Most meat-eaters speak of their need for protein as their main excuse for dining on animal flesh. Not until someone has spent time in study on nutrition does one discover that ALL protein comes from plant sources, ultimately. Farm animals are fed grain, a high source of protein, which eventually translates into protein, again, when animal flesh is harvested as a food source.
There are three types of protein:
1) fibrous – form muscles, connective tissue and bone
2) globular – water soluble for transporting, catalyzing and regulating
3) membrane – relays signals within cells
It is best to start the day with a minimum of 6 grams of protein for breakfast and a total daily amount of 1 gram of protein for every 2 pounds of body weight. (30-55 grams for the average person). Keep in mind that consuming too much protein can have adverse effects such as osteoporosis or kidney problems. Best to practice moderation as in all things.
Some of the most abundant sources of protein are found in legumes such as lentils: 18 grams of protein per cup when cooked, chickpeas (garbanzo beans) have approximately 15 grams of protein per cup, when cooked. Hempseed provides 10 grams of protein per ounce, which is more than the popular chia seeds or flaxseeds. Green peas, often used in protein supplement drinks provide 9 grams of protein per cup and the grains Amaranth and Quinoa provide approximately 8-9 grams of protein per cup, when cooked. Another favorite, oats or oatmeal provides 12 grams of protein per cup.
Vegetables with the highest content of protein include: broccoli, spinach, asparagus, artichokes, potatoes, sweet potatoes and Brussel sprouts as well as sweet corn.
Fruits with high protein content are: guava, cherimoyas, mulberries, blackberries, nectarines and bananas.
Protein is an important part of every cell in the body and is used to heal, repair and nourish tissue as well as manufacture hormones, natural body chemicals, bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. It also helps one to think clearly as it feeds the brain and “turns on the lights” so to speak, inside the mind producing key neurotransmitters. Protein actually increases brain chemicals related to alertness and sometimes, the sensation of “pleasantness”.
Animal Farming for Food
One will discover that the cost and time required to feed and develop livestock for food really doesn’t make much sense. One can work a fruit and vegetable garden as a means for providing food well below the cost of growing livestock as a food source.
Raising cows for the beef and dairy industry commands a tremendous amount of water, from supplying drinking water to cattle to a means for keeping the facilities clean. This does not even include how much water is required to nourish the grass, grow the grain or corn that is used to feed the cows, pigs, chickens or other similar types of livestock.
Feed for livestock accounts for 60% -70% of the total cost for growing farm animals for food. In 2008 alone, 48 billion dollars was spent on animal feed expense. Each year following, a 26% increase in expenses is reported. In California alone, in the year 2012, $30 billion was spent on growing crops for farm animals, above and beyond Iowa, the second ranking state for growing grains, especially corn and soybeans, the number one source of food for cattle, chickens and pigs.
Statistics indicate that over 200+ million acres, in United States alone, are used for growing crops, a good portion of that is providing the feed required for farm animals that are being raised for slaughter.
Taken from Sentientmedia.org:
What Percent of Meat Comes from Factory Farms?
According to a global study conducted by the Sentience Institute, the percentages of animals raised on factory farms is alarming.
In the United States, the numbers are broken down as the following:
- Broiler chickens (99.9%) live on factory farms
- Turkeys (99.8%) live on factory farms
- Egg chickens (98.2%) live on factory farms
- Pigs (98.3%) live on factory farms
- Cows (70.4%) live on factory farms
What Started Livestock Farming?
Factory farming began around the 1920’s with chickens and then grew into a popular means of food production by the 1960’s to meet the growing demand of the growing population. This trend popularized the American diet filled with processed meats such as ground hamburger, steaks, pork products, and so on, which creates health problems such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and many types of cancers.
Mindful eating with the understanding of where the correct type of nutrition comes from in an intelligent way, demonstrates that farming the land as an organic food source contributes greatly in reducing climate change, provides healthier diets, refrains from killing sentient beings who feel, think and respond to human interaction and ultimately, creates a happier planet.
Elephants:
https://www.littlethings.com/daphne-sheldrick-elephants/
More animals including cows and chickens, fish, etc:
https://www.aspca.org/animal-cruelty/farm-animal-welfare/animals-factory-farms
Science:
http://theconversation.com/heres-what-the-science-says-about-animal-sentience-88047