Health Considerations
A diet based on animal products is linked to many diseases, including heart disease, many types of cancer, osteoporosis, obesity, strokes, diabetes, among others. Animal products are typically high in saturated fats and are the only dietary sources of cholesterol - substances which are linked to heart disease, cancer and other serious illnesses. As well, by eating at the top of the food chain we ingest the accumulation of insecticides, herbicides, growth hormones, and antibiotics that have been absorbed by the animals we eat. By eating lower on the food chain, not only can we supply all the nutrition our bodies need, but we can live a longer, healthier and more active life.
A few fast facts
- 47% chance of death from cardiovascular disease for average Canadian female.
- 42% chance of death from cardiovascular disease for average Canadian male.
- 12% rise in cholesterol from consuming one egg per day.
- 42% rise in heart attack risk from 12% rise in cholesterol.
- Reduction in risk of heart attack by corresponding reduction in meat...
Reduction in Meat Consumption Reduction in Heart Attacks by 10% 9% by 50% 45% by 100% 90%
- $16.8 billion (21%) in annual health care costs in Canada due to cardiovascular disease.
- 2.8 times risk of breast cancer for women consuming eggs daily vs. once per week.
- 3.2 times risk of breast cancer for women consuming butter and cheese 2-4 times vs. once per week.
- 3.8 times risk of breast cancer for women consuming meat daily vs. less than once per week.
- 3.6 times risk of fatal prostate cancer for men regularly consuming animal products vs. sparingly or not at all.
- 3 times risk of fatal ovarian cancer for women consuming eggs 3+ days per week vs. less than once.
- Excess protein is primary cause of osteoporosis.
- 35% average measurable bone loss of female meat-eaters at age 65.
- 18% average measurable bone loss of female vegetarians at age 65.
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