Vegetarian option means much healthier lives
Once again the subject of vegetarianism arouses anger ("I'm sick of being preached at", Mailbox June 1).
John Wood asks why vegetarians and vegans need to belong to a group. Why do people belong to any group or society? He says he is "proud" to be a meat-eater. What is there to be proud of? Is meat-eating an achievement?
As for the regulation of slaughter houses by the Government being a guarantee that improprieties are soon spotted – we all trust the Government implicitly not to allow improprieties don't we?
I have read numerous books and research papers about health and nutrition by eminent scientists, doctors and health organisations. All agree that a plant-based diet is beneficial to health and that we should at least reduce our consumption of meat and dairy products.
William C Roberts, MD, editor of the American Journal of Cardiology tells us: "Although we think we are one, and act as if we are one, human beings are not natural carnivores. When we kill animals to eat theme, they end up killing us."
So, Mr Wood, enjoy your "juicy, rare to medium steak" while we veggies enjoy our much healthier lives!
Elizabeth Allison, Aylestone.
Comments
by John Wood, Leicester
Monday, June 08 2009, 12:03PM
“Well Elizabeth I certainly seem to have annoyed some people but that wasn't my intention. As you may have seen there was a reply to my letter, from a lady called Amy, published last week. I have already emailed the paper about that one but I'll reply to you on-line. Of course I'm aware of the shortcomings of our Government regarding any matter let alone abattoirs but my letter wasn't one of anger as you put it but more because I'm fed up with the petty arguments that this topic invokes and your letter is yet another example, attacking and agressive. So, Elizabeth, please don't quote so called expert opinions becaused for every person who produces evidence in favour of not eating meat there will be another saying that it's OK healthwise. In the same way we have been brainwashed into the great global warming circus, some experts agree and other, equally eminent experts, disagree. You pays your money and you takes your choice. Even your final comment has the little twist of the knife at the end suggesting that your lifestyle is healthier than mine when the only thing you know for certain about me is that I eat meat!!”