Going back to the origins of humankind, no civilization has collectively survived on a vegetarian diet. Do not misinterpret—I have no intentions of knocking vegetarianism, as I certainly respect the ethics of those who participate. However, it is my personal belief that an omnivorous diet is important for attaining optimal health. My reasons for this are both scientific and practical, and definitely not just because steak is delicious.
It is a fact that animal protein is the only source of complete protein, in that it contains all ten essential amino acids needed by the body to function properly, as well as some nonessential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be produced in the body, and therefore must be ingested through diet; the body can produce nonessential amino acids on its own, but only with adequate consumption of the essentials. All vegetable sources of protein are incomplete, meaning that they are either low in or lack altogether one or more of the essential amino acids. The body must ingest all essential amino acids in order to use any of them. Furthermore, animal fats are the only food source of vitamins A and D, which must be consumed together in order for protein to be assimilated within the body. In a vegetarian diet, it is not the actual amount of protein consumed that is problematic, but rather the contents of the protein source. Improper acid-alkaline balance (the body’s pH) results from inadequate protein sources, factoring in the necessity for the proper combination of vitamin, mineral, and fat content of these sources.
There is a reason that protein and fat occur together in animal products; protein cannot be used without fat, and this is how they are meant to be consumed. High-protein, low-fat diets lead to the depletion of vitamin A and D reserves, and consequently this deficiency contributes to the loss of myocardial muscles and coronary heart disease. It is both counterproductive and counterintuitive to consume low-fat animal products. Populations who regularly consume fatty meats and whole milk products have the greatest longevity (these populations also have little to no refined sugars, hydrogenated fats, or refined carbohydrates in the diet). Alternately, the vegetarian inhabitants of Southern India (one of the few strictly vegetarian populations) have the shortest life spans in the world.
Animal protein is also the body’s only usable source of vitamin B12, deficiencies resulting in anemia, impaired eyesight, and most significant a plethora of mental and emotional disorders. A study of inmates in a psychiatric ward revealed extremely low serum levels of vitamin B12. This deficiency was also found in many breast-fed infants of strict vegetarians…you do the math. Additionally, lack of animal fat in the diet is hugely responsible for reproductive ailments; 25%+ of American couples are infertile today. Animal products are the most abundant source of zinc, a mineral whose deficiency is on the rise and leads to decreased fertility, learning disabilities, and mental retardation.
It is imperative to mention that each individual body functions in a unique way, and there is no “right” way from one person to the next. In an ode to the other side, a vegetarian or vegan diet may be sustainable and beneficial to some. It is known that short-term vegetarianism is considered a cleansing and healing process, but prolonged commitment has negative effects on health more often than not. Simply put, these are the facts…take from them what you will!
XO,
E
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