We’ve all heard the tired argument that cavemen ate meat. (Of
course, the people making that argument never mention that cavemen also died at
like 30.) Well, a new book aims to debunk the myth that humans were designed to
eat meat.
Marta Zaraska’s Meathooked:
The History and Science of Our 2.5-Million-Year Obsession with Meat takes a
variety of claims and breaks down our generations-long obsession with meat eating.
A new piece by NPR
explains:
Vegetarian animals ranging from gorillas to water deer, [Zaraska] reports, have bigger, sharper canines than we do; our canines aren’t specially meant for processing meat. What we lack dentally is more important, in fact, than what we have. Gently open a (calm) dog’s jaw, and there at the back will be the carnassial teeth, “blade-like and sharp and perfect for slicing meat.” Lions and tigers, raccoons and house cats — all carnivores — have them too. We don’t.
Additionally, the book points out that meat is completely
unnecessary to obtain high-quality amino acids, which can be found in healthful
plant foods like soy, quinoa, potatoes, and buckwheat.
Considering that meat production is one of the leading
causes of climate
change and that processed meat has been labeled a carcinogen
similar to cigarettes, it’s a wonder anyone still wants to eat it — not to
mention disturbing animal abuse that’s
considered standard industry practice on factory farms.
Ready to kick meat to the curb? Good. Check out ChooseVeg.com for free tips, recipes, and
meal plans.