3 Main Reasons To Give Up Meat

Next, week 16-22 May, we're celebrating the annual Vegetarian Week. If you're still wondering if it's worth it to give up meat, here are the three main reasons to help you make the right decision of reducing the meat intake in your daily meals and instead start eating more plant-based foods. 

1. For Health

Meat consumption increases the risk of severe illnesses, including diabetes, pneumonia, and heart disease. Meat and animal fat are also responsible for the high level of cholesterol. 

Plant-based food is much healthier. Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins. Beans and legumes contain more calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, minerals and antioxidants. Digesting meat is much harder than digesting plant-based food, so you will have a healthier digestion system and a happier gut when following a more plant-based diet. You will also have more energy and feel fuller and more hydrated when eating more plants.

2. For The Environment

Livestock farming is responsible for deforestation, water pollution and greenhouse emissions. It causes major land waste (grazing) and deforestation in the world. Nearly 90% of all of the Amazon area cleared since 1970 has been used for livestock farming. The waste from livestock farming is the main cause of pollution of water systems - the rivers and lakes. Estimated, 23% of all our freshwater is used for livestock. Around 15,000 litres of water are used to produce just 1 kg of beef, which is 5 to 40 times more water compared to 1 kg of grains which could, by the way, feed the human population. 

Animal farming and meat production are one of the main reasons for global warming. Livestock and meat production are significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions (contributing up to 14.5% of total greenhouse emissions around the world). 

3. For The Animals 

Reducing meat and dairy consumption are one of the best things you can do to stop animal cruelty. Think of every animal life you spare when you decide to swap your meat for a plant-based option. 

Livestock farming is also negatively affecting the planet's wildlife and biodiversity. Nearly half (45%) of all food production land is occupied by animal farming which kills wildlife to make space for grazing.