I am not against eating meat, just most of it. It’s
not uncommon for people to say to me “I am sorry about the vegetarian thing” or just give me the look of pity. Part of me wants to say back to these people “I am sorry about the antibiotic-filled, hormone-filled, toxic factory farmed animal products you eat regularly.” Actually, I might start saying that back those people. It would be a great conversation starter.
I choose not to eat meat primarily for health reasons, but I am also against factory farming as the conditions… oh, this is topic I don’t care to discuss right now as I might get sick. I encourage you to do some research to educate yourself.
Not only is factory farming destroying our planet, but the lives of humans as well. This includes your friends and family members. I am glad to see my parents begin reduce their meat intake starting with eliminating pork and shellfish. They still eat chicken and beef, but not nearly as often. They are also choosing better selections by opting for a higher quality product. The end result is this may end up saving their life. Why you ask?
People are well aware of the overuse of antibiotics in the medical industry, but what people are unaware of is the overuse in the agricultural industry. The practice of loading up animals with antibiotics causes new strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. What does this mean for you? It means the more factory farmed meat you eat the more resistant to antibiotics your body becomes.
I’ve known friends and family members, young and old, to be admitted into hospitals for injuries or routine procedures to end up with an infection. Ever hear of Staph? It is all too common now, and even harder to treat. And the cause unfortunately is man-made.
Who would have a better chance of survival if he/she contracted an MRSA staph infection?
A. The vegetarian/vegan
B. The consumer of grass-fed, organic animal products
C. The consumer of factory-farmed animal products
I believe A & B would have an equal chance, of course overall health plays a factor in survival. It is estimated that 18,600 deaths in 2005 in the USA alone may have been prevented if those people chose wisely on the food they consumed. Not to mention the suffering of those who survived.
Bottom line here is food plays a HUGE role in quality of life. Choose your meats wisely. Personally I choose not eat animals except fish occasionally. I may reconsider it in the future if I am aware of how the food was raised and the process of how it came to be on my plate. For now I am happy with my diet.
Factory farmed meat comes with dozens of other consequences such as poor intestinal health, weight gain, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and cancer. Is all of this worth the price of a cheaper meat product? What would you rather pay for: High quality food or Medical bills?
It’s a simple question, but in reality people are too concerned with the immediate cost rather then the long term cost and detrimental health effects. I’ve heard people say “I’ll worry about that later in life,” “I’ll take care of myself when I get older,” “I can’t afford healthy food.” “I don’t care if I eat crap, it tastes so good!”
It makes me a bit sad, but I feel if these people were better educated they would change their ways.
Next Topic: Why eating healthier actually costs less!