There is a common misconception that humans require nutrients from animal products to sustain our health. One of the major myths is that we need protein from meat. However,
all protein is originally made by plants (What the Health). Some of the strongest mammals on earth like elephants, rhinos, and bison, are herbivores. Furthermore, the average
American adult gets about twice the amount of necessary protein and only about 15 grams of fiber per day. The average woman’s recommended intake is 25 grams of fiber per day,
and 38 grams per day for men(Greger). The foods with the most fiber are plant based (How Much Fiber Is Found in Common Foods). As for vitamin b12 and calcium, there are plenty
of plant based foods, fortified, non dairy milks and other supplements and alternatives that provide necessary nutrients. There is nothing in animal products that cannot be
replaced by a plant based and fortified alternatives (What the Health). Not only are animal products not necessary to maintain our health, but they also pose countless health risks.
Some of the deadliest diseases are influenced by diet and lifestyle. The World Health Organization classified processed meat as a Class One carcinogen alongside tobacco smoking and
asbestos (IARC Monographs). Cancer has the second highest mortality rate in the United States (Cancer Prevention and Control). Only five to ten per cent of cancer is genetic (Genetics and Cancer).
Approximately 350 million people have diabetes (Global Report on Diabetes) and just one serving of processed meat per day increases the risk of developing diabetes by 51 per cent (Pan).
Additionally, the high levels of saturated fat in animal products links their consumption to cardiovascular disease or heart disease which is the leading cause of death in the US and the cause
of 17 million deaths annually across the globe(What the Health).
When it comes to dairy, the lactation or hormonal fluid from another species, there are strong links to autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancers. Contrary to popular belief,
milk does not build strong bones. Countries with the highest levels of dairy consumption have the highest levels of osteoporosis (What the health). Dairy products also increase the
risk of hormone related cancers (Barnard, Chan). For example, dairy increases a man’s risk of prostate cancer by 34 per cent (Milk and Prostate Cancer) and for women who have had breast cancer, just one serving of dairy per day can increase their risk of dying from the disease by 49 per cent (What the Health).
Another health issue involved in the animal husbandry industry is the spread of viruses and exposure to antibiotics which causes resistance. Just like when humans contract a virus, sick
animals can be treated with antibiotics. The pharmaceutical industry in the US sells 80 per cent of all their antibiotics to animal husbandry (Loglishi). Unfortunately though,
when animal products are later consumed, they transmit traces of the antibiotics which can lead to resistance in humans. Some 23,000 people die from antibiotic resistance every year
(Antibiotic Resistance). “Food-producing animals are reservoirs of pathogens with the potential to transfer resistance to humans.” (Antimicrobial Resistance, 59) Not only are traces of
antibiotics found in meat products, but studies show that 88 per cent of pork chops, 90 per cent of ground beef and 95 per cent of chicken breasts tested were contaminated with fecal
bacteria (2010 Retail Meat Report). Diseases can be contracted from the unsanitary conditions of factory farming livestock and improper disposal of waste. For example swine flu (h1n1)
originated in North Carolina (Greger), where there are approximately as many hogs as humans (What the Health, 2015 State Agriculture Overview).
Consumers are commonly misinformed of these risks because of false advertisement and corruption. The livestock industry spends 137 million dollars lobbying congress.
Many health organizations are sponsored by corporations in the industry. For example the American Cancer Society and American Heart foundation are sponsored by Tyson (What the Health).
