In recent years, there has been more publicity regarding the value of
veganism. On the surface, it looks like a more healthy and ethical way of eating. What does science have to say?
You may be surprised, but an
omnivorous diet is clearly healthier, especially if minimally processed meats are consumed (
1), (
2). In fact, a meatless diet may even effect the human genome negatively (
3).
Even in the US, 1/6 of people are "food insecure" (
4). It is not realistic to expect a vegan diet to meet all of the nutrition needs of these, or other poor and malnourished people in the world.
While factory farming has its horrors, many organizations are working to improve conditions to make them more humane (
5), (
6), (
7), (
8), (
9), (
10). The environment and animals are also negatively effected by growing fruits and vegetables (5).
"Free Range" is talked about as an improvement in humane treatment, but it also has its problems (
11), (
12).
I end with two links arguing for meat eating being ethical (
13), (
14).
Your call on the value of the above information. I am not preaching in favor of vegan vs omnivor. This is just an attempt to provide some evidence addressing this controversial topic.
