Reasons Why Vegetarianism Is the Best

Although, for many people the smell of a well barbecued steak could make their mouth water, but have you ever thought about how much negative impact takes place just so that this piece of meat could come to you?

I take the position that vegetarian food, although for many people it may not be as tasty as non-vegetarian food, has huge positives like better health and a lesser negative impact on the environment, that can outweigh the benefits of having a Non vegetarian diet. In our day to day diet, I feel that for the benefits of innumerable we should have a completely vegetarian meal at least once a week, thus reducing your amount of meat consumption.

Vegetarian food has further benefits than Non vegetarian food. One of the reasons is that Vegetarian food is significantly far more environmentally friendlier than Non vegetarian food. According to scientific research Animal Agriculture is the one of the three biggest reason for global warming. It is responsible for about 20% of global warming, being a greater contributing problem than deforestation. It has grow to a huge problem although many people don’t notice it. Scientists are so concerned by the effects of rising meat consumption that Dr Pachauri, chair of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and possibly the world's leading authority on global warming, made a plea last year for people to have at least one meat-free day a week. (Finn, 2009). There are many reasons why IPCC made this plea out to us all. First of all Animals only give us 1/10 of what they eat as meat and use the rest to survive, and in that process they also pollute the air with methane. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, also known as EPA, Comparatively the impact of methane (CH4) on climate change is more than 25 times greater than Carbon dioxide (CO2). That's not only it, to feed the 19 billion livestock we're raising, we have to grow thrice as much plants for them than we had to if we all didn’t eat meat at all. This takes up a lot of land, 33 million square kilometers to be more specific. That is about the size of Africa. And that's not even counting the land used to grow crops exclusively for the animals.  That’s a lot of land that once could have been trees or grassland in their original state. After that all the effort to get so much food to the animals emits huge amount of greenhouse gases. Adds poisonous chemicals into our soil, air, and water. Animal agriculture creates a lot of greenhouse gasses and it is greater than all of the gas emissions from planes, trains, and automobiles combined. All of this mostly affects the land and air but what about all the freshwater being used. About 70% of fresh water is used for agriculture. It takes about 15000 litres of freshwater to make one kilogram of beef whilst it takes only 900 litres to make a kilogram of fruits. If you had to pay for all the damage that the meat had done the environment to get to you it would add a whopping $240 to your weekly grocery shopping bill. But, as the earth can sustain this damage, for now, we don’t have to pull out that extra 240 dollars from our pockets. Even if it’s not possible to completely become a vegetarian, it’s still possible to make the problem little better by eating meat less often. Now as you all can see eating meat already does so much damage to the environment but what about how badly it affects the animals. A quote from Paul Shapiro, vice president of farm animal protection at the Humane Society of the United States. “From locking animals in tiny cages, to slicing parts of their bodies off without any pain relief, to genetically selecting them to grow so obese and so fast that many become lame, it’s by far the biggest cause of animal suffering in the world.”(Melone, 2014). Now this is just the question about your humanity. How would you feel if you were just raised for the sole purpose for being food for someone else with no greater purpose in life? That is some food for thought.

Another reason eating less meat is an amazing idea is that, consuming meat not only harms the environment but it also harms you. A study from Harvard School of Public Health found an association with red meat consumption and increased risk of a shortened lifespan. “We know processed red meat like hot dogs and salami are the worst,” says Larry Santora, MD, medical director of the Dick Butkus Center for Cardiovascular Wellness, Saint Joseph Hospital, Orange, California. (Melone, 2014). Red meat is not what you think it is. To treat the meat, countless chemicals are added to it and this sometimes can be harmful to the consumer. According to a study published in the journal Nature Medicine, meat being rich in cholesterol can clog the consumers arteries. This increases the chance to obtain a heart disease or cancer by 44%,  and that is no small number. Even with the amazing taste a meat has, after knowing it’s dirty little secret it can make it hard to swallow.

It's been said that meat provides nutrients like Vitamin B12 and Omega-3 that is not present in any plant based food. The vegetarian diet often has many perks that are related to personal health.(Melone, 2014). Research shows that vegetarians tend to be leaner than their meat-eating counterparts, and that they also tend to have lower cholesterol and body mass index (BMI). Data also suggests that a vegetarian diet can help with weight loss and be better for maintaining a healthy weight over time. This can be a crucial aspect in the long run. It has also been shown that having a vegetarian diet increases your life span by an average of 10 - 13 years. A vegetarian diet is rarely a negative for anyone and it is always a win for everyone although not many notice it. Virginia Messina, M.P.H., R.D., who has written extensively about vegetarian diets quotes that “Vegetarians have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and tend to be a little bit thinner, so vegetarians are automatically going to be at lower risk of certain chronic diseases,”. According to so many studies it has been shown that there are multifarious benefits vegetarianism can have on your personal health.  Lot’s of people think that eating a vegetarian meal provides less protein and iron. But there are countless studies lauding the benefits of a vegetarian diet. As for protein, the great myth is that you won't get enough of it unless you eat meat. But according to the World Health Organisation, the average Non veg eats twice the amount of protein they need in a year, so the odd vegetarian meal at work shouldn't weaken you too much.

There are innumerable benefits from eating less meat, Including valuing animal rights, saving the environment and personal health. But coming down to to the core with biology, humans in the first place were never meant to eat meat, and ever since then we still haven’t adapted to eating meat like numerous carnivorous and omnivores. Many characteristics that meat eaters have such as Lions and Bears are not present in us. We haven’t developed many of the required characteristics that we need. Like strong acids in stomach to break down meat thoroughly so that we don’t get food poisoning from the billions of bacteria present on meat. We also don’t have sharp claws and canines to help tear the meat resulting in more work for the digestive tract. And now if you are thinking - nobody likes being a vegetarian, nobody wants to be a vegetarian, and being a vegetarian is so lame and stupid. I have a perfect answer for that. Did you ever know that the famous Steve Jobs was once a vegetarian and some people said that his vegetarian diet help battle cancer and live longer than others would. What about the genius Albert Einstien he too was a vegetarian and how can I forget our famous popular female singers, Beyonce Knowles and Ariana Grande. You see a vegetarian is not that uncommon as many people think. I know many people prefer the greater taste and varieties of the non veg options in almost every Restaurant . And also many people think it is the quickest and the easiest way to get food. Have any of you seen frequency of occurring Fast food restaurants like McDonalds, KFC, BurgerKing is ? Although there are these benefits from eating meat But is it really worth what little we are gaining from compared to how much we are losing?

I'm not saying that you have to immediately change into a vegetarian and have a super strict vegetarian diet, although that would be amazing and great for you. No, No, I'm saying that with the best of you efforts you should try reduce the amount of meat you eat bit by bit. Baby steps that's how we all learnt how to start walking. Maybe say no to that Hawaiian Pizza and go for a vegetarian Pasta. And it you want a have a goal set for yourself try with having at least one completely vegetarian meal once a week. And something to help you motivate yourself, remember all those cute little piglets and calfs your saving lives of. 

bibliography

http://www.vegetariantimes.com/article/why-go-veg-learn-about-becoming-a-vegetarian/

http://www.britishmeat.com/49.htm

http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrition_news_information/why_a_vegetarian_diet_is_good_for_your_health_and_the_health_of_the_planet

http://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/apr/27/work-canteen-vegetarian-food

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/HRD-ministry-seeks-IITs-IIMs-views-on-veg-non-veg-canteens/articleshow/44976176.cms

http://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/7-reasons-vegetarians-live-longer

http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/10-reasons-to-stop-eating-red-meat/3-youre-eating-pink-slime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZDsSnpYZrw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANUoAdXfA60

There's more to food than meat

Dear Sodexo, have you ever thought about providing a wider range of vegetarian food options in the canteen that is available to both staff and students? According to a recent poll where 100 people were surveyed, 84% supported the idea of a separate vegetarian stall in the canteen as part of Sodexo. The idea of promoting veganism in school canteens is a highly controversial issue. There are many positive and negative effects that do occur with ‘vegan’ food - especially for a growing child. But speaking as a semi-vegan myself and for others as well, I feel that my daily meal options are very deprived. The current vegan options in the school canteen are not as specialised and are therefore lacking nutrients. While some view that vegan food in the school canteen do not show any type of demand, therefore is not likely to sell. I, however believe that addressing the demand for vegan food can be more likely to sell due to the large amount of vegans and semi - vegans on campus that currently bring a packed lunch.

I take position that the school canteen should provide an increased amount of vegetarian meal options as they are beneficial to the health and wellbeing of student and staff. There is no doubt that an increased amount of vegetarian options in the canteen can lead to many positive health benefits for both students and staff: such as an increase in energy, disease prevention, and fewer risks of obesity and strokes. However, it is likely that the demand for non - vegetarian options in the canteen is greater than the demand for vegetarian options. I find that currently, the only ‘semi’ vegetarian stall in the canteen is the salad bar and even then, this restricts some vegetarians from choosing this as their meal option - due to the lack of alternatives to animal meat. Presumably, an increased amount of vegan food options in the canteen can be beneficial to both vegans and non-vegans alike.

The first reason why vegan food positively benefits the human body is because it boosts one’s amount of energy - which is especially needed in a working and schooling environment.
Michael F. Roizen quotes that good nutrition generates more usable energy.
This shows that a balanced vegetarian diet is naturally free of cholesterol-laden, artery-clogging animal products that are physically slowing us down. An unbalanced diet with inaccurate nutrition keeps us hitting the snooze button morning after morning. Due to the fact that whole grains, fruits and vegetables are so high in complex carbohydrates: they supply the body with plenty of energizing fuel - which is more than what meat can offer. Eating meat causes the buildup of fat in your bloodstream - which means that arteries will not function as efficiently and your muscles will not receive enough oxygen. The result? You feel zapped. I believe that in a school environment where students and staff work endlessly to the point of exhaustion, every little bit of energy counts. Regaining and making up for some of that energy lost: be it from sleeping late, working long hours and undergoing crazy amounts of stress is crucial in order to keep moving forward throughout the day. Vegan food can help to rebuild that energy that is lost by boosting your body and mind with powerful greens.

However, protein is what supplies our body with the energy that it needs to move, breathe, and carry out its daily tasks. Without the adequate alternatives and balanced diet to match, the positive benefits that vegan food has on your body will be likely to deplete. Animal products, like meat - are readily available, cost effective and simple to prepare - unlike the time and effort that is needed to carry out a vegan dish.

From personal experience, eating a balanced vegetarian diet keeps me in a good mood and makes me feel energized and refreshed. Eating a salad for lunch doesn’t make me feel bloated or ‘too’ full: it provides a sufficient amount of nutrients for my body and leaves me ‘boosted’ - ready to conquer my day. However, when I choose to eat a meat dish for lunch, my body feels the exact opposite and doesn’t receive the benefits inside and out that it does compared to a vegan dish.

However, meat is sometimes the easiest option as there are often not many available specialised vegan options in the school canteen. I hate to say this, but ‘meat is sometimes the easiest way out.’

The second reason why vegan food positively benefits the human body is because it promotes longevity and is likewise a healthier option than most meats.
Michael F. Roizen quotes that If you switch from the standard American diet to a vegan diet, you can add about 13 healthy years to your life.
I believe that this is one of the main reasons why more and more people from all walks of life are accepting and promoting a ‘vegan’ way of modern living. This has even been proven by the residents of Okinawa, Japan - believed to have the longest life expectancies in the world. Their secret? A low-calorie diet of unrefined complex carbohydrates, fiber-rich fruits,vegetables, soy and a strictly no meat regime.

People who consume saturated, cholesterol laden, four-legged fat have a shorter lifespan than those who consume vegan food - which is full of fiber and antioxidant rich produce.
However, despite the potential health benefits of vegan food, these results are in no way automatic. They are possibly attainable when you opt for healthy foods, such as: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and seeds. Vegetarian diets that rely on refined grains, sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages and solid fats can be just as unhealthy as diets that include meat. Also, vegetarians have a high risk of nutrient deficiencies in minerals and vitamins such as: Vitamin B12, Protein, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Vitamin D and Riboflavin. In which can only be obtained through the consumption of animal meat, and play vital roles in the function of the human body. If a school canteen is not well educated and nutrient savvy whilst creating specialised vegan meal options, there can be many nutrient deficiencies and setbacks inflicted on students.

I do not believe in completely transforming the school canteen into a vegan paradise (although that would be marvellous). But as you can see, an increased amount of vegetarian dishes can have many positive impacts on a human’s body compared to the consumption of meat. A few more specialised vegetarian dishes incorporated into the school's lunch stalls and a wider variety for us, vegans and ‘semi’ vegans on campus can be life changing. While also promoting priceless health benefits that meat just cannot live up to.

The third reason why vegan food positively benefits the human body is because there are fewer liabilities of disease occurring.
The George Washington University School of Medicine states that an estimated 70% of all diseases, including 1/3 of all cancers, are related to diet.
Vegan food can help to prevent the onset of obesity, high cholesterol, strokes and diseases. However, I believe that this is also one’s own responsibility to ensure their meal option is balanced and nutritious. This can really mean the difference between receiving positive or negative benefits for your body based on what you choose to eat. The Standard American diet is high in saturated fats and processed foods, while lacking in plant based food and complex carbohydrates: causing obesity and killing us slowly. It has been known that most vegans display a certain characteristic. They are deliberate in their food choices, have strong willpower and are far less likely to binge eat or ‘eat their emotions’: two habits that greatly contribute to obesity. In which is not a bad characteristic to influence a schooling environment where childhood obesity is on the rise.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention quotes that 64% of adults and 15% of children aged 6 to 19 are overweight and are at risk of heart disease, strokes and diabetes.
However, the George Washington University School of Medicine has confirmed that vegetarian diets offer an important benefit for the management of diabetes and can even reduce the likelihood of development by one half. I believe that with diabetes on the rise amongst children and adolescents, it is of utmost importance that kids are trained to eat greens from a young age in order to prevent future heart diseases, strokes and diabetes.

Despite this, there are many difficulties that come with providing vegan meals in a school canteen. Meeting the school canteens requirements by incorporating a minimum amount of protein in vegan meal can seemingly prove to be a struggle. From personal experience, being a picky eater and attempting to devour vegan meals doesn’t help your body in any way. Stacking on those missing nutrients that the body really needs in order to function is essential.

Veganism in school canteens is no nuanced expression to the modern world as it is proven that nearly 5 million Americans, or more than 2% of the population follow some form of a vegan diet.
It is clear that vegan food can have both positive and negative impacts on a human’s health.
Sodexo should be attending to the wide range of student’s and staffs needs and while there is clearly a demand for more vegan options in the canteen - it wouldn’t hurt to try it out. Possibly, it may fall through or draw in more customers. It is clear that there is an abundance of options for students who are non - vegan. But what about those who are? Providing equal choice and opinion to students and staff is absolutely necessary. Raising awareness about veganism is a great way to allow non-vegans to realise how much good vegan food can do for your body. It has become increasingly mainstream as more and more people from all walks of life, young and old discover the benefits of living ‘green’. Not to mention - vegan food is absolutely delicious, grants a break from animal meat and allows a unique experience for meat lovers.

MLA Citations:

"9 Health Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet." Dr Groups Natural Health Organic Living Blog. N.p., 01 Mar. 2013. Web. 13 Mar. 2016.

"The Potential Health Risks of a Vegetarian Diet." EverydayHealth.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2016.

"Samsung Galaxy Blog." Samsung Galaxy Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2016.

"Veganise Your School Canteen in 5 Easy Steps | PETA UK." PETA UK Veganise Your School Canteen in 5 Easy Steps Comments. N.p., 03 Feb. 2015. Web. 13 Mar. 2016.

"Why Go Veg?" Vegetarian Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2016.

"Why Go Vegan?" The Vegan Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2016.