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Vegetarianism Part 2

November 30, 2008

All moral issues aside (though I would argue that vegetarianism is more wrong than non-vegetarianism) vegetarianism is not the most healthful way of eating.  A while ago, I entered into a long discussion about diet with a vegan CrossFitter.  I gave his ideas some thought and research and I’ll have to give a paleo rebuttal of his arguments.  Needless to say I still don’t believe that vegetarianism is healthful eating.  I’d be on board, since it is far and away cheaper than paleo eating.

There are three main reasons to avoid vegetarianism:

1) High carbohydrate, low protein content.
2) A gross imbalance of omega-6 to omega-3 fats.
3) Anti-nutrients.

These three factors are highly correlated–and very probably causally so–with metabolic derangement, inflammation, and possibly auto-immune disorders.  A diet defined by those characteristics is also in direct opposition to our genetic heritage and will quickly lead to low muscle mass, low bone density, and generally lessened health.

And the fourth reason:  We evolved and sustained ourselves for millions of years eating “meat, vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and no sugar.”  Have you ever wondered why, if we supposedly evolved as herbivores, people keep on finding all those arrow heads and dead mammoths covered in spear holes; or why a host of big game went extinct precisely after the arrival of humans; or why the vegetarian diet is possible only with agriculture, and modern transportation–relatively new occurrences?  I doubt it is a conspiracy by cattle ranchers.  At some point, the cognitive dissonance has to wear off.  Eating vegetarian is analogous to feeding cows steak–it doesn’t make sense.  Cows eat grass, we eat cows.  We don’t eat grass.  Its the circle of life.

Personally, I think vegetarianism is the dietary compliment to the German-Anglo-Saxon, Protestant Work Ethic and the idea that benefits only follow long hours of toil and suffering.  Marathons also belong in that group, along with auto-flagellation.

Vegetarians and vegans constantly point to studies that show that vegetarian diets are healthy.  Well, those diets are healthy compared with the standard American diet of ice cream, cheese burgers and PB and J.  Almost anything is better than that.  Calorie for calorie, meat, fruit, vegetables, and nuts have more nutrients than grains and legumes with fewer calories and less sugar.

Don’t believe me?  Check for yourself.

Eat a diet in-line with your genetic make-up and you’ll feel well and be healthy.  Stray from that path and pay the price sooner or later.

As always, whether you do or don’t agree, please comment.
-Nick