7 Facts About Meat That’ll Make You Spit Out Your Burger

Arguably the most repulsive thing about meat is the incredible animal cruelty in every bite. Extreme confinement, mutilations without painkillers, and ruthless slaughter are all the norm on modern farms. See for yourself.

Countless studies have linked meat consumption to increased risk for kidney, colon, breast, prostate, and other cancers. In fact, last year the World Health Organization placed processed meats in the same carcinogenic category as asbestos and smoking cigarettes.

British think tank Chatham House reports that worldwide, livestock accounts for about 15 percent of global emissions and reducing consumption of animal products “will be critical” to hitting the climate change targets leaders set in Paris in December.

As countless MFA investigations have documented, many farmed animals are left to suffer from broken bones, open wounds, serious injuries, and infections without proper veterinary care.

Researchers at Loma Linda University School of Public Health found that vegetarians had a lower risk of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and death from all causes, and consuming processed meats like bacon could increase your risk of premature death by up to 44 percent.

Just last month, a report by Environment America revealed that Tyson, one of the largest meat producers in the world, is responsible for dumping more toxic pollution into our waterways than companies like ExxonMobil and Dow Chemical.

E. coli, salmonella, campylobacter, and a variety of other foodborne pathogens are regularly found on meat. Each year, salmonella alone sickens more than 1 million people and results in more hospitalizations and deaths than any other foodborne illness.

Grossed out? Protect yourself and countless animals by ditching meat in favor of plant-based alternatives. There’s never been a better time!

For delicious meal ideas and tips on making the transition, check out ChooseVeg.com.