Vegetarians have been shown to lead healthier lives than their meat eating cousins. Many diseases are caused by the toxins present in meat, among them cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis. This article looks at the evidence.
One of the reasons for disease is best explained by David Steinman, a well known consumer health advocate and environmentalist in his book, Diet for a Poisoned Planet. He reports that 95 to 99 percent of the poisonous chemicals in food come from meat, fish, dairy, and eggs.
Diseases from Animal Products
In the best-selling book Fit for Life 2, authors Harvey and Marilyn Diamond say that if it weren't for animal products, people wouldn't know about the existence of arthritis, high blood cholesterol or osteoporosis.
Albert Levie in The Meat Handbook says that over 70 animal diseases can be transmitted to humans through meat eating.
Richard Lacey in his book, The History of Mad Cow Disease, writes that those who eat beef regularly are 13 times more likely to die of CJD. He reveals that the cows infected by BSE were fed on animal protein.
The evidence for the link between the consumption of animal products and diseases such as cancer and diabetes can be found in numerous scientific publications. Here are some of the ill effects:
- Suppression of immune system and damage to formation of memory and ability to learn
- Rheumatic diseases through the ingestion of arachidonic acid in sausages, fish and meat
- Osteoporotic fractures due to sulfurous amino acids which can cause demineralization of bones
- Tumours due to the increased concentrations of an insulin-like growth factor
- Diabetes Milletus through the intake of meat and sausages. Fatty acids promotes insulin resistance
Adrenaline in Meat and Fish
Dr Robert Morse, an accredited Naturopathic physician, a biochemist and iridologist, in his book, The Detox Miracle Sourcebook, reveals that the adrenaline pumped out of the adrenal glands of frightened dying animals is the substance that makes meat eaters feel energetic. However, the accumulation of adrenaline over years of meat and fish eating causes the adrenal glands to become weak. Results include:
- low blood pressure
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol levels
In addition, the children and grand children of these meat eaters may suffer from neurological weaknesses such as
- Multiple sclerosis
- Addison's Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
Are Free Range Chickens Safe to Eat?
People are talking about "free range chickens" which they believe are not pumped with hormones and chemicals and are therefore safe to eat. But this is not necessarily true. Those who eat a lot of meat are not aware that the adrenaline hormone released at the moment of death can cause serious health problems for them.
Farm Raised Animals Poisoned Slowly
Harvey and Marilyn Diamond in Fit for Life -2, claim that among other dangerous chemicals, animals meant for the slaughterhouse are given radioactive nuclear waste and sewage-sludge pellets.
Roshi Philip Kapleau's book A Buddhist Case for Vegetarianism, says that before slaughter, animals are injected with an anesthetic to retain the redness of the flesh. Afterwards, sodium nitrite is used to preserve luncheon and sandwich meats. The chemical is known to form cancer-producing nitrosamines and to "deprive the hemoglobin of its oxygen-carrying properties".
In an article for Discovery News Nitrites in Meats Fingered in Rise of Diseases, Emily Sohn writes: "Nitrites are already known to cause cancer. A new study suggests that low doses of these chemicals can also have serious effects on the brain, that certain age-related diseases are caused by more than just aging, and that there might be simple things people can do to help prevent them."
The Alternative – In Vitro Meat
For those who just must have their meat, but want to ensure it's completely safe to eat, there's hope. Research scientist Jason Matheny claims that animal protein made in laboratories should be available in a decade.
In an interview with CNN, Matheny said: "We could reduce the risks of diseases like swine flu, avian flu, 'mad cow disease', or contamination from Salmonella. We could produce meat in sterile conditions that are impossible in conventional animal farms and slaughterhouses."
An Urgent Call for Vegetarianism
There is plenty of scientific evidence to support the cause of vegetarianism, and alert non vegetarians to the grave health risks from animal products. Many Buddhist practitioners believe that diseases like 'Mad Cow Disease' are an urgent call for vegetarianism. A message from the universe that cannot be ignored.
You may like Vegetarian Recipe - Spinach Yogurt Salad , Moral Dangers of Eating Meat - A Buddhist View and
Vegetarianism and its Effects on the Psyche.
Sources:
- Nitrites in Meats Fingered in Rise of Diseases –Emily Sohn, Discovery News, July 15, 2009
- Scientific Publications
- What's in a (Meat) Label - Suite101.com
- Fit for Life – Harvey and Marilyn Diamond by Bantam Books 1985
- Fit for Life –2 Harvey and Marilyn Diamond by Bantam Books 1988
- The Detox Miracle Sourcebook by Dr. Robert Morse published by Hohm Pr. 2004
- The Meat Handbook –Albert Levie published by Avi Publishing Co. 1963
- Mad Cow Disease: The History of BSE in Britain –Richard W. Lacey published by Cypsela Pub. Ltd. 1994
- Diet for a Poisoned Planet - David Steinman published by Crown Pub 1990
- A Buddhist Case for Vegetarianism – Roshi Phillip Kapleau published by Rider & Company 1983
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