Pros/cons of being vegetarian?

Question

I'm writing an essay about what I feel is RIGHT. But also I have to take consideration of the opposing side.

I'm for vegetarianism. So what are some good pro points and , cons. But I want the reader to understand why it's so good and right to be vegetarian.

Please, I'd like to leave out "because animals are being mutilated and murdered for no good reason.."

Thanks.

Answer 1

Pro - less likely to be constipated (a diet consisting of mainly plant matter means you are more likely to have a diet rich in fiber)

Con - higher liklihood of anemia (there are different types or iron, the one found in animal products is easier for the body to utilize, the type found in plants is not so readily absorbed)

Pro - You have excuses to turn down food you didn't like anyway. (There are a LOT of foods with "hidden" animal ingredients, gelatin is one of them, so is lard, and chicken stock is very popular for use in many soups.)

Con - You have to read the labels of most foods VERY carefully.

Pro - It can lead to better health as long as it is part of a general change toward a healthy lifestyle.

Con - It can ruin your health. (Some people just substitute cheese and eggs for meat, that's a LOT of fat and cholesterol, some people rely on carbs to feel full, that can make you FAT, and yes, I have seen and met FAT UNHEALTHY vegetarians.) The key is to change your dietary preferences, not just use soy and gluten substitutes for things you already eat. How much of a change is it when you still eat greasy french fries, a large sugary carbonated beverage, and a soy burger?

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Humans did not evolve to be "vegetarians." They are omnivores. Look at the dentition and the ancestors and the next of kin. Chimps are omnivores, chimps are evolutionarily speaking, the next of kin. Human ancestors were also omnivores, hunter gatherers. They ate roots, seeds, plants, AND animals. Body morphology also shows we are not meant to be herbivores. Herbivores have adaptations for processing cellulose, humans do not. Also it is quite common for herbivores to be adept at outrunning or hiding from predators. Humans are slow and obvious. At the same time, humans are not well adapted to being top predators, as such they are not meant to be carnivores. Humans are slower than most predatory animals and are very fragile and weak when compared to the top predators. Humans are meant to eat everything they can in order to survive. The proof is in the biology.

Answer 2

First of all, a basic vegetarian does not eat fish nor animal meat, but eats dairy and optionally eats eggs. Candy doesn't really fit into it unless it has gelatin in it, however it can improve your health to only eat candy on special occasions. Either you can begin to gradually remove meat products from your diet or you can simply stop eating it all together at once. If you already know how to cook then it can be much easier. If you don't then you might want to learn how to so that you can get the most out of meals. If you want to learn then watching a food channel is a good method, looking up recipes online, or even finding a cookbook. Pros: You will most likely be consuming less fats and more vegetables and fruits, which is incredibly great for your health. Despite the myth that vegetarians don't get enough protein, it is incredibly easy to fit protein into your diet. There are soy products, tofu, beans, and lentils. In fact, most people {that eat meat} eat too much protein, which is equally just as bad as not eating enough protein! In all honesty, I can't think of any major cons. It's great for your health, helps the environment, and also helps less animals get slaughtered after living in very poor conditions. Cons: Once in a while you might or might not crave or miss a meat product, but it's okay to just not even think about it because the fat in meat as well as the hormones that animals are fed can make meat itself addictive.

Answer 3

Well, if you're an animal lover, you benefit from a clear conscience. You're also avoiding all the additives, steriods, and God only knows what else that gets pumpued into those animals before they're slaughtered.

On the down side, you may very well end up missing meat A LOT. And supplementing your diet with the appropriate proteins will become a real priority.

Answer 4

Unfortuantely, besides the religious and animal cruelty aspects, there is not much benefit of being a vegetarian. Our species evolved into omniviors because our environment provided us the resources we need to survive through animals and plants. There are a lot of nutrients that come from meat that are hard to find in the plant world.
However, I suppose one arguement could be that it is possible to get all those nurtients by other plant means. A can of peanuts can provide the same amount of protein as a chicken breast.
But, biologically speaking, there is no actual benefit of being a vegetarian (if you remove religious reasons, animal cruelty and the few who just don't like the taste of meat). "Survival of the fitest" wise, to be the best survivors in our environment, a vegetarian would lose. (same as a meat-only person would lose). We evolved as omnivoirs and are designed to fuction that way.
Vegetarianism is just all personal preference.

Answer 5

I believe this to be a personal issue and either way, you must adapt your eating habits to incorporate all essential nutrients and vitamins in the course of a day...the only pro or con would be on your decision on what you want or have to to.

Answer 6

pros- you can try new foods and havea closer to understanding your bodies need.

cons. finding organic foods can be costly and there are some vitamins that are easier to get with meat. Meat and animal products that are organic and free range tastes way better and cause the animals less suffering.

Answer 7

Pro- Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, reduces chances of heart disease and obesity, high in antioxidants, proven effective in the prevention of several types of cancer including colon cancer. It also allows your body to properly digest food unlike meat which takes several days to digest and creates a barier between the digestive linning and the food being digested.

Cons- constantly scrutinized and harassed, limited or no support from particular restaurants, friends, and family, and more limited option when dinning out.

Answer 8

people who eat a vegetarian diet are usually thinner and healthier than meat eaters. (assuming they eat enough protein and other nutrients.) the main drawback that I can tell is that it's harder to find vegetarian dishes in restaurants. it is getting better, but still there isn't a variety available. also, buying vegetarian foods in a regular supermarket or health food store can get very expensive.

Answer 9

There are studies that show it's the diet we were really meant to have. (You'll have to look it up in the library to get the sources)

Practically speaking, it has to be managed to make sure you get enough protein. Except for having to pay attention to what you eat, it's good for you all around.
.

Answer 10

pros are we live longer and happier... the cons are the trolls out there who think we drool over the crap.

i gave my answer out to someone who wanted to start a fight...

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070926105134AA4sO3W&r=w#HMxLOGu.UHkTQCw3T2D0

it may be removed.. but this is my aesthetic about it... not a dissertation that would get me a doctorates.. but this is how i feel.