Are vegetarians 'healthier' than meat eaters?

[gnflyby]

Just wondering... I hear some people say things like "Humans were never meant to eat meat.", and "Vegetarians live longer than meat eaters".

I've even heard people say that the human body doesn't properly digest meat, and that it sits in our colons for a long time creating toxins or something funny like that...

Is there anybody who can enlighten me on this scenario, as I'm debating in my mind whether or not going veggie is the right choice for me.

Myths? Opinions? Facts?

Peace,

GNflyby.

gnflyby Reviewed by gnflyby on 03-19-2005. Are vegetarians 'healthier' than meat eaters? Just wondering... I hear some people say things like "Humans were never meant to eat meat.", and "Vegetarians live longer than meat eaters". I've even heard people say that the human body doesn't properly digest meat, and that it sits in our colons for a long time creating toxins or something funny like that... Is there anybody who can enlighten me on this scenario, as I'm debating in my mind whether or not going veggie is the right choice for me. Myths? Opinions? Facts? Peace, Rating: 5

[ermitonto]

I'm a vegetarian and an attestment to the fact that no, not all vegetarians are healthy, but a lot of health-minded people happen to get involved in vegetarianism. But hey, it's college, and there's so much time for getting stoned and eating pizza but so little time to exercise.

[fatty lumps]

just a little something I came across. Not going to answer your question fully, but it's something.

"There's no question that strictly from a health standpoint we'd all be a lot better off eating less meat (red meat especially) and more fruits and vegetables."

from http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3_087.html

[kyle]

It depends. Eating a certain amount of meat is good for you because our bodies need proteins and stuff. But eating too much is bad for you. The trick is to have a balance between everything.

[ermitonto]

Well, meats aren't the only source of proteins (or of any other essential nutrient). So long as the vegetarian chooses his foods wisely, vitamin deficiency is not a problem.

[gothicblood]

I'm Vegan. i feel lots healthier than i was when i ated meat.
http://www.goveg.com/feat/a-favs-health.html cheack that out. if you eat all the right stuff vegetarian/vegan diets are wayyyy healthier than meat ones. and meat causes lots of dieses and makes you fat. plus havng to much protien is worse for you than having less. fact not opionion, hope that helped lol my fingers hurt from typing now. woooooooo.

[gothicblood]

Sorry for my shite spelly

[weirdo79]

Theres no way to argue we werent supposed to eat meat or "arent" supposed to (we are omnivorous no matter what any vegetarian says) however.....

Lumps took the words right out of my mouth...
"There's no question that strictly from a health standpoint we'd all be a lot better off eating less meat (red meat especially) and more fruits and vegetables."

Any nutrionist, biologist , doctor or health professional will tell you , we eat WAY too much meat compared to what we should and way too little fruits and veggies (on average). Vegetarian's arent more healthy then people who are necessarily "meat eaters" (steak lovers etc etc, of course they eat veggies but maybe not the best kind). The problem is genetics (predisposition towards certain diseases) and of course how well you take care of yourself. Diet is important but is less of a factor then the above. As well as exercise , you could be the most strict vegetarian and be deficient in certain vitamins complex's etc , or just lazy...and develop any manner of problems. It all comes down to balance always balance. (although im guilty of being mildly carnivorous and lazy myself "insert embarrassed look here").

[maryjanemama]

I'm a veggie, but not always a healthy one. I can tell when I'm not getting enough protien because I will start to bruise easily and get nosebleeds. It's sexy.

On the other hand, if I do eat meat (rarely, but sometimes it happens) I will feel soooo sick afterwards it is not even worth it. I'm too tired right now to click on all of those links, but I'll check them out tomorrow.

[crystal clear pepsi]

true there are other sources oif proteein , but MEAT is the the BEST source of protein u can intake into your body !!

but personally i think certain animals are meant to have their flesh consumbed and i love it , kill those mother fuckers , bleed them dry , gut those bitches grill em , fry em how ever u want and serve that shit up to me

im all about eatin dead cooked animal flesh

how can anyone not like steak and lobster or bacon or burgers lol ?????