpose are to help the animals grow, but it actually becomes harmful to the animals and the people that consume their meat. Also, these animals are raised in closed spaces; they do not have much room to live which can cause many health issues. Their bodies will start to grow in peculiar and unnatural ways if they are not given the proper room to live and roam around. With these conditions, animals clearly do not live their lives to the fullest (King).
Vegans tend to be thinner than meat-eaters; that typically attracts people to convert to veganism as well. On average, vegans weigh about 20 pounds less than meat-eaters. The reason being is that meat has more saturated fat and trans fat. That does not typically mean that saturated/trans fat is is damaging to the human body, but it does tend to raise one's body mass index (“Top 10 Reasons”). In reality, veganism will not necessarily make you lose weight. In fact, dietitians suggest high protein diets for patients who wish to lose weight in a short amount of time. High protein diets help the body shed mass due to the protein making the stomach feel fuller; therefore, making one eat less. These high protein diets cannot be used if one does not eat animal products. Meat provides more protein than any other food. The vegan diet does not provide enough protein for a high protein diet. The reason vegans tend to be smaller is because vegans tend to eat less fat that are included in some meats. This can sometimes cause malnutrition, which causes the body to become skinnier (Welland). Vegans have beliefs that meat is unhealthy and can cause many health problems. A well-known claim is that meat causes cancer. Particularly red meat such as steaks, and hamburger meat. This can be true when relating to processed meat. There have been studies that claim to prove the link between red meat and cancer. Despite this link, there have been arguments that those particular studies may or may not be accurate. They seem to lack the information on whether those people involved in the studies smoke, drink large amounts of alcohol, or any other thing that have been proven to cause a type of cancer. Those particular details can affect those studies making it highly unlikely that the meat caused the cancer the test subjects. However, there is some sort of link between red meat and cancer, but it is not the meat that causes it, it is the way it is prepared. Unprocessed red meat that is cooked in a certain way can release substances that can affect one's health. As long as it is prepared properly, unprocessed red meat is perfectly safe and healthy (Gunners). Processed meat does indeed cause health issues, but so does any kind of processed foods, including foods that vegans consume. John H. Tobe states that “Any food that requires enhancing by chemical substances should in no way be considered food”. Soy is a common processed food in the vegan diet. It is used to make tofu, soy milk, and most meat substitutes. It is said to be healthy, but that is a false representation. Soy does have some health benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels, and reducing risk of heart disease. Most of the soy today is put through a lot of process for it to be consumed, which can make it unhealthy. Typically, many soy crops are genetically modified with many chemicals, chemicals that can be toxic to the body. It has also been proven that soy can affect the endocrine system. Soy contains a compound called isoflavones. Isoflavones are known to disrupt the endocrine system and it mostly affects the levels of estrogen in one's body. Estrogen is a reproductive hormone mostly found in women. Isoflavones lower estrogen activity which actually raises estrogen levels. In women, it affects the menstrual cycle tremendously, and raise the risk of breast cancer. Soy isoflavones stimulates the overproduction of the cells found in the mammary glands, causing the breasts to develop a tumor. In men, too much estrogen creates loss of energy, lower sperm count, and it may allow men develop breasts. The overload of estrogen can also affect the physical development in newborns, and children. In addition to that, isoflavones also behave as goitrogens in soy which obstructs the thyroid. Many people exposed to this substance experience hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism causes one to feel cold constantly, low energy, loss of appetite. Because of this, soy is more harmful to the body than beneficial. Do not be fooled by what is commonly said about soy. It is not healthy, it is the opposite (“The Dangers of Soy”).
Thinner does not mean healthier. Malnutrition can cause serious problems to the human body. Sadly, Veganism can cause many deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. For example, the diet does not provide enough calcium. Calcium assists with keeping your bones strong, and is found in dairy products. However, it cannot do its job without vitamin K2. This vitamin is usually deficient as well with the vegan diet. Without vitamin K2, the body cannot transport calcium properly which can lead to clogged arteries (Geertson).
Stern vegan diets can also lead to the scarcity of fat solubles such as vitamin D. The absence of vitamin D can become very serious. It is mostly found in foods that come from animals such as dairy products, eggs, and fish. Like vitamin K2, vitamin D strengthens bones by promoting calcium absorption. It also can reduce inflammation in wounds. Deficiency of this vitamin can cause soft, or malformed bones which can cause them to break frequently. Low levels of vitamin D found in the blood can also cause confusion, cardiovascular disease, severe asthma, and cancer. There is another way to absorb vitamin D, and that is through sunshine. Unfortunately, that does not provide enough for the human body. Humans clearly need to eat at least some animal products to get the proper amount of this vitamin (“Vitamin D deficiency”). The energy vitamin, B12, is known as a powerhouse to the human body. It aids in the production of healthy DNA. It also is critical for the human brain, and immune system. Just like the sunshine vitamin, B12 is found in the same animal products as well as meat, and shellfish. The most common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency includes fatigue, and headaches. People with this deficiency typically have an increased amount of energy loss in a short amount of time. Those are usually the first set of symptoms. If the deficiency continues to be disregarded, symptoms can become serious. Those symptoms include rapid heart rate, vision loss, nerve damage, and memory loss. This memory loss can be mistaken for dementia in adults; that is how extreme the memory loss can get. It is critical for the human body to get enough vitamin B12. There are no plants that can provide this vitamin for the human body. There are supplements and fortified foods that can replace the natural resources of B12, however, that does not give enough supply that the body needs, for most people. The easiest, healthiest, and most natural way to achieve that is to consume the specific animal products that provide the most for the body. For most people, that cannot be achieved by processed, unnatural supplements (“Vitamin B12 Deficiency”).
Omnivorism supports a healthy planet.
There has to be a food chain or else there would be an over population in animals. Vegans do not seem to care about animals such as tigers, wolves killing other animals for food because it is part of their way of life. They have to kill in order to live. If that does not make those animals immoral for eating prey, then it should not make humans immoral for eating other animals in order to get the proper nutrition (Geertson).
A well-rounded meat eating diet is not unhealthy or unethical. Humans were created to be omnivores, the body cannot get all of its nutrients without vegetables, fruit, grains, and meat. Veganism is becoming more popular everyday. Before becoming vegan, one should do their own research. There are surprising facts that go against what many vegans say. The body needs every bit of nutrients that meat is designed to have. Meat consumption supports a very healthy
lifestyle.