I read here on World Changing that after the age of 50, Europeans . . .
. . . are only about half a likely [as Americans] to suffer from chronic illnesses such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and even cancer. They are only half a likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, and they spend only half as much on average as we do for health care. Studies show their better health results from more exercise, more socializing with friends and families, less stress and more sleep; all of these are made possible by having more time.
I wondered . . . ‘heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancer… these are the exact conditions that are directly linked to animal flesh consumption.’
I thought further . . . I wonder if, by chance, Europeans eat half as much animal flesh as Americans?
A few clicks on Earthtrends and I discovered they almost do!
Americans eat 1.6 times the animal flesh that Eurpoeans do! I think this must account for the higher portion of the diseases which are scientifically linked to animal flesh consumption – just as much as – or more than – the lifestyle factors mentioned.
2 Comments
The problem is that Americans eat heavily prcessed meats loaded with artiicial preservatives, sauces with high quantities of sugar, fats and excess carbohydrates. I live in Europe, and rather than eat different meat or food in general there is a tendency to less. They consume more natural products including olive oil, fish, fruits and vegetables. All of these things promote healthy living. It is not that people do not eat at fast food restaraunts, on the contrary. They enjoy eating out, but they do not gorge themselves on food they know is not as healthy as other foods. Europeans are fat, I am not saying they are not. If people eat more than they use they get fat. Even a well balanced diet can make one fat. It is the wrong kinds of foods over a long period of time that can cause illnesses.
Sure… “the wrong types of foods”. You’d love to beleive this didn’t include meat. I’m currently reading a book called ‘The China Study’ which documents the largest study of diet and illness ever in the world. The conclusive finding is that animal foods equal cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Sorry! Sugars and chemichals definately won’t help though, I’m with you there.