Should People Become Vegetarian - Assignment Example

Should People become Vegetarian? Introduction Vegetarianism is one of the controversial issues that have sparked public interest. Proponents argue that vegetarianism is imperative to human beings because it helps in protecting the environment and reducing ailments such as obesity and heart attacks. Other proponents allege that consuming meat causes deforestation and leads to pollution, claiming that killing of animals is unethical and cruel. On the other hand, critics contend that consumption of meat is humane and healthy and the production of vegetables could equally cause similar environmental problems caused by the production of meat. They also argue that non-vegetarianism is a step backward and human beings have eaten and enjoyed meat for more than 2.3 million years; hence, if it was as immoral as perceived by the vegetarians, people would not be eating it (Joyce 1). Therefore, this discourse argues for non-vegetarianism, arguing that people should not become vegetarians. On the same note, reasons given by proponents of vegetarianism will be counteracted by opposing arguments. Discussion It is the disputation of this article that people should not become vegetarians because of the numerous benefits that come with consumption of meat. ‘Satisfying as vegetarian bacon’ and ‘I will make you as happy as a hot dog at a vegetarian barbecue’ are common phrases used, which are rather contradictory, considering that vegetarians do not eat bacons or hot dogs. In that case, it is obvious that most people agree that eating of meat is satisfying and should be permitted. Proponents of vegetarianism argue that the notion that the Americans need meat in order to get nutrition is a mere lie and nothing can justify the reason why animals should be slaughtered. However, this is unsound and reckless argument that should not be taken into consideration. Researchers argue that meat is good for one’s eyes, hair, and skin. Scholars also argue that iron is one of the most imperative elements; thus, those that have a deficiency tend to feel dizzy, drowsy, and tired often. Additionally, lack of iron causes diseases such as anemia and can result to loss of hair. Research shows that the number of people suffering from anemia is higher among the vegetarians. In that case, the non-vegetarians are at an advantage because by consuming meat, they get iron, potassium, selenium, and zinc, which are all essential in ensuring health. On the other hand, most of the vegetarians end up having skin rashes, pale skin, suffering from insomnia, and have a prolonged healing period because their immune system is weak. On the same note, vegetarians lack vitamin B, which is essential in enhancing the functioning of the liver as well as the nervous system. For that reason, vegetarianism is not a good option as it affects people’s health negatively because of lack of essential nutrients. It is also to be found out that most of the food that vegetarians consume is not easily accessible in most nations, such as Bangkok; hence, this is a major concern for people who might opt to go the vegetarian way (Jamieson 13). Moreover, proponents argue that animals slaughtered are sentient beings that have both social and emotional connections. They go ahead to assert that pigs, cattle, and chickens experience pain, fear, and stress; therefore, should not be killed to satisfy one’s superfluous dietary preference. Though this point is rational to some extent, it is rather biased as it is one- sided. This is because vegetarians often elevate the value of the animal over the life of a plant. However, research reveals that plants also respond electrochemically to external threats and might also feel fear. In that case, if people were to argue on the basis of the sanctity of life, vegetarians are equally immoral as they cause harm every time they destroy or kill a plant for consumption purposes. It is to be understood that every organism either ends up dying or is killed at some point in life to give room for others to live; hence, there is nothing wrong with such cycle. Similarly, if human beings fail to kill and eat animals, their population will continue to heighten to a point whereby people cannot control them. In that case, if all people were to be vegetarians, there would not be enough food to support the world’s increasing population, since vegetables do not grow as fast as animals reproduce. On the same note, if human beings ate all the plants, where would animals get their food? It is obvious they would end up dying of hunger as herbivores would not have plants to eat and the carnivores would not have food to eat as well. Consequently, this would end up damaging the ecosystem, making it unstable, following problems emanating from survival. For that reason, if all people were to be vegetarians, there would be more problems than solutions (Jamieson 23). Additionally, proponents of vegetarianism argue that eating meat harms water resources, creates pollution, deforestation, and causes environmental challenges. However, this is rather an unfounded assertion because in 2001, approximately 95% of all animal products that were consumed in America were produced in the US. Despite the increased consumption of around 27 billion pounds of beef annually, the forested American land remained steady at approximately 33% since the year 1907 (US Department of Agriculture 1). Similarly, a report from the Wildlife Fund noted that proteins eaten by vegetarians such as tofu, contributed highly to emission of greenhouse gas as compared to eating local meat (World Wildlife Fund 1). In addition, research shows that livestock production causes serious environmental problems including global warming, water pollution, and land degradation, among others. In that case, there is a need to continue slaughtering animals to reduce the environmental challenges that come with it (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 1). For that reason, it should be noted that though animals tend to destroy the environment, production of vegetables is equally detrimental due to pesticides as well as other chemicals that are used. Most people choose to go the vegetarian way because of their personal religion and culture. For instance, Taoists believe that an individual can end up being reincarnated as an animal; hence, abstains from meat assuming that consuming it is the same as eating a person. Similarly, in Hinduism, people believe that every living being is sacred; hence, should not be eaten (Allen and Rentice 156-157). In contrast, it is unreasonable for one to emulate other people on their basis of culture since everyone has their personal beliefs that are different from the other. Matters of religion should not be used as a basis to persuade people to abstain from meat, since everyone has a right to make their personal decisions and interpret the bible as they deem necessary based on their level of intellectualness. For instance, if Christians were to follow the Taoist way of believing that they would reincarnate as animals if they ate meat, then it would go contrary to the biblical teachings because there is nowhere in the bible where people are advised not to eat meat . Therefore, people should desist from vegetarianism on the basis of their culture and religion and learn to use logic instead. Moreover, vegetarians argue that consumption of meat causes obesity. This is an immature rationale because eating meat does not necessarily mean it should be taken daily and in large quantities. There is no evidence showing that moderate eating of red meat causes negative effects (Wyness 34-35). On the same note, there are children who are born obese. Does this mean that they were eating meat before they were born? Obesity can also be hereditary; hence it is irrational to assert that meat causes obesity. It is to be understood that every meal when taken inappropriately can cause health problems, including vegetables that are often preferred by the vegetarians. In fact, lack of meat can cause malnourishment and underweight; hence meat is good for the stomach. Subsequently, alleging that meat causes obesity is a biased statement. Does it mean that other diseases such as anemia that are caused by lack of iron found in meat are better than obesity? It is time that people focused on eating healthy meals at the right quantity and pace and not use myths as a basis of their justification. Conclusion In conclusion, it is obvious that non-vegetarianism is better as compared to vegetarianism, since it has more benefits. Meat contains plenty of nutrients, it is easily accessible globally unlike the vegetarian meal, helps in stabilizing the ecological system, and reduces risks of getting diseases such as anemia. Obviously, vegetarianism has more cons; therefore, should not be advocated for and there should be a balance of both meat and vegetables. Works Cited Allen, Lindsay and Prentice, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition 3E. New York: Academic Press, 2012. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Livestock Impacts on the Environment, 2006. Web. 10th June 2013 Jamieson, Alexandra. Living Vegan for Dummies. California: John Wiley & Sons, 2009 Joyce, Christopher. Food for Thought: Meat Based Diet Made us Smarter, 2010. Web.10th June 2013 http://www.npr.org/2010/08/02/128849908/food-for-thought-meat-based-diet-made-us-smarter US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Forest Inventory and Analysis National Program, 2013. Web. 1oth June 2013 < http://www.fia.fs.fed.us/> Wyness, Laura. Red Meat in the Diet: an Update. Nutrition Bulletin 36.1 (2011): 34-77. World Wildlife Fund. How Low can we go? 2010. Web. 10th June 2013 < http://www.fcrn.org.uk/fcrn/publications/how-low-can-we-go> Read More