Advocating nutrition, for a start

30.

By pursuing non-violence in all its manifestations, we need only stop attacking animals. Plant energy will do the rest for us, giving us optimal energy, letting us see a whole potential hitherto hidden, and by using that particular energy, we can see better how to repair and remould our world.

            Firstly, the animal industry must stop producing food and consumers must stop using it. For this to happen, vegans must put their case effectively. We need to advocate non-violently, without invoking fear or using force. No better way for people to identify with us than when our persuasions are seen to be helpful rather than pontificating.

            If we are to put a credible case forward for switching over to a plant diet, people will have to be persuaded on many different levels. Our arguments have to be comprehensive and delivered with great skill. The alternative to meat and dairy will have to be presented attractively, to tempt people’s taste buds and seen to be efficacious in every possible way. Above all, as advocates, we shouldn’t seem to be partisan but fair minded - to show that we’re looking out for people as much as for animals! We’re concerned as much for the safety of human health as for the ethical treatment of animals.

            Whatever we might say about ethics and compassion, we must never lose sight of the importance of nutrition, for no one is going to ‘take the leap’ if they think their own life is at risk! It’s likely that most people will stick to what they know best and follow the accepted science regarding the foods they’re used to. 

            Perhaps the most convincing reason that people still use animals for food, is that animal protein has a complete combination of all amino acids, whereas vegetable protein has to be more carefully balanced in the diet. For vegans, there might be a need for Vitamin B₁₂ supplementation, owing to the inability of some to metabolise this vital element. Otherwise, if what we are eating are whole foods, then any amount of vegetable protein will do us no harm and make for optimum nutrition. The same can’t be said of animal products. With so many varieties and combinations of attractive food on the market, people are indulging in as much of them as they can afford. Consequently there’s a danger of over-eating animal protein, which is associated with high blood pressure and heart disease. Because the conventional animal-based diets are high in saturated fats and salt and low in fibre, people who indulge run the risk of obesity and diabetes. These conditions being so closely linked to the conventional diet are the cause of great fear, especially in people of middle to old age. Maybe there is some small amount of care vegans need to take over their diet, but that’s a small matter compared to the great dangers associated with a typical omnivorous diet.