I became a vegetarian 50 years ago for spiritual reasons. At that time I was concerned about my health and well-being because I was under the impression that meat was an essential and necessary food. However over time I have come to realize that meat is non-essential for the health and well-being of our species. There currently exist a plethora of research and documentation that prove conclusively that the consumption of meat contributes significantly to the three leading causes of death and morbidity; i.e., heart attack and cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and strokes (cerebrovascular disease). As a public health professional I have come to realize that the healthiest foods are derived from plant- based nutrition which is essentially free of cholesterol and saturated fats, the primary causes of these debilitating diseases and premature death. Further, due to my life time association with vegans and vegetarians I have personally experienced and realize the extraordinary and remarkable health status and benefits of plant- based nutrition. Not only do vegans and vegetarians live longer, they also experience and enjoy a significantly healthier life and an amazingly strong immune system.
As a species we have evolved significantly with regard to our state of civility and respect towards each other, though not yet perfect. Our next stage of evolution will involve how we as the dominant species on this planet treat other more vulnerable species. I realize that the human race will not end its meat consumption in my lifetime. However, as a public health professional I hope that humanity comes to realize that the consumption of meat is unhealthy (the antithesis of good health), and finally acknowledges that plant- based nutrition is not only healthier, but is our species true, compassionate and humane diet.