Do humans need meat?
Posted by ohmyraw! | 11 comments
Do humans need meat? Let me say simply, not really.
This time of year everyone loves lists but, instead of the standard New Year Resolution list, I’m making a list of herbivores.
Why?
A large part of my work as a raw food teacher and coach is to break down the barriers of what it means to eat raw foods and plant foods, as well as to educate what we need nutritionally to thrive.
I’m open and flexible about each person’s different need for protein, as well as the different diets we all choose (whether it includes a bit of meat or not).
The one thing I’m adamant about, and that science supports, is that humans can live vibrant health lives with only plant foods (in fact many scientific studies supports that vegetarians and vegans are healthier overall).
Do humans need meat like they need water? No, and no and no. Period.
This visual post is to support those who want to start a plant-based chapter in their lives, and assure them they’re getting enough – if not more – nutritionally by following a plant-based diet.
For a more detailed discussion on whether humans are a true herbivore, visit here for my post Are Humans Designed to Eat Meat, or to see my flexible attitude about raw foods and how we don’t need to be 100% raw to be healthy click here and here and here (but first check out the gallery below!).
Every animal you see here is a full-fledged herbivore, so their diet consists of plant foods, plant foods and – you guessed it – more plant foods.
The gorilla, a complete herbivore, has between 95-99% similar DNA to humans. Males commonly weigh anywhere from 300-440 pounds. Look at that pure muscle! Every fibre of his body was nourished with plant foods.
Depending on the breed, cows weigh anywhere from 600 – 2500 pounds – all on grass!
Male yaks weigh anywhere from 1300-2200 pounds – again they love the grass!
Male elephants can weigh anywhere from 12,000 – 14,000 pounds. That 6-8 tonnes of pure plant power.
Manatees can range in weight from 900 – 3900 pounds all on marine plant foods.
Depending on the breed, a little billy goat can weigh up to 300 pounds (well, it varies by breed and that is a mountain goat).
Buffalos can range anywhere from 300 – 1000 pounds. Wow! Where does he get his energy from?
Llamas range from 250 – 400 pounds.
And let’s not forget the dinosours – massive in size – with many complete herbivores like the:
Ceratops
Apatosaurus
Stegosaurus
Did this post get you thinking about what it means to be a vegan, vegetarian or raw foodist? Pass this along to any friends or share.
Or I’d love to hear you comments below! For more detailed discussion, visit Are Humans Designed to Eat Meat?
© 2013, ohmyraw!. All rights reserved.
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Thanks Sarah. Well-illustrated. You are 100% right. Why would someone eat something that’s DEAD? Isn’t logical to eat living-foods to obtain life and energy? Health = reap what you sow. Have a super year!
Yes, exactly. So many people assume (I used to also!!) that we get energy from meat but it is not anything compared to the vitality and glow you’ll gain from eating more plant foods. I always say, Don’t take my word for it, try it and you’ll see.
Thx Sarah. This post is brilliant! Gives me confidence in continuing with eating mostly vegetables and fruits.
So happy to hear, Lise. What is the cliche? Pictures say a thousand words? :-)
I just wanted to let you and your followers know that I watched a very good and convincing video on this topic on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH-hs2v-UjI
It’s a powerful presentation by Milton Mills MD who clearly and unequivocally demonstrates that humans are herbivores!
Thank you very much, Isabelle. I’ll definitely add this to my to-watch list. Greatly appreciated!
You forgot about the largest water mammal.
The wales only eat plankton. No meat!
Sarah,
Great post!
As a man, this is one of the hardest things to overcome…eating meat.
I have done it, but my male friends and family cringe and see me as odd, haha.
This post reminds me of how powerful we can be when we eat mainly plant-based.
Thank you for sharing this post. I am new to your website and love what I see so far.
Craig
Thanks so much, Craig. It’s so true! It hasn’t always made sense to me what we consider “manly” culturally but I’m glad you’re attempting to reverse the stereotype. :-0
My main concern is how to ensure you maintain protein levels.
Protein is surprisingly abundant in a plant-based diet. We have been somewhat brainwashed in our culture into thinking we need a tonne of protein. But, in particular, animal protein increases the occurrence of chronic disease. Se the book called the China Study for more in depth reading.