Vegetarian for the right reasons
By Ted Trevorrow
Issue date: 4/7/08 Section: Op-Ed
This belief is proven wrong on almost every level by scientific evidence and common sense. People have been eating meat for thousands of years and these South American villages are carrying on long-standing practices of farming and eating meat. Humans, like many of our primate relatives, are omnivores. We eat both meat and plants. We can digest and utilize either effectively in a healthy diet. A balance between different foods leads to the healthiest diet. Some of the very studies PETA cherry-picks to quote from back this up.
PETA quotes the American Dietetic Association, saying, "Vegetarians have a reduced risk of obesity, heart disease and various types of cancer. Considering the proven health benefits of a vegetarian diet, there's no excuse for eating meat."
This is weird considering the American Dietetic Association has recently touted the huge benefits of a diet heavy in fish and Omega-3 fatty acids. They cite a study, which noted lower coronary disease in the Eskimo population. They cite that the lowered risk of this disease "was related to their dietary habits, particularly the consumption of fish oils and high intake of omega-3 fatty acids." What PETA seems to be unwilling to concede is that there are proven health benefits to humans who eat meat.
The point is whether you choose to eat meat or avoid it all together; it is up to you. Do not let someone else's bias decide what you eat. When reading propaganda, stop and think about what they are saying and if it makes sense. PETA has lead some great campaigns to reform the way people feel about animal cruelty and they deserve great praise for their efforts. That being said, they should not cross into the realm of radical extremist groups that will say anything to try to convince people of their stance.
Ted Trevorrow is a third-year student majoring in English. He can be reached at ET666499@wcupa.edu.
PETA quotes the American Dietetic Association, saying, "Vegetarians have a reduced risk of obesity, heart disease and various types of cancer. Considering the proven health benefits of a vegetarian diet, there's no excuse for eating meat."
This is weird considering the American Dietetic Association has recently touted the huge benefits of a diet heavy in fish and Omega-3 fatty acids. They cite a study, which noted lower coronary disease in the Eskimo population. They cite that the lowered risk of this disease "was related to their dietary habits, particularly the consumption of fish oils and high intake of omega-3 fatty acids." What PETA seems to be unwilling to concede is that there are proven health benefits to humans who eat meat.
The point is whether you choose to eat meat or avoid it all together; it is up to you. Do not let someone else's bias decide what you eat. When reading propaganda, stop and think about what they are saying and if it makes sense. PETA has lead some great campaigns to reform the way people feel about animal cruelty and they deserve great praise for their efforts. That being said, they should not cross into the realm of radical extremist groups that will say anything to try to convince people of their stance.
Ted Trevorrow is a third-year student majoring in English. He can be reached at ET666499@wcupa.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
cyberbrook
posted 4/08/08 @ 12:37 PM EST
While it's good that this vital issue of meat and the environment gets raised, there are various factual and logical errors in this article. For the truth about meat and the environment, as well as information on vegetarianism, please visit Eco-Eating at www. (Continued…)
Maureen Woodham
posted 4/08/08 @ 4:44 PM EST
Interesting article. You did not mention all the terrible suffering that animals endure before being killed. My family and I are vegan first of all because we respect all creatures on the planet amd secondly because it is better for our health and the health of the planet. (Continued…)
Scott Lahteine
posted 4/09/08 @ 2:50 AM EST
Lazy writing, not the sharpest crayon in the box.
Humans can eat meat, they can eat fish, but the real point is, they don't have to if they don't want to, and many of us don't want to. (Continued…)
David Goldbeck
posted 4/10/08 @ 2:37 PM EST
Please take a look at our "21 Reasons to Eat Like A Vegetarian" on HealthyHighawys.com
BS
posted 4/22/08 @ 7:40 PM EST
You do not have any proof of what you are saying. Why should people believe you! At least Peta have statistics and they know what they are talking about. (Continued…)
darkest-X-destiny
Kitty
posted 6/04/08 @ 5:28 AM EST
there is terrible pain and suffering to some of these animals that we take for granted, animals are meant to be eaten by other animals and it just so happens that we are on top of the food chain. (Continued…)
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