1287:
If survival isn’t dependent
on animal-foods (or animal-anything-else) then everything changes for us, as
humans. If anyone could prove that we do
need animals to survive, the whole vegan argument would collapse, since it
would be suicidal to ignore those needs. However, since no one has put up a serious
argument along those lines (ever since the first vegans appeared seventy years
ago) we must continue to assume that plant-based foods are efficacious and
safe. However, studies show that vegans
and vegetarians are NOT immune to the risk of heart disease, brain disease and
nerve damage. And it’s probably true to
say that most of us aren't fully aware of our nutritional needs. Doing without animal foods but living in such
a hygienic environment means we must take certain precautions. I watched a most informative lecture on You
Tube, by a Michael Doctor Greger MD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFFWstlfDRk
And
I've taken note: He suggests that the safeguards vegans need to be aware of
include the importance of taking, daily, a good source of Omega 3. He suggested
a tablespoon of ground flax seeds (kept in fridge once ground). A weekly dose
of one thousand micrograms of Vitamin B12. And to use something like Melrose Omega
Gold spread to avoid margarines, stressing the importance of keeping away
from transfats. He mentioned lots more on
vegan nutrition, but it seems these three safeguards are particularly important.
By attending to the
safety-health factors, we can feel free to adopt a vegan diet and thereby adopt
the non-violence principles of veganism into our day to day lives. This then allows us to assume the role of
animal advocate with a clear conscience and enough health to carry on
advocating for as long as it’s necessary, which might be a long time!!
Going vegan is no selfless
pursuit. It benefits us greatly to be
vegan (avoiding dangerous and unhealthy foods, relieving the pressure on our
conscience, etc). It’s also great to
have this endlessly fascinating subject occupying our thoughts and energies. It’s such an interesting subject and such a
worthwhile project to get involved with, because it shifts us away from
traditional attitudes concerning health and animal-use.
There's a deal of work
involved. We each need to readjust our
diets, need to avoid many of the food temptations, and harden ourselves to the
ridicule of our friends, who might not be as inspired the way we are. The people who know us won't necessarily
appreciate our changes of lifestyle, and the exploited animals won't thank us
either (but only because they can't). There might be hardly anyone to encourage us
in fact. We'll be doing whatever we do
on a largely solo basis. And we'll be
doing it to contribute towards bringing about what we want to see happen on
this planet, namely a transformation of human attitude - the aim being to bring
us from a state of chronic violence to one of non-violence. Hopefully we visualise the bigger picture: focusing
the collective brain on achieving a sustainable planet peopled by gentler
humans.
At present, there are too
many humans who are clumsy, unthinking, cruel or stupid. One of the most important contributions a
vegan can make to the well-being of this planet, and to our own species, is to
do what vegans do best; abstaining from the use of animals. This relieve
cruelty towards animals and makes for a healthy and vibrant human species. And that species will have a more altruistic
concern for future generations.
With non-violence comes a
reduction in fear and selfishness. And
most importantly, it brings hope.
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