A friend of mine has sent me an article seeking my views on its contents. The article essentially argues that over a period of time human anatomy is evolving to that of a less herbivorous, more carnivorous, large brained creature who hunted and cooked its food. I was not able to decipher the details of evidence that have made the author conclude thus. However, I find the generalisation that seems to emerge from the article that carnivores may be larger brained than herbivores rather problematic. The logic seems to be that as humans increasingly became meat- eaters, their colon presumably shortened, as a long colon was not required to degrade fibrous components of plants. This freed up energy for expanding human brain.
Evidently, a rather far fetched connection! So I Think.
The science, to the best of my knowledge, does not establish a superior or larger brain for carnivores. And certainly such a distinction does not exist between carnivorous and herbivorous humans. Some of the most intelligent and endowed people on this earth ever since civilisation have been vegetarians. The finest and sharpest brains have never been a monopoly of carnivores. There is no evidence to even remotely suggest that carnivorous humans may be having larger or sharper brains.
Then, could or should there be a debate on the relative superiority of plant based foods or animal based foods? Yet, the debate exists and possibly must continue. Because a debate brings about greater clarity and understanding on foods that benefit humans.
But before I articulate, let me preface my arguments by stating that I am an avid non-vegetarian and enjoy my fowl and fish immensely. So if I argue in favour of vegetarianism as a better and more evolved eating preference among the apex animal on the food pyramid, it is certainly not instinctive, nor emotional. That for many like me, food is a cultural issue and a matter of taste, that a cerebral argument can never win over logical preferences and proclivities, makes the debate often irreconcilable.
A safe opinion is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether a vegetarian diet is superior to an animal-based diet, as individual nutritional needs and health goals vary from person to person. Differences and diversity in cultures, geographies, lifestyles and genetic make-up, all combine to determine what type of diet is best for that person.
Food Habits are Evolutionary
In terms of evolutionary history, the earliest humans were likely primarily herbivores, eating mostly fruits, vegetables, and nuts. However, as humans evolved and developed tools and weapons, they began to hunt and consume animals for their meat as well. Many believe that this has been a key factor in the evolution of the human brain, as animal protein is rich in nutrients like DHA and EPA that are important for brain development. But the evidence is inadequate and unsatisfactory.
That animal-based diet also introduced new varieties of diseases, including neural disorders and cancers are as much a part of the story, is not denied by even strongest protagonists of non-vegetarian diet. An interesting aside is the fact being increasingly realised is that a prevalence of animal-based food is a greater drain on natural resources, the depletion of which is a concern consuming all of us.
Environmental Concerns
A non-vegetarian diet can have a greater impact on natural resources and the global environment for several reasons. Animal agriculture requires more land, more water, leads to greater greenhouse emissions and pollution. The expansion of animal agriculture often leads to deforestation and habitat destruction, which can result in the loss of biodiversity and threaten species survival. Reducing meat consumption or transitioning to a plant-based diet can be a way to reduce the environmental impact of our food choices.
Advocacy and promotion of animal based food is driven in many cases for commercial considerations. Food with known harmful and deleterious effect are lauded citing often spurious research. Humans fall prey to misinformation or inadequate information with regard to the benefits of non-vegetarian food. The army of such believing adherents seems to be growing.
Vegetarian Diet is Complete
Research has shown that well-planned vegetarian diets can provide all of the nutrients that humans need to be healthy. Vegetarian diets can be rich in nutrients like fibre, antioxidants, and phytochemical, while also being lower in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to animal-based diets. This can have positive impacts on overall health, including a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. While it is also possible to have a healthy animal-based diet with only lean protein, dairy, and eggs, their may not be much disagreement that the risks associated with non-vegetarian diet far exceed the vegetarian alternative.
Food Affects Thinking
The connection between diet and thinking is a significant belief in many civilizations. In India, there is a concept of classifying food under the categories of Satvic, Rajsik, and Tamsik. Each kind of food generating different kinds of thoughts. While Tamsik food engenders violence and passion, Satvik food brings about peace and serenity of mind.
In terms of the connection between diet and human thinking, research has suggested that a healthy diet can have positive effects on cognitive function and mental health. For example, diets that are high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats have been linked to improved cognitive function, better memory, and a reduced risk of cognitive decline in older adults. In contrast, diets that are high in saturated fat, processed foods, and added sugars have been linked to poorer cognitive function and an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Overall, it is important to maintain a balanced and healthy diet to support both physical and mental health. It is the mental health and problems related to them that calls for a scientific and logical discussion on the nature of food that humans must consume.
Anatomy
Human digestive system is unambiguously designed for vegetarian food. Therefore, it has a very long intestines, unlike carnivores who have very short alimentary canal ensuring faster excretion. A long intestine, while processing hard to digest food like animal flesh, inevitably leads to it staying longer in side and its resultant petrification.
And Morality?
And lastly, if a comfortable and healthy survival is possible without killing a fellow creature, why do so? To many this may seem a naive and specious argument. Yet, there are millions in the world who believe and practice this.
A slave (to taste)
Then why I continue to be a non-vegetarian while pleading that the world needs to adopt vegetarianism.
Essentially because I am a slave to my tastes and the overbearing sensation of enjoying a delicious meal leaves no place for cerebral arguments against its ill effects.
scribo ad LX 