Becoming Vegetarian: World Hunger and Scarcity of Food

World Hunger

Statistics up front this time: 850 million people suffer from hunger every year, and almost 9 million die as a result. Nonetheless, we feed 72% of all the grain grown to livestock. And to meet the meat demands of first world citizens, much of Central and South America’s agricultural lands are used as pastures for raising beef that subsequently is exported to richer nations.

I admit that “world hunger” sounds like an overly altruistic, idealistic reason to be a vegetarian. I mean, does one less meat-eating American really make that much of a difference? Doesn’t becoming vegetarian for this reason just make me someone who likes to feel morally superior to others? Perhaps. But I think each of us can make a difference, no matter how small. And it also provides the opportunity to bring attention to this underreported – but extremely serious – world problem, which illuminates the consequences of irresponsible use of the Earth’s resources.

Health

Diets high in saturated fats and cholesterol (aka red meat) have been linked to heart disease, cancer, and strokes. In addition, it is a common myth that meat is necessary to meet our protein needs, while in fact, the average American gets almost twice the amount of protein they need. This high intake of protein can actually cause health problems, rather than advert them, and has been linked to osteoporosis, kidney disease, calcium stones in the urinary tract, and some cancers.

Another vegetarian health concern I often heard cited is a possible iron deficiency. But per ounce, there is more iron in spinach than in meat. Popeye was on to something!

In addition to these health problems inherent to a meat-filled diet, modern animal agriculture implicates other concerns as well. Most factory farms use antibiotics, hormones, and other drugs, that may be contributing to our antibiotic-resistance and other problems. And every year in the U.S., contaminated chicken kills at least 1000 people and causes 80 million others to become ill.

As I wrote in my introduction, I grew up in a house where meals revolved around meat. Since leaving that house and going out on my own, many of my meals consisted only of meat and a starch. When I cut meat out, I realized I had nothing to eat – well, nothing nutritious anyway. Over the past couple of months, I have drastically altered my diet, and not just because I took out meat, but because I have added in many more vegetables, fruits, and legumes. So personally, I feel becoming vegetarian has made me much healthier. And not to worry, I’m supplementing with vitamins as well.

Tune in two weeks from now when we wrap this up with a look at issues of animal rights.

Previously:

Becoming Vegetarian: An Overview

Becoming Vegetarian: The Environment

About the Author:

Jessica Shurson Banti is an attorney in Memphis, Tennessee. She likes to spend time with family and friends in addition to cooking, sewing, reading, and practicing yoga. She blogs regularly at letlightbe.blogspot.com.