Comments on: Shattering the Meat Myth

By: perplexed paul

perplexed paul — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:11:28 +0000

Speaking of Vitamin B12, how does that figure into Kathy Freston’s argument? We may not have the proper canines, claws, or intestinal tract for eating and digesting meat but our brains, nervous systems, and red blood cells are dependent upon B12 which cannot be provided by plants. Seems to point toward an omnivorous path or at least a plant-based one with the addition of a few eggs per week. Yet, what are eggs but undeveloped flesh?

By: mj

mj — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:07:14 +0000

Interesting post. While no one will ever know what the cause(s) really were for our increasing brain size (likely nutritional, social, and other combinations of factors), it’s important to realize that caloric and fat intake were likely the most important. Of course consuming animal products provided both of these elements, however in today’s society, both adequate calories and essential fatty acids are easily obtained through vegetable sources. Vegetable sources are also better for the environment, other aspects of health (ie: less inflammatory, better source of most minerals, etc.) and better for the animals.

There’s not really enough research to say that “Eating an all vegan diet is not healthy and you will be vitamin deficient without supplementation.”, Sarah. Not to mention, you could argue the same point for other types of diet since vitamin D is virtually only obtainable through sunlight, and dietary sources (even many supplemental forms) have nearly no impact on blood levels.

As a naturopath I am constantly telling my patients to adopt a “more-vegan” lifestyle, however I eat vegan myself. I don’t supplement with B12, and only supplement with vit D during winter months (the “missing” vitamins you speak of). There are many “bacterial” sources of vitamin B12, and for this reaosn I encourage people to consume more sea algae/microalgae.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 05:53:25 +0000

Some of this article is true, however, you cannot say that humans were meant to eat vegan because all vegans need dietary supplements to get all the needed nutrients. Eating an all vegan diet is not healthy and you will be vitamin deficient without supplementation.

By: Liz

Liz — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 06:28:57 +0000

Well said, Chuck. I agree and feel the exact same way!!

By: Chuck

Chuck — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:46:20 +0000

You make some very good points. I’ve eaten Vegan before but I found it difficult to feel properly energized and recovered for my activity level. (adventure racing, crossfit, endless rec sports, climbing, etc.) I’ve been on the Paleo diet (lean grass fed meats, wild fish, poultry, fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds) for about 8 months and have experienced some great results. But this is just me and my experiences and by no means am I implying the Paleo diet is superior to a Vegan diet, I’m very open minded and you make some very interesting and valid points. It’s a little confusing for someone as open minded as I am because for every good argument you make for the Vegan diet, the Paleo pundits say the “top nutritional and anthropological scientists from the most reputable institutions imaginable say categorically that humans” should be on a Paleo diet. I guess I just wish all of these people would get together and tell us who the heck is right but I doubt we will ever know before we become some other organisms food. :)

By: Andres

Andres — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:43:44 +0000

It’s important to remember the idea of bio-individuality, that not one diet fits all. This is an approach seen in Ayurvedic Medicine. Some people thrive as vegans, whereas others do better including animal protein in their diets. One important thing to consider is the sourcing of one’s food. If you put an Eskimo in the Arctic on a vegan diet, he’ll freeze to death. If a sendentary office worker in Washington DC eats meat 3 times a day he’ll also come to a quick death. At least quicker than the average person on a more varied diet.

By: Greg

Greg — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:04:40 +0000

Ok Andrea, you eat nothing but bacon and I’ll eat nothing but vegetables, and we’ll see who is healthier in a few weeks.

By: Andreas Duess

Andreas Duess — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:38:42 +0000

Unfortunately there are a number of generalizations in that article which take away from its authority.

Bacon fat, for example, is at least 45% monounsaturated, the good-for-you fat that can help lower bad cholesterol levels. Better still, bacon’s monounsaturated fat turns out to be oleic acid, the same fat found in olive oil.

There are many problems with overeating, and overeating meat in particular, but the meat = evil comparison does not hold water.

By: OrganiKooK

OrganiKooK — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:08:40 +0000

Very well stated. If the people who think they can’t give up meat would rise to the challenge of following a vegan diet, they would find themselves feeling lighter, physically and spiritually. Change, even if for the better, can be difficult for many. I find it a delicious adventure!!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:25:21 +0000

Thanks for this simple and clear distillation of the meat myth. I can attest that, as a cancer survivor who is wending her way toward vegan-osity, I definitely feel more energized and ache-free on the days following meatless days.