To be or not to be a veggie
Monday 05 August 2024
That is the question. And we make no recommendations to be either a meat eater or a vegetarian. Instead, we examine the benefits of each.
Whatever the downsides of eating meat, it is undisputable that it adds protein, iron, energy and strength to the body. This has long been recognised. In Charles Dickens’ ‘Oliver Twist’ there is the famous scene between Mr. Bumble and Mrs. Sowerberry discussing why Oliver is so rebellious:
“Do you know this here voice, Oliver?” said Mr. Bumble. “Yes,” replied Oliver. “Ain’t you afraid of it, sir? Ain’t you a-trembling while I speak, sir?” said Mr. Bumble. “No!” replied Oliver, boldly. “Oh, you know, Mr. Bumble, he must be mad,” said Mrs. Sowerberry. “No boy in half his senses could venture to speak so to you.”
“It’s not Madness, ma’am,” replied Mr. Bumble, after a few moments of deep meditation. “It’s Meat.” “What?” exclaimed Mrs. Sowerberry. “Meat, ma’am, Meat,” replied Bumble, with stern emphasis. “You’ve over-fed him, ma’am. You’ve raised an artificial soul and spirit in him, ma’am, unbecoming a person of his condition ……. What have paupers to do with soul or spirit? It’s quite enough that we let ‘em have live bodies. If you had kept the boy on gruel, ma’am, this would never have happened.”
So, there appears to be a strong case for eating meat, although sensible folk would add that it should be accompanied by plenty of vegetables and fruit for overall, balanced nutrition. Meat eaters also reckon it tastes pretty good. Why, therefore, are there vegetarians, billions of them, who shun the eating of meat and, for many, any animal products? Maybe they simply don’t like the killing of animals for food. Many nowadays believe that livestock farming is destroying the planet. Traditional vegetarians will tell you that you can get all the strength, energy and health you need from a non-meat diet, whilst avoiding certain cancers, high blood pressure and cholesterol, strokes and heart attacks.
Are they right? Surely, it’s not just a question of cutting out the meat and relying on more vegetables? What about the foundations of strength, energy and stamina, the protein and the iron? Well, this is where it gets really interesting. Not only is the answer that there are plenty of alternative sources, but all meat eaters should note that adding some of these alternatives to their meat-eating diet is likely to benefit them too! Here are just some of the ingredients available to veggies and indeed all of us:
Nuts. When did you last eat any? They’re all packed with protein and other nutrients. And there are added benefits, too. Walnuts, for example, lubricate the brain and can positively affect your mood. Cashew nuts help regulate your sleep patterns.
Spinach. Long known to boost your red blood cells with the iron you need, as well as improving your oxygen circulation.
Fish. Accepting that many veggies avoid fish as well as meat, for the others and the rest of us, they’re a vital source of nutrition. Salmon and trout especially are rich in vitamin D, great for muscular development in combination with inflammation reduction and better-flowing, healthy blood.
Olive oil. The best oil to cook in, with the added benefit of lots of vitamin E.
Eggs. Vegans will avoid them and other dairy products, but for the others and the rest of us, eggs provide lots of protein as well as vitamin B. As we get older, the benefits of eggs tend to increase.
Fresh fruit generally. And of particular mention are blueberries and bananas, for plentiful anti-oxidants and potassium, good for your immune system and muscles.
Red peppers, black beans, beetroot, chickpeas and avocado (not necessarily at the same time!). Giving your body a cocktail of vitamin C, zinc, better oxygenation and protein.
Yoghurt, oats and pumpkin seeds (not necessarily at the same time!). Boost muscles through protein building, add magnesium, help you relax.